Earlier this year I said I would be naming each dress I made using the letters of the alphabet, check out this post if you missed it.
Great idea, I thought, but what I didn’t anticipate is that as well as continuing to enjoy learning to make dresses and discovering different techniques, I also need to keep on top of photographing and blogging my makes in order.
So, a smidge past the middle of April here I am at last with my A Dress, whilst the fabric and pattern for my H dress are already on the cutting table…
The A Dress is the Arc De Triomphe Dress, so named because of the fun Lewis and Irene fabric, purchased at November’s Knitting and Stitching Show. It’s a By Hand London Kim Dress, with the pleated rather than the tulip skirt. The bodice came out about a size too big, reminding me that I really need to learn how to grade between sizes for bodices and skirts. Instead, I quite crudely took it in on the inside. It fits better but still gapes a little around the neckline at the front. I’m also not sure that the princess seams follow my curves as closely as they should. Maybe a FBA would help? For the front skirt I could not work out how to use a directional print with the amount of fabric I had (4 metres!) so I joined two pieces which I don’t think is too obvious because of the busy print. When I gathered the top of the skirt I neglected to ensure that the seam was centred, so it’s not. One to remember for next time.For some reason, I chose my first make of the year to be a very summery dress, which is partly why it has taken me so long to get outside for photos. I like the dress, especially the skirt and the length. I like the shape of the bodice but I feel like I’d need some advice on fitting it properly next time. I think I will wear this dress on warm sunny days, though probably not for work because of the amount of flesh on display.
Blogging about my sewing adventures 
Great fabric, a real conversation starter, I should imagine! What do they all think of your handmade clothes at work? Have you inspired others to take up dressmaking?
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One or two people have mentioned they might give it a try but no one is anywhere near as addicted as me – sadly Nat from Threads & Bobbins left before we both really started sewing. I do love showing off my makes by wearing them to school, and I sometimes tell my class about it too 😊
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I work with ccmercer1982 and I am always very impressed by the dresses, tops and skirts she has made as are many others at school. I have made one or two tops but not really worn them to work as they aren’t up to the same standards. I would love to have more time for sewing.
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Fab fabric! Perfect for this style if dress. About the fitting (tho not an expert!!) you could try going with your high bust measuring and then doing a fba for the extra space needed in the bust. That way across the back, shoulders and upper chest would fit better and there should be room for the girls too! 😃
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Thank you for the advice Ali, I bet you are right – I just need to dedicate some time to investigating fitting issues don’t I? I just find it all a bit daunting to be honest, but I am sure it would be worth it in the long run!
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Maybe do a muslin. I usually don’t intend it to be wearable at all – just cut out the bodice, no facings and only 1 sleeve if there are any. It doesn’t slow the process down much, somethings it speeds things up as you know the pieces better when you sew up with the ‘real’ fabric. 😀
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Lovely dress! Agree with Ali/Thimberlina’s suggestion above… Maybe just try it out with a toile in a largish scrap of something? Looove those shoes, too!
del
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Thank you 😊 yes I think you’re right – luckily I have plenty of fabric to hand…😬
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This is such a pretty dress! Love the fabric. I have this pattern and haven’t made it yet but I’ve made a toile that has thrown up a few fit issues. Nearly there though..
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