I made a dress...

... or two! Today I'd like to tell you about two variations on a Japanese pattern from the second Stylish Dress Book. The design is M, it's a short-sleeved babydoll dress with daisy embroidery and rik rak around the neckline:


How cute, right? I love that dress as it is and I will probably make it one day but first I wanted to try it a little differently :)
For the first version I used some striped rayon -talk about stash busting! I bought it in francs- and purple cotton. When I was younger I used to be a bit (a lot) of an anime geek and black and white striped garments with dashes of bright red, pink or purple are quite the rage in some of these, so I had always wanted to make something in this spirit. Well I'm happy to report that the result doesn't look too costume-y to be worn^^:




I cut a size 9 but I lowered the bust darts by 1" and lengthened the bodice by 1" too. I cut the back in one piece to avoid extra volume -it's a habit when I sew with Japanese patterns unless I want to end up with a parachute- and I added the tie to give the dress a little shape. It's very comfy, the fabric stays cool despite the current high temperatures and I even have enough room for my large back, shoulders and arms.
That's why I'm a bit disappointed that the other dress I made with the exact same changes and even an extra inch in the sleeves turned out a little tight to say the least^^. I used red poplin and I could finally start to bust my velvet ribbon stash with it! It doesn't look bad but I have a hard time moving my arms in it:

You can't see them but there are two velvet ties at the bodice's sides.

I guess a stiffer fabric will make a difference! I'm going to try and wear it to the restaurant tonight -I hope yummy Chinese food won't go into my arms first- because at least there's plenty of room for my belly^^ Have a nice week, see you!

The Hem-isphere challenge: part one!

Hello everyone, I hope you had a nice weekend, I got a bit busy and so I couldn't post at the same time as Zoe the Grand did about the outcome of our first Hem-isphere project!
Here's a pic of the awesome nautical themed vintage top she made from my modest offerings^^:


For this miscellaneous swap Zoe had sent me two dress patterns from the 60's and 70's and yards of blue checkered fabric -and a cute little badge^^:


I had chosen the mini smock dress and had made a muslin and it did look great but when I laid the pieces on the final fabric I realised that I would wear my garment much more if it was a simpler top. Enters the second Stylish Dress Book and its "U" tunic that I was dying to try and here's my absolute favourite top of the moment:



I didn't put the sleeves and the gathers at the hem and I like it as it is! As always with Japanese patterns it was very straightforward, a front and a back piece and a collar on the bias and that was it.
I'm really grateful for this challenge, the first episode was so much fun, I can't wait for the next one! And PS I made the denim shorts too and I'm wearing them all the damn time :) See you soon with more creations!

Valentine's Day dress

Warning: smug face pics ahead.



Well, what can I say, I LOVE this dress! First, its origins deserve a little explanation: by now you must think that being French sucks, what with all the sh***y trouble with that damn Euro but on the other hand did you know that we can purchase a SIMPLICITY AND NEW LOOK PATTERNS MAGAZINE every 3 month?! Dozens of US patterns in all sizes that we would otherwise have to pay 12€ one are ours for 6€! I found the pattern to today's dress in the latest issue of this "Tendances couture":


I made a muslin first because I wasn't sure of the sizing which strangely varies from one model to the other, I had some minor adjustements to make regarding the neckline -I'm not a fan of deeeep décolletés- and center back seam and after that the dress came together like a dream!
I used black cotton lawn with a slightly Japanese print -yummy chrisanthemums- that I found in a local shop and I lined the bodice with black polycotton. I'm quite happy with my lining since I didn't follow the magazine's steps -I actually have a hard time understanding them- and I had to plan how to proceed.



Oh and just for your information, a few minutes after those photos were taken I went out and got showered by some unexpected rain :( Fate is against me^^
Happy Chocolates' Day anyway, see you!