Next in my alphabet of makes was the H Dress ~ the Hot Pink Dress. I’ll be keeping this post fairly short as it’s not a particularly successful make, or one I’ve worn more than once or twice.
I was very kindly gifted the pattern at the Yorkshire Spoolettes meet up at the start of the year. I particularly loved view B – the idea of that nipped in waist and the beautiful red on the pattern envelope probably had a lot to do with it.
I sewed it up in some Makower cotton that I had got for about £6pm from the Textile Centre. It’s a vintage type of print, although not the same era as the 50s dress.
I think one of the main issues with this make is that I should have chosen a fabric with a lot more drape, to really show off the neckline. Even once laundered, the pink rose cotton was still far too stiff, even though it behaved very well during the sewing process.
The pattern called for a side zip, which I included and was fairly happy with, but once made I realised it wasn’t needed as there was plenty of ease.
There are several things about this make I like; the waist darts are nice and there’s a really pretty detail on the shoulder where it becomes the neckline (apologies for the lack of detailed photos). I like the fabric much more than I expected – pink isn’t a colour I typically go for. The length is decent and the kimono type sleeves are nice.
But, because the fabric is wrong, the front neckline doesn’t sit right at all. This combined with the fact that the already loose style of my make (probably more me than the pattern) is now around a size too big for me, means that the future for this dress is uncertain. I’m not even sure there would be ways of altering it to make it wearable – it’s not lined so seams could be brought in but, after the size, it’s mainly the neckline/fabric combo that’s the issue.
Perhaps the Hey-Ho, put it down to experience and learn from it dress (slightly long winded I know) is a more appropriate name. Did it cost me much to make? No. Take hours and hours? No. Did I learn from it to better consider my fabric choices? Yes. So in a sense, it wasn’t a waste of time, effort or money. Plus, I could always use it to sleep in…
Blogging about my sewing adventures 
Aw, that’s a shame as the picture on the envelope does look promising, are you going to give it a second chance in something more drapey?
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I’m still sulking a little bit for now Ali! But it would be very interesting to adjust the size and change the fabric and see how different it was.
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I bet it’d look good in a solid colour to show off the pattern, but if you’re owt like me you only have all the lovely patterned fabrics in your stash! 😃
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You’re right – I do love the red on the pattern sleeve, but my stash is 99% prints – I still have the suspicion that my sewing isn’t good enough to be exposed by plain fabric!
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Course it is, the secret to good finish is with the iron not the sewing machine. 😃
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Sorry about your miscalculation. It’s one I struggle with, too. Hope it doesn’t get binned! (Agree you should do that pattern again with something more drapey!)
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Thank you 😊 I’m putting it down to experience so it’s not too much of a disappointment really.
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It’s such a pretty fabric, I’m sorry it didn’t turn out for you! Can you save it – make a top or skirt out of it?
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I am sure I can unpick and reuse the fabric, or possibly change the bodice to a more wearable neckline, I need to check how much fabric I have left and whether I could squeeze a bodice/facings from it.
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I love the design lines in that pattern – it’s definitely worth a second chance and there’s still a few things you can do to save the lovely fabric – chop off the top have & have a nice skirt, if you’ve get enough left to make a waistband or chop the top yoke part off and replace with a solid white or pink crepe so that you get the benefit of the drape in the correct part. One of the hardest parts of sewing is fit and getting the right fabric for the pattern – but every day is learning day, so as you say put it down to experience and move on.
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Thank you Sam, yes I need to dig out whatever fabric is left and decide whether it’s worth trying to rescue it. I think it could look lovely with a solid print on top too, that’s a great idea 😊
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Soooo annoying! But you learned lots and that’s a big plus! I love the fabric… could you chop off the bottom edge and make a tie belt. Would that pull the dress in enough? Or is it too freshly annoying to think about. Love the fabric!
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