Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Polka Dotted Fancy


Last week I welcomed another polka dotted dress into my wardrobe!  I even managed to finish the outfit a whole twenty-four hours before the Marin Symphony fundraiser at which it made its debut.


Which is a welcome change from the usual last minute rush!


My Sewing Indie Month projects were put aside to accomplish this, but I have not forgotten about them.  I am busy beading and my Spearmint coat is currently on the sewing table.


Since there were leftover pearl beads from making my double stranded necklace, I went ahead and used them for a matching bracelet.  Because pearls are the perfect accessory for polka dots!


I intended to wear a pair of gloves with the ensemble, however, the morning of the event, I managed to get a nasty tear in one of my nails which made getting them on and off a rather painful procedure.


They would not have stayed on for long anyway, since I was signing people in for the evening.


With or without the gloves, I am very pleased with the dress.  Dropped-waist garments are supposedly unflattering on long-waisted individuals such as myself, but I think they actually camouflage the problem.  Yet another reason to ignore fashion "rules."


Best of all, the dress was the perfect excuse to wear a crinoline (which has been neglected as of late)!  I am going to need to move the hook & eye on this one because it keeps slipping below my waist.


I may even make another version of the dress in wool (with sleeves & without the capelet) once the weather turns. 


This dress has only furthered my obsession with capelets, and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for another pattern that includes this design element!  



Dress:  Made by me, McCalls 9245
Belt:  Made by me
Necklace & Bracelet:  Made by me
Fascinator:  Made by me
Shoes:  Halogen

[The fabric for this project was received in exchange for my contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]

30 comments:

  1. Oh this is divine. The perfect mix of vintage glamour with understated elegance.

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  2. Stunning, seriously stunning dress

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  3. The dress is beautiful! Super.

    Greetings from Holland

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  4. Absolutely beautiful. I am not a fan of all dropped waists (too may 80s associations) but this one has a lovely line and the weight and print of dress fabric are perfect for this design.

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  5. Oh I just love this! Absolutely fabulous--another big win for you!

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  6. Exquisite dress, love the belt and the fascinator too.

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  7. Gorgeous! I think this is a fantastic silhouette for you, long-waisted or no. The proportions looks right to me and the lovely neckline really draws the eye up anyway. Wonderful job! (and pics)

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  8. So pretty! A perfect dress for sunny Marin :) I've never been a fan of dropped waists, but lately I've been reconsidering a bit. It looks great on you!

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  9. Wow, you look like a young Elizabeth Taylor!

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  10. A lovely dress. And I love polka dots.

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  11. I love this pattern and must find it. I disagree that you shouldn't wear long-waisted styles. The design looks perfect. Maybe the cape/collar design requires a long waist. I think a regular waistline seam would make the design look like the torso was too short (and fat). This is such a flattering neckline. Beautiful, like all your garments.

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  12. So gorgeous! You are such a big inspiration. Your dress is grand and so well tailored. You look like one of the models on the pattern envelope:) Beautiful!

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  13. Oh my goodness, what a lovely dress! This must be one of my favorites of your makes. And I'm reminded of how much I like dark blue and white polka-dotted fabric! Fantastic job!

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  14. One wonders if there are those who attend as much for the music as a sighting of you.

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  15. turned out so pretty. polka dots are so fun, and I really love that pattern.

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  16. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! The skirt length and fall is perfect. Can I ask about you crinoline? Did you make or purchase it? What fabric is it made from? I live in a smallish town in Australia and struggle to find the right fabric to make my own authentic-feeling vintage petticoats and crinolines. Thanks! Polka Dots + Pearls = Perfection!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Stacey!

      This particular crinoline was purchased new on ebay, I believe. It is made of a synthetic netting and is rather itchy if I do not wear stockings or a slip underneath, but it really is poofy so I put up with it. I have made my own that includes a cotton lining to prevent the scratch factor, but that one is not perfect either.

      I think a stiff netting is needed (tulle will be too soft) to create an extreme silhouette. If a less pronounced look is okay, sometimes simply building up a full cotton skirt with layers of ruffles can do the trick.

      I have not yet found the answer, but am going to keep looking!

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  17. Utterly lovely! You look as perfect as the pattern cover art!

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  18. I am totally smitten with polka dots - and with this dress! Oh, it is absolutely gorgeous - and you look wonderful in it.

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  19. Oh you have done the beautiful polka proud! I am HYPnotized!

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  20. gorgeous dress, very pretty shape on you. I like drop waist with belt styles, so feminine. and you always have the perfect shoes.

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  21. This is a stunner of a dress. I love the collar! And your shoes are great, too!

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  22. Amazinly gorgeous dress. And you look fantastic in it. Great job! TFS!

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  23. This is absolutely beautiful!

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