The Sewing Place

The Emporia => In the wardrobe => Topic started by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 01:58:08 AM

Title: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 01:58:08 AM
I decided that I got bored with my sheath dresses, and explore more semi-fitted dress options for Summer (or the very long hot and humid season in Hong Kong). In my new job (since January) I can dress a lot more casual, our school doesn't have a dress code  :devil:
Being short waisted, I don't like waist seams or belts. One of my favourtite dresses is a novelty denim shirt dress, where I used the sleeves as a low slung belt, sewn into the side seam.
I used Vogue 8772, a blouse pattern, for some shirt dresses previously and went further with it to create more styles with it using collars and necklines I liked from other patterns. One dress I posted in Fran's thread already, here is number 2.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on May 29, 2017, 07:51:19 AM
That's lovely Manuela....I really like the shape and love the patches...xxx
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Addict on May 29, 2017, 09:51:42 AM
My new dress made with my Sure fit dress kit .the beauty of sure fit is you do not have to do FBA
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on May 29, 2017, 09:57:30 AM
I can't wear dresses or skirts as my legs are too awful to inflict on others  :| but I do like to see what you all make  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: dolcevita on May 29, 2017, 11:33:07 AM
I'd like to make a couple of smart/casual summer dresses - I have mostly sheath dresses or smart ones, not much in the way of everyday ones.  I saw a really nice armani one a while ago that I'd like to do an interpretation of.  Need to finish my jacket first, though.

One of the trickiest things I find with dresses is deciding on footwear to go with it.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BrendaP on May 29, 2017, 12:49:52 PM
Today I'm wearing Simplicity 1459.

100% cotton from 3 or 4 years ago, it's cut on the cross grain because of the print.  Some of the offcuts have found their way into a couple of P&Q projects
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on May 29, 2017, 12:54:25 PM
I can't wear dresses or skirts as my legs are too awful to inflict on others  :| but I do like to see what you all make  :)

No such thing as can't.... life's too short, if you want to wear a dress then wear it...I've got horrendous knees, they seem to balloon  out above the knee joint... but I can't do anything about it... I f folks don't like them then they shouldn't look!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 29, 2017, 13:37:03 PM
What's a "dress"?  I can't remember!  Shorts or 3/4s for me in the summer, and if folks don't like my very fat legs - tough!!  0_0

Oh, and my "spare tyre" (which must be a tractor tyre!) makes wearing a dress almost impossible.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on May 29, 2017, 14:42:08 PM
That's brilliant, I'll bet you look incredibly smart in it.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 15:08:51 PM
Addict, great dress, look fabulous on.

Brenda P, oooooh, what a beautiful dress, I'm a sucker for border prints and just love pink (although I prefer wearing blues since I decided not to dye my hair anymore and go grey - my original hair colour was jet black).

I am convinced that there is a dress shape for everyone, one just has to find it. As Efemera said, there is no such thing as can't, if someone doesn't like my legs, they can look elsewhere. I like them (at times), Mr Manuela likes them, that's all that counts...  ;)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 15:17:45 PM
I'd like to make a couple of smart/casual summer dresses - I have mostly sheath dresses or smart ones, not much in the way of everyday ones. 
That's where I started out, with a closet full of fitted sheath dresses, suitable to my former life in the corporate world. I still like them, as a back drop to my somewhat elaborate 'overs' (sleeveless coats, dramatic vests, capes, etc.), but working in a school I need something more comfortable. I love wearing dresses, so I started exploring shirt dresses - and love the look. Next up are semi fitted shift dresses with hem/collar/play with print details.
I'm also an the mission to make dresses that go with my all-time favourite shoes, so currently I play with black and white stripes and pocket watch buttons  :D
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lyn-J on May 29, 2017, 15:22:04 PM
Manuela, fantastic use of the fabric, how do you manage to find all the wonderful materials you use.

Addict, love the print and the dress fits you very well!

Benda, a very colourful dress, with an up-to-date vintage look.

