Please don't ask me how I come up with those post title gems...
While the dress itself was relatively simple to make up, I spent so much time on hand sewing I could cry. I really really didn't want to lose the clean lines down the front of the dress by top stitching my facings in place by machine, and so I did it all by hand. If I didn't know how to do an invisible hand stitch before, I sure do now. But just look at that hand stitching! Oh wait, you can't...
I also added some purple hem lace to the front line of the skirt. This was actually lace left over from our wedding and I still have a bunch of it in all sorts of happy colours. I really love the result and think my next few garments will probably all have lace detailing of some kind on them. Need a tutorial on how to do this? Let me know in the comments.
Last but not least, I swapped out the arm facings for bias binding. I have a tutorial on how to make your own bias binding here and will have a tutorial on replacing arm facings with bias binding on the blog on Friday!
So, tell me, have you ever used quilt backing or quilting cottons for a garment? Did it turn out well?
xx
Jen
This pattern has been sitting in my pattern stash for at least a year (probably longer). I fell in love with the violet dress on the front as soon as I saw it, but the only problem was that I just couldn't seem to find the right coloured fabric! It needed to be a violet wrap dress. No other colour would do.
Needless to say, I found the right fabric a few weeks ago, but guess what? It's actually cotton quilt backing! I know, I'm such a rebel.
I firmly believe that you can go ahead and use quilting cottons (and backings!) if they fit with the style of garment you are making. If the garment calls for a stiffer fabric, then go ahead and walk straight over to those quilting cottons and gush as much you like!
Also, the best thing about buying quilt backing for a project? You get twice the amount of fabric for the same price because it's folded over double on the bolt. You really can't lose folks.
While the dress itself was relatively simple to make up, I spent so much time on hand sewing I could cry. I really really didn't want to lose the clean lines down the front of the dress by top stitching my facings in place by machine, and so I did it all by hand. If I didn't know how to do an invisible hand stitch before, I sure do now. But just look at that hand stitching! Oh wait, you can't...
I also added some purple hem lace to the front line of the skirt. This was actually lace left over from our wedding and I still have a bunch of it in all sorts of happy colours. I really love the result and think my next few garments will probably all have lace detailing of some kind on them. Need a tutorial on how to do this? Let me know in the comments.
Last but not least, I swapped out the arm facings for bias binding. I have a tutorial on how to make your own bias binding here and will have a tutorial on replacing arm facings with bias binding on the blog on Friday!
So, tell me, have you ever used quilt backing or quilting cottons for a garment? Did it turn out well?
xx
Jen
That is a beautiful dress! Lovely job! The lace finish is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI used quilting cotton in my vibrant tunic and it turned out great. Actually if I think about it I've probably used quilting cottons most!
I love this dress so much and it looks fantastic! I have yet to make anything for myself...but now I want this dress!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, the colour really suits you. Kudos to you for the hand sewing, I avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary!
ReplyDeleteOh look! You did it again! Another winner!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I love about a simple project like this is that I can also happily invest a lot of time in the details and in making sure that the construction and finishing are just right. So satisfying :)
Such a pretty dress and colour Jen! :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful dress
ReplyDeletehttp://mandarinacosturera.blogspot.com.es/
Jen! It's beautiful! And all the hand stitching has really paid off!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Nice to see the uni-leg again!
ReplyDeleteI love quilter's cotton. It's great for structured garments. I hate when people poo-poo it and say it looks cheap and nasty!
Oh oh, I've been waiting for you to post about this dress. I love it! The colour is amazing. The lace finishing is really pretty. It's really elegant.
ReplyDeleteI've never used quilting cotton to make clothes before, but I reckon I will now!
Love the dress; it's so pretty! Violet for the win!
ReplyDeletethat turned out SO perfectly; I'm so happy you shared the results of all that careful hand stitching. The lavender is really lovely and worth the wait for the perfect fabric!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. You look wonderful in lilac.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely gorgeous on you! I love it! The style is so sweet, and the color is so lovely with your complexion.
ReplyDeleteI'm spoiled, I suppose, since I live in NYC and have access to the Garment District, but I have never used quilting cottons or backing because much less readily available here than fashion fabric is. This looks great, though, so it seems like a fine choice!
Very nice dress! It suits you very well!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful dress! The color is so pretty. It's a very nice shade on you.
ReplyDelete