The Britex Workshop Space Launch Party this weekend was the perfect excuse
to make myself a new dress (not that I need an excuse!).
I wanted an easy, muslin-free project made out of an easy to work with cotton, and Butterick 6055 seemed like the perfect choice.
The quilting cotton has oblong dots that are printed on the diagonal. That made matching things an impossibility, but that is not a huge issue on a cotton day dress, right?!
So the insides had to be cobbled together.
I know I may be banned from the sewing community for saying it, but in-seam pockets on a day dress are just not my thing (although jackets and outerwear should always have them, in my opinion). If they are not a part of the design, I feel like they do strange things to the silhouette and have a tendency to stretch out - especially if you use them to stash things. And what is the point of a pocket if not to use it?!
However, all bets are off for decorative pockets - I love them, even if I never end up using them. Which sounds completely ridiculous, I know.
The pattern calls for a non-functioning tie to finish off the over-sized
pockets, but I decided to go for a little collection of buttons that matched
the contrasting bias trim that I added to break up all of those dots.
I added this detail to the sleeve and skirt hem as well.
I really like the homemade look of the running stitch.
The detail is probably lost in
all those oversized dots, but I know it's there!
When I add lining to a full skirt, I like to thread tack the two layers together at the seamlines. This cotton would probably stay put on its own, but it ensures that the two skirts do not twist around.
And, of course, this dress needed a belt! I even had the perfect buckle stashed away.
What a great fabric. I can't wait to see the dress modeled. I am sure it will look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI too am looking forward to your modeling this garment. It looks very much a winner!
ReplyDeleteNo pix of the complete outfit? What a tease! ;-) Can't wait to see it modeled. LOVE polka dots.
ReplyDeleteJust have to get through all of the photos first!
DeleteThe running stitches do show up esp. on the sleeves (at eye level). Almost every pattern says not suitable for diagonals but some of the best fabrics have a diagonal print. Pockets are worth the price of admission alone. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove the piping to accent pockets and the handmade running stitch for decoration.
ReplyDeleteVery adorable, and love the running stitches.
ReplyDeleteFabulously fun dress! That colour palette makes me think of swimming pools and tropical beaches alike and seems especially well suited to the summer months that we're enjoying again these days.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Thanks Jessica! Anything in the blue range is always my go-to, although turquoise is probably my favorite of the bunch!
DeleteGreat color combination, and your extra added handwork really makes the dress!
ReplyDeleteAs the pocketeer of pocketyness, I agree with the onseam part. Generally, side seam pockets in dresses pull the dress out of line and just don't fit anything (unless you have a huge skirt) beyond a hanky. I do love a pocket, though, but it needs to be to the front and supported by a waist band at some point.
ReplyDeleteThose pockets! I am in love!!!! And how was that Britex event?
ReplyDeleteThe Britex event was a ton of fun - it is always wonderful meeting kindred spirits and catching up with friends!
DeleteI was just toying with the idea of stitching like you've done here so now you've sealed the deal. This dress is adorable as usual but I LOVE your buttons instead of the bows!!
ReplyDeleteOf belts and buttons...you have a way of making the finishing touches look like the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the photo session!
This looks amazing! Please tell us your going to model it for us.
ReplyDeleteI was front row kinda of center during your presentation. I have added this pattern to my list. The dress was beautiful and now a tutorial. I might really be able to make now. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize it was a brand new dress--it is gorgeous! (I do have to respectfully disagree with your pocket assessment, though :)
ReplyDeleteAm loving those polka dots! Can't wait to see it all together
ReplyDeleteLovely! Great pockets too!! And I love the hand stitching detail.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! I can't wait to see it! I never thought about tacking the skirt layers together... I think I'm going to do that on every single dress I ever make ever again. Because it's brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet dress, Laura.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the inseam pockets in a dress or skirt. I leave them out. You can't put more than a hankie in one, and even if a phone will fit, it ruins the line of the dress. LOVE the polka dots,
ReplyDeleteA really beautiful dress, it looks wonderful. I am just sewing a dotted dress myself, after a 30ies pattern. Your breaking up of the dots with bias binding looks great, maybe if I would have read this post in time I would have realized I should do something like this, too. But I didn't and so I hand-sewed white ribbon onto some seams after having nearly finished because without it just looked horrible.
ReplyDeleteYour pockets are great, too. I love pockets but avoid them in skirts and dresses, because I know I tend to bury my hands in them and slouch. Without them I complain all the time but at least standing upright.
love, ette
I love the finish of the running stitch, very effective!
ReplyDelete