That's a {Violet} Wrap {Dress}

Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Please don't ask me how I come up with those post title gems...

5May 2013 4


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.


5May 2013 5


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...


5May 2013 6




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.


5May 2013 3


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
15 comments on "That's a {Violet} Wrap {Dress}"
  1. That is a beautiful dress! Lovely job! The lace finish is wonderful.
    I 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!

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  2. I love this dress so much and it looks fantastic! I have yet to make anything for myself...but now I want this dress!

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  3. Gorgeous dress, the colour really suits you. Kudos to you for the hand sewing, I avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary!

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  4. Oh look! You did it again! Another winner!!

    One 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 :)

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  5. Such a pretty dress and colour Jen! :)

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  6. beautiful dress
    http://mandarinacosturera.blogspot.com.es/

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  7. Jen! It's beautiful! And all the hand stitching has really paid off!

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  8. Gorgeous! Nice to see the uni-leg again!

    I love quilter's cotton. It's great for structured garments. I hate when people poo-poo it and say it looks cheap and nasty!


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  9. 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.
    I've never used quilting cotton to make clothes before, but I reckon I will now!

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  10. Love the dress; it's so pretty! Violet for the win!

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  11. that 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!

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  12. This is lovely. You look wonderful in lilac.

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  13. This is absolutely gorgeous on you! I love it! The style is so sweet, and the color is so lovely with your complexion.

    I'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!

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  14. Very nice dress! It suits you very well!!

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  15. Such a beautiful dress! The color is so pretty. It's a very nice shade on you.

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