There should be a summer casuals thread for those not wearing dresses (there's no escape - we want to see you in your short shorts  :devil: )
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 15:56:41 PM
Lyn-J, I buy fabrics locally, as well as from Marcy Tilton's site Linton Tweeds and EmmaOneSock (love her use of Pantone numbers). I'm extremely picky when it comes to fabrics and stick to a certain colour scheme that suits me (clear cool). Living in Hong Kong, wearing cottons is most comfortable - I don't like crumpled/winkled look of linen on me, I'm afraid deep down I'm still very much a tailor.
My favourite fabrics are novelty denims and chunky laces, love the look of a lace dress worn with a denim jacket or vice versa
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on May 29, 2017, 16:07:46 PM
You've all shown some lovely work here - Manuela your fabrics are to die for, Addict - yours is gorgeous and you've nailed the fit and brenda that  print is lovely.

I like the idea of dresses, but always seem to make 2 types - very fitted princess styles ( can't walk away from the flamenco vibe) or very fitted sheath dresses ( can you see a theme here?)  I've tried dresses with full skirts and waist seams but they a) never sit on the right place ( where is my waist, being a  rectangle?) or are too bunchy. High waists just make me look pregnant. I live in a windy part of the country so wraps don't feel safe, and shirt dresses make me feel my age. Don't know what else to try, but keep trying I shall!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 16:13:38 PM
Catllar, try semi fitted shift dresses, and shirt dresses with shirt tails or other hem variations. I hear you on the rut of fitted sheaths, and not liking waist seams - that's me in a nutshell.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 16:22:35 PM
PS: I made this last year, and it has become one of my all-time favourite dresses  ;)

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on May 29, 2017, 17:32:26 PM
Lovely dress Brenda.
Both my husband and my best friend have confirmed that my legs should never see the light of day  :D I'm afraid I care very much what other people ( even strangers ) might say or think  :| My legs are shapeless and I have cankles  :| Apart from full length dresses ( which I find ageing ) no style or length of dress is suitable.
When I was younger ( and had good legs ) I used to  prefer dresses to separates and I'm really envious when I see all the great dresses there are in the shops  :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: DementedFairy on May 29, 2017, 19:26:32 PM
PS: I made this last year, and it has become one of my all-time favourite dresses  ;)

I LOVE IT
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: DementedFairy on May 29, 2017, 19:28:56 PM
Lovely dress Brenda.
Both my husband and my best friend have confirmed that my legs should never see the light of day  :D I'm afraid I care very much what other people ( even strangers ) might say or think  :| My legs are shapeless and I have cankles  :| Apart from full length dresses ( which I find ageing ) no style or length of dress is suitable.
When I was younger ( and had good legs ) I used to  prefer dresses to separates and I'm really envious when I see all the great dresses there are in the shops  :(

Personally, after kicking husband and friend firmly in the undercarriage, I would be wearing dresses at all times, and possibly doing a can-can [cankle-can?]  :devil:

Seriously though, if you want to wear dresses, there is a style for you that isn't aging.  Have you looked at the modern versions of ethnic styles, like ao-dai, anarkali, salwar kameez etc?  Long dresses/tunics over trousers or leggings of various types in other words.  Legs hidden, but plenty of swirl and niceness
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 29, 2017, 19:43:43 PM
Lovely dress Brenda.
Both my husband and my best friend have confirmed that my legs should never see the light of day  :D I'm afraid I care very much what other people ( even strangers ) might say or think  :| My legs are shapeless and I have cankles  :| Apart from full length dresses ( which I find ageing ) no style or length of dress is suitable.
When I was younger ( and had good legs ) I used to  prefer dresses to separates and I'm really envious when I see all the great dresses there are in the shops  :(
But who's to say what is "good legs"?  Why should we be expected to conform to a particular shape/size?  I still wear much the same stuff that I wore when I was about 5 sizes smaller, if it's comfy and suits my lifestyle/activities, then that's what matters to me.  I know I said I don't wear dresses, but then I never have done.
We should be able to wear what we want, there's no right or wrong size or shape  0_0
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BrendaP on May 29, 2017, 21:44:36 PM

I am convinced that there is a dress shape for everyone, one just has to find it.

