Nothing says the end of summer like finishing a sun dress on Labor Day!
But that is exactly how I spent my weekend when I wasn’t focused on potty training our toddler.
I love this dress. After so much frustration with getting something to fit I am thrilled I gave it one more try before moving onto another pattern.
This is a mash up on my heavily modified Gertie bodice with the gored skirt from Cashmerette’s Upton Dress. When I made my Liberty dress a few weeks ago I made the mistake of lowering the bust darts way too much. This time I did all the same alterations only I lowered the bust dart 1/2 inch. Such a difference.
Still not 100% perfect, but oh so close. Once I tried it on I had to take it in 1/2 inch at the under arm. No big deal and easy to adjust on the pattern piece.
But damn this fits my bust well.
And in the back I got the back adjustment just right in the upper back. But then I forgot to re-add the width to the waist. Whoops! Also easily added to the pattern piece for next time. So you can see a bit of pulling there.
The fabric is a linen/cotton blend from The Fabric Store. I purchased it right after the Upton pattern came out, but then it sat in timeout while I battled my fit issues. The fabric is quite open in weave so I lined the entire dress with some bright apple green Free Spirit voile I purchased when my local fabric store went out of business. The lining took just 2.5 yards, so I still have another 3 yards of voile for another project.
Thankfully here in Southern California we’ll have warm weather for another 2-3 months so still plenty of time to wear this beauty through fall!
Your dress is beautiful! I also love this fabric. I used it to make a Sewaholic Nicola last (southern hemisphere) summer and loved it. http://lettersfromwetville.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/sewaholic-nicola-in-linen.html
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Oh my, how fabulous! And funny to see the same random fabric on opposite sides of the world!
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Love the dress. You look fabulous!
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Thank you!
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Wow. What a lovely dress! The fit is fabulous and you look absolutely stunning. Love it.
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Thank you so much!
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beautiful!! maybe I should try a different bodice too…
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Could be that’s what you need. What is your fit issue with Upton? I’m thinking maybe mine just needed a shoulder adjustment.
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Ooooohhh yaaaa, you nailed the bust! You look great and so does thee dress!
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Thank you! I’m super pleased with it!
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When I grow up, I want to sew just like you. And have your sense of style.
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Susan, you are hilarious.
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Fab dress and fits so well, you’ve really concurred the bust fit and have a pattern that you can make time and time again, perfect.
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Yes! So pleased to finally have something I can just pull out and sew! Thank you.
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It might have taken some efforts to get there, but it was well worth it because this dress is just gorgeous!
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Thank you! I’m so happy with it!
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Nothing new to say, but it looks fantastic!
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Thanks Emily!
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What a gorgeous job you did fitting this dress! Absolutely beautiful! I’m so impressed – and inspired. My shape and adjustments are similar enough to yours that I am loving reading about your journeys with that. Thanks – and you do look beautiful! Mary Ellen
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Thank you Mary Ellen! I hope some of what I post is helpful for you. If you ever want to talk over fit issues, let me know!
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