Stripes and Stripes

Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Yay, I've finally finished another of my WIP's! I started making this dress back in January and finished it a week or so ago. It's a pattern that David gave me for Christmas 2011 and it's number 1 on my Sewing List (which I think needs updating now...).

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Pattern 7


I decided to cut the bodice on the bias so that the stripes angled down diagonally like the cover image. To stop the bodice from stretching out because of my cutting it on the bias, I underlined it with a plain white cotton which gives it some much needed stability. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have had enough fabric to also cut the skirt on the bias as well, but I quite like the contrast of the different angled stripes on the top and the bottom.

The pattern called for a bow on one of the shoulders of this dress. But since it's getting cooler here now, and cardigans will soon need to be worn with this dress, and I didn't want to look like I had a lump on my shoulder, I decided to make my own version of a bow belt instead to finish off the look.

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I'll have a tutorial on how to make your very own version of this bow belt at the end of the week! They are so simple to make and are great for using up those little scraps of fabric that are left over after finishing a project (I made this one from some of the left over fabric from my black circle skirt).

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I ignored the facings for the arm holes, as I usually do, and this time around also ignored the neck facing. Instead, I used black bias binding on both for a neater finish on the inside. I took photos as I did this and will have a tutorial coming up for how to do this in the next few weeks (it's so very very easy by the way!).

Speaking of tutorials, I've been busy working on lots of new content for this little old blog these past two weeks. I've really enjoyed being able to focus on all of the different crafty things I do and also have the time to photograph, write up and share some of the sewing knowledge I've built up over the years. I really hope they will be helpful for some of you either new to sewing or who are wanting ideas on new ways of getting your sewing projects finished.

xx
Jen

21 comments on "Stripes and Stripes"
  1. So cute! I actually like the different orientation of the stripes in your dress; it's more unique!

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  2. Just gorgeous! I love the contrast between the different stripe directions.

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  3. This is a gorgeous dress. I so want to make a striped dress. I like how the top part is on the bias - very different!

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  4. This is a gorgeous dress shape and those different stripes look great!

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  5. Gorgeous job Jen! I feel like I haven't spoken to you in ages. We should catch up sometime soon hopefully. x

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  6. Hi, I think the diagonal stripe bodice is a great feature... as Michelle said totally unique.
    Can't wait to read your blog content that's in the pipeline.

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  7. I love this dress! I really like how the stripes are facing different directions. You made me want to get to the striped dress on my to-make list. :)

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  8. I love the dress. Would you be so kind as to post the pattern information?

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  9. The contrast between the direction of stripes on the bodice and bottom of your skirt really adds an element of fun to this dress! Very cute.

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  10. I love your dress it's so cute. And the diagonal stripes look great.

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  11. Gorgeous dress! I love the diagonal stripes on the bodice. And the bow belt finishes it off perfectly.

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  12. I really like this! Love the diagonal lines on the bodice and the horizontal on the skirt. This is so pretty!

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  13. I really like this! Love the diagonal lines on the bodice and the horizontal on the skirt. This is so pretty!

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  14. Very nice dress! How cold in the winter time it can be at your place?

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  15. This is so cute! I love it! Great job!

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  16. Love the stripes, Jen! Great dress :)

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  17. Thanks so much everyone :)

    Unknown - I have a bad habit of not posting pattern information,sorry!It doesn't actually have a pattern cover (only the instructions and the pattern pieces) but it looks to be McCalls 6219 and I think it's late 50s or early 60s.

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  18. Beautiful! Stripes are something I always find tricky because depending on how they are done they can be unflattering. Not with this dress however! The diagonal stripes at the top half of the dress make this dress very flattering around the waist! I love the little bow belt, it is so darling. I just love the whole cut in general, so modest but fun and playful at the same time :D

    Hehe to answer your hair question, yes I must wash and set mine every day! I have tried to go two days, but like you mentioned it just doesn't look as nice! I wish I could make the curls last, but I've tried by wrapping a silk scarf around my head at night and it just doesn't work. Boo!

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  19. wow I'd have thoguht this was a modcloth dress, it's so dainty and cute you did an amazing job!

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  20. Dus of Cuddly Cacti - wow, thanks so much! What an amazing compliment :)

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