For me it's fit and flare or the full skirted '50s styles.  Straighter styles, shift dresses or whatever just emphasise a big tummy.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on May 29, 2017, 21:57:43 PM
Same here, Brenda.  I've finally accepted that shift dresses - which I like very much - are never going to look good on me.  Even one seems OK when trying it on, when sitting down your body rearranges itself and everything can go horribly wrong...  :o
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 30, 2017, 01:40:06 AM
One of the trickiest things I find with dresses is deciding on footwear to go with it.
There are some very good tips here:
https://youlookfab.com/2014/08/13/how-to-wear-dresses-with-flat-footwear/ (https://youlookfab.com/2014/08/13/how-to-wear-dresses-with-flat-footwear/)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lyn-J on May 30, 2017, 08:48:15 AM
Comfortable ones!!!  :D
and if all else fails "ballet pumps"
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on May 30, 2017, 08:50:49 AM
Same here, Brenda.  I've finally accepted that shift dresses - which I like very much - are never going to look good on me.  Even one seems OK when trying it on, when sitting down your body rearranges itself and everything can go horribly wrong...  :o

Isn't that the truth! 0_0
I love the look of simple little shift dresses but they lose their appeal when they're as wide as they are long.... fit and flare for me, or empire line.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on May 30, 2017, 10:22:10 AM
I had to think about this.  Day to day, I wear trousers and tops, more practical for me.  I do love getting dressed up in a 'proper' dress though.  Last time I wore one, was 12 months ago to a wedding.  However, when we are on holiday, I love to wear dresses and take several with me.

I don't like my legs, hate my thighs, and the extra weight doesn't flatter  ;)

Ladies, I love all your dresses, you have all found your style and are comfortable with it.  I'm not quite there yet! I was thinking of a shirt dress, but haven't got round to it yet.  -<

Jessie

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 30, 2017, 11:31:42 AM
I finished the 'play with stripes' dress to wear with the Cheshire cat shoes tomorrow. Wednesdays we teach a 4 hour Wearable Art session, my favourite day at work  :D

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: DementedFairy on May 30, 2017, 12:59:09 PM
That's fantastic Manuela!  I was trying to make a similarly striking piece in stripes, but failed when I was betrayed by the terrible pattern.   :(

Your dress is gorgeous, with a strong 'Mod' feel to it
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 30, 2017, 13:13:56 PM
Thank you DF  :)
Don't give up, it's fun to play. Now, if I could only find black & white ot navy & white striped fabric with a 2" stripe....
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Ploshkin on May 31, 2017, 12:23:13 PM
My DH is always complaining that I never wear 'a frock' (his words not mine).  I have a black one for funerals but I gave up skirts and dresses years ago as I invariably find myself having to tuck a skirt into my knickers to climb over a barbed wire fence or something.
Anyway, while he wasn't looking I ran one up on the overlocker.  It's cotton jersey and a pattern that I last used in 1985!  It was already cut for a size 10, which I am definitely not any more, but I gained over an inch by overlocking the seams without trimming any fabric off.  It's hanging in the wardrobe and I will just wear it one day - he probably won't register as it has nothing to do with lorries or tractors  :)
The picture may well be sideways or upside down.  My computer program automatically rotates them but it won't come out that way on here.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on May 31, 2017, 12:25:01 PM
Ooh, I like that Ploshy  <3
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Ploshkin on May 31, 2017, 12:25:20 PM
Try again
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: DementedFairy on May 31, 2017, 12:35:42 PM
Very nice- I bid thee wear frocks more often!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on May 31, 2017, 13:36:45 PM
I second what DF says - although not when climbing over barbed wire.  That's lovely.

