You know how you sometimes get a pattern/fabric/yarn and it just tells you what it wants to be made out of, or become? Well, that's not what happened here.
First of all I have to tell you about the fabric. I can't remember when I bought it, but I would say it was about a year ago. I was in Dunelm Mill and saw this cotton sateen fabric, I liked the colour, so bought 3 metres. Now, I appreciate it's curtain fabric, but fabric shops are thin on the ground in Northern Ireland, so I take what I can get! It was £4.79 a metre, so it wasn't as if it broke the bank or anything, and it's 53" wide.
I had planned to make the Colette Patterns Rooibos dress with it. I got this pattern last Christmas, and still haven't made it. I had some bias tape that I loved for the piping, but I couldn't find any contrasting fabric that I liked for the little collar detail, and I was afraid this fabric would be too thick to use for that.
I am not loving those seams. |
So anyway it lay in my stash, and after I'd finished my Belladone dress I thought a red Elisalex dress would be nice. I was having a browse on the online fabric shops, and then remembered about this cotton sateen. And you know what, I am so glad I didn't make the Rooibos with it.
It's not that I hate this dress, it's just that it's ok, and it's all down to the fabric. This pattern requires a fabric with a bit of body to it, which this fabric just doesn't have. It may be a bit thicker than cotton poplin, but it's quite drapey.
I ended up underlining the skirt with some white polyester from The Paragon in Donegall Pass in Belfast. It's the same thing I used to underline my Flounce-a-lotte skirt. It definitely helped give the Elizalex skirt some shape. I had made the bodice lining in cotton lawn, but then made another lining with the polyester. At least I now have a bodice lining ready to go for the next one.
The sateen puckered easily when I was sewing it, and the underlining didn't help. With hindsight I maybe should have used a longer stitch length, because I'm not in love with the seams on the skirt or bodice. Also, the polyester bodice lining makes the bodice seams a bit bulky. But, as I say, I really don't hate it. The fit is great, and I fixed the issue I had with the too wide shoulders on my first one. It's just that it's not my finest work, but I have been wearing it, and it's great with a cardigan and tights.
These spotty tights were from a department store called Menary's, but I can't remember what the brand was. I got them in the sales after last Christmas, and they lay in a drawer until a few weeks ago. There are some similar ones on the Pamela Mann website here, and I bought myself these playing card tights because I couldn't resist them.
Finally, I have a big favour to ask! Remember my cousin Jenny who I mentioned in this post? She makes bridal head pieces and capes; the link to her Etsy shop, For Evelyn Designs, is on the right. Well, she's been nominated for the Shell Livewire Grand ideas awards. I would be really, really grateful if you could take a minute to vote for her. To vote, please click on this link. Jenny's video is second from the left on the second row; she has short blond hair and is wearing a navy blouse. Thank you!!
Lynne
I like it, but then I am biased because I love this pattern. If you are wearing it, even with a cardi, then it counts as a win in my book. I am looking forward to seeing your Rooibos though. It was one of the first dresses I made and even though I can see the mistakes it is still one of my most worn dresses. And just off to check out your cousin.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love your thoughts on what counts as a win!! I will definitely make Rooibos at some point, I just need to find the perfect fabric first.
DeleteI like this dress! Red is such a good color for you. And I agree, wearing it with a cardigan still makes it a good dress! I just got the Elisalex pattern and am intimidated by fabric choice already...
ReplyDeleteThank you! Good luck with your Elisalex. I think the main thing with the fabric is that it should have a bit of body so the skirt keeps it's shape.
DeleteBeautiful dress! It looks really great with the tights.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really do like these tights!
DeleteI bet you wear it loads over the Christmas season, it's such a festive colour! Great tights again!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's turned out to be a great winter dress, because the two layers make it nice and warm.
DeleteI really like this dress, too bad about the fabric issues. I think the pleats really came out nice in the fabric though.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was pleased with how the pleats turned out, and they sit really well too.
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