The Sewing Place

Dress to Impress

BrendaP

Dress to Impress
« on: April 21, 2017, 14:01:14 PM »
My babies will be 40 in June and they are planning on a big party.  From the invitation list and venue I think it will be akin to an evening wedding reception.   The invitations say "dress to impress" and the venue, local golf club, has a fairly strict dress code anyway, (no jeans or shirts without collars for men). 

I have no idea what I might wear, other than knee length and full skirt.  Suggestions please.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

jen

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2017, 16:13:30 PM »
What dress styles do you look good in? Could you make up something you've already liked but in a special fabric, with nice accessories?

UttaRetch

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2017, 22:01:58 PM »
I like 'fit and flare' and would turn to Vogue for something really stylish such as:





Vogue 8766: I have seen some gorgeous makes of the full skirt lace version, or if you don't want to work with lace








BrendaP

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2017, 08:55:29 AM »
I tend to go with fit and flare styles as they are usually best at disguising a big tummy.

I have V8470 which I made in a lightweight printed lawn for a 90th birthday party last year.  I had a lot of trouble with the neckline and in the end gave up on the modesty insert which leaves it very low in the front - otherwise the fit is good and I like the style. 

I also like V8943 - and you've got me thinking about all-over lace; I hadn't though of that.  Lots to think about. :flower:
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Vegegrow

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2017, 09:02:47 AM »
That dress you did for the stash bust really suits you Brenda  :frock:
"The only place where housework comes before needlework is in the dictionary." ~Mary Kurtz

Lowena

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2017, 10:26:22 AM »
Which style disguises love handles and a largish bottom??  ( or rather a curved lower back ) :D
I haven't worn skirts or dresses for years, since my best friend told me my legs were awful and I should stick to trousers  :( However, I like dresses and would like to try to wear them again ( obviously longish ones  :D ) as I also miss wearing pretty shoes / sandals
« Last Edit: April 22, 2017, 10:29:22 AM by Lowena »
Triumph of hope over experience :D

b15erk

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2017, 11:13:10 AM »
Love the black lace Claire Schaeffer dress.  That would look gorgeous!

Jessie
Jessie, who is very happy to be here!!  :),  but who has far too many sewing machines to be healthy, and a fabric stash which is becoming embarrassing.

UttaRetch

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2017, 11:41:18 AM »
Which style disguises love handles and a largish bottom??  ( or rather a curved lower back ) :D

That will be 'fit and flare' as demonstrated by me pattern picks.  The full skirt will cover all that 'real estate' below the waist.  :D

@BrendaP: this blogger made a beautiful version of 8766.  I also tried this pattern in cotton sateen, but I didn't do very well.  :(

Lowena

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2017, 11:56:31 AM »
Thanks Utty  :)
Triumph of hope over experience :D

jen

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2017, 17:55:24 PM »
Lace sounds good, unarguably glam.

BrendaP

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2017, 18:02:18 PM »
That dress you did for the stash bust really suits you Brenda  :frock:
Thank You!  That one is an every-day style in poly-jersey relying on the fabric's stretch as much as anything for the fitting.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

shadykittykat

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2017, 18:11:55 PM »
I haven't worn skirts or dresses for years, since my best friend told me my legs were awful and I should stick to trousers  :(

With friends like that who needs enemies?  :devil: Seriously, if you want to wear a skirt, wear a skirt. It should be nobody else's business, dress to make you happy not how you think other people will be happy seeing you!
Kate
Running, sewing, eating

Fabric Lover

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2017, 21:58:28 PM »
With friends like that who needs enemies?  :devil: Seriously, if you want to wear a skirt, wear a skirt. It should be nobody else's business, dress to make you happy not how you think other people will be happy seeing you!
I so agree, SKK. Lowena - don't listen to your "friend" - wear what you want to wear! And maybe find a new BFF!
Stitching in Staffordshire with Style! (Well hopefully anyway)

Catllar

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2017, 12:58:59 PM »
I think the fish need to pay your "friend" a visit :devil:
If life gives you lemons, add to gin and tonic !

BrendaP

Re: Dress to Impress
« Reply #14 on: May 18, 2017, 10:52:21 AM »
I'm working on Vogue 8943.

Black lace fabric from The Textile Centre underlined with silver grey organza. 

As always I fiddled with the pattern.  I've put the zip in the side so that I could cut the back on the fold and also eliminated CF and CB seams on he skirt and yoke by placing the pattern pieces on the fold.

So far so good, but I think it needs lining rather than just a slip underneath, the organza is scratchy :o .  The colour of the grey chiffon I bought is different, a bit green rather than silvery which I don't like, so plain black poly lining ordered instead together with black lace edging as the fabric didn't have a scalloped edge.  I've just finished cutting that out.  I've cut sleeves but not sure if I will line the sleeves or leave them see-though.

Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.