I made dresses like that in the mid 1980's, although woven rather than knit.  I did have a RTW dress in knit that was very like that.  I wore it until it became an even odder shape than me.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on May 31, 2017, 13:42:31 PM
Ploshkin, that is a great looking dress, and you look fabulous in it  :)
Maybe he'll notice when you make a dress with a lorry or tractor print on it  :devil:
Mr Manuela made noises about wanting to have light weight jeans for the summer, one in teat and one in red.... I'm afraid, I'm partly to blame for it  ;)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on May 31, 2017, 15:47:07 PM
I second what DF says - although not when climbing over barbed wire.  That's lovely.

I made dresses like that in the mid 1980's, although woven rather than knit.  I did have a RTW dress in knit that was very like that.  I wore it until it became an even odder shape than me.
I should have added that I'm still making very similar dresses - sadly not in the same size though!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: DementedFairy on May 31, 2017, 16:07:00 PM
light weight jeans for the summer, one in teat and one in red.... I'm afraid, I'm partly to blame for it  ;)
:o :o :o

Like this?(https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2016/5-15/aDkHtXK5CA-8.png)


Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lantana on May 31, 2017, 16:27:58 PM
Well Ploshy if he doesn't notice you in that he really is a tractor head ! It's a lovely dress and it really suits you! :)

L :vintage:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on May 31, 2017, 18:07:42 PM
:o :o :o

Like this?(https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2016/5-15/aDkHtXK5CA-8.png)
:D :D
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 18:51:11 PM
I once dated a guy who said he wasn't bothered that I never wore skirts or dresses...then I turned up in a skirt!!!  :[  :*   :loveit:  :o  :angel:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on May 31, 2017, 19:15:52 PM
Thank goodness for that... Wrenky....I thought you were going to say he turned up in a skirt  :D ( not that I am anti cross dressing )
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 19:49:53 PM
I do like a chap in a kilt. I'm a bit of a leg fiend.  :|
TMI for a newb!  ;)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on June 02, 2017, 14:01:54 PM
Summer dress ~ not for me, for one of my three great nieces (3 mths, 4 mths and 5mths old)

I have made my very first baby/child's item of clothing....you would think less fabric and an extremely simple pattern would mean easy, quick and stress free!!....oh no....trying to do bias binding on baby dress armholes is painful....

One down two to go  <3
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 02, 2017, 15:39:26 PM
Gosh Emma, how cute   :loveit:
I hear you on the bias binding on tiny arm holes - I made bias bound sleeping masks (with eyelashes) a while ago for my nieces... Never again  :devil:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Francesca on June 02, 2017, 15:42:59 PM
I do like a chap in a kilt. I'm a bit of a leg fiend.  :|
TMI for a newb!  ;)

I'm going to a hen party in Edinburgh in November.

My best friend (also only singleton) tells me often that her weird crush is the Porage Oats man. No not the man on the TV adverts, the actual cartoon. She's going to have a good time.

Phwoar:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB8YfgLjkF8/Ug9_G2AB4BI/AAAAAAAAARY/8fcuudVeMRg/s1600/scotts-porage-oats.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lantana on June 03, 2017, 00:44:11 AM
Emma that dress is gorgeous! What a beautiful job you've made of it. <3

L  :vintage:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 03, 2017, 01:38:23 AM
Finished the next one and wore it yesterday. I used the same basic pattern (originally a blouse pattern) added neck hole and collar of Vogue 9112 onto it, and changed the hem into an asymmetric one. I loved V9112 eve since it came out, the shape of the dress isn't for me though.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on June 03, 2017, 10:22:54 AM
I like that fabric and collar - in fact now I've looked at the pattern I actually love the whole pattern! Loose and baggy would suit me as I have a loose and baggy body  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 03, 2017, 11:16:56 AM
Yay Bodgeitandscarper  :)
I have seen some lovely renditions of V9112, hope to see yours soon.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 06, 2017, 13:50:19 PM
Finished another shirt dress this morning, before going to work. The fabric is a lightweight denim, leftovers from previos projects (the solid denim bits of my self-made denim lace). I didn't have enough fabric for a cut on facing/placket, or a sewn on facing, so I used a matching cotton broadcloth (also a leftover from previous project). To make it look less like a substitute, I used the denim's self edge as a trim at the front edge. I always wanted to try metallic thread  ;), so the topstitching thead is Gütermann's metallic thread in silver. It has pocketses as well...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: dolcevita on June 06, 2017, 13:56:03 PM
Impeccable sewing, Manuela.  I really must get back to the loft this evening, but I need to tidy it first and that's what is really putting me off!  Still, I'm feeling inspired and must get on with it.

Lovely makes, ladies.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on June 06, 2017, 22:31:16 PM
Love your dresses Manuela....your sewing is impeccable (and yes, I do zoom in to have a better look
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on June 07, 2017, 08:45:36 AM
What a lovely dress Manuela   :loveit:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 07, 2017, 15:55:35 PM
Manuela, I have always liked your style. And I have seen the dress with sleeves as a belt. Not sure if it was yours or one on Pinterest.

I have a Lekala shirt dress pattern that I love, and have in line for a summer dress It has princess seams which suit my hour glass shape.
Addict and Brenda both of your dresses are lovely and perfect for summer.

Here in La Paz we have a fifth season that my DH has  dubbed "Summer Hell" the heat and humidity build up and it becomes unbearable from August 15 until October 15. On October 15 "they" flip the climate switch and our gorgeous weather returns.
I love dresses, but have discovered that I must incorporate a princess seam .
On my cutting table right now is a black cotton fit and flare dress I designed on Bootstrap.
It has a princess bodice, sweetheart neckline and a tulip skirt. I am going to apply some ready made embroidery appliqué.
I need this to wear to a luncheon mañana.

SHOES. Two years ago on a trip to Dallas I purchased ten pair of sandals at Designer Shoe Warehouse. Now that I can see again, I haven become painfully aare that they are all scuffed and worn.
We are not planning a trip north again until after hurricane season here.
I went to our big department store looking for anything I may like and would be willing to pay the high price. There were a few Tommy Hilfiger and other designer shoes for twice the US price. They were OK, but I do not pay to advertise designers.
I love ballet flats as well. My feet have spread so much since I have been here and wear sandals almost exclusively, that only soft ballet flats work for a closed shoe.
Our sidewalks are a mess, my shoes take a beating.
I have one pair of a slightly dressy sandal that would go with some dresses. And a pair of white patent leather flipflops with a demure rose. They seem to be wearable.
 Oh how I would love to come to HK and have shoes made for me!
I carry a tiny can of baby powder with me. I can powder my inner thighs at a dinner table and no one is the wiser!
I'll post my dress mañana.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 07, 2017, 16:05:45 PM
Looking forwrd to seeing your dress BajaSusana. I love princess seams, but wanted to get away from my former 'corporate uniform' of fitted sheath dresses. I still love them, but wanted to explore semi/loose fitting dresses, that work well with the heat and humidity in Hong Kong, and hemlines/shapes that look good with flat shoes.
My reputation at the Stitcher's Guild is, that I take a pattern and beat it within an inch of its life  :devil:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Kad on June 08, 2017, 12:11:38 PM
Apart from the hemming this dress for my DD is complete.

Making it has bought back many memories: - the pattern is from 1976 and I was still at school when I made the first iteration in a blue/white/green narrow stripe. Literally wore the dress to bits over the next few summers. I made it again when DD was about 2, again in the same size, and this too was well loved.

Since then I've gained several pounds -ok stones - in weight, so no longer the pattern for me but, DD found the pattern and requested a dress.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on June 08, 2017, 12:23:22 PM
Love that dress. Loved it then...love it now.
Beware!! There's always some buck eejit who'll grab the zip and say "is that a real zip?" as he leaves you standing with your navel out. It happened to me twice with a zip front dress! Boys are stupid!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Francesca on June 08, 2017, 12:41:05 PM
Loving all these summer dresses!

I just bought a 4-pack of "comfort shorts" to wear under dresses so I can get away with bare legs in the summer.

I've only really got 3 summer dresses in my wardrobe though (one RTW and two sewn) so I really need to get on it.

In my queue I have plans for:

A jersey maxi and the same in a knee length
A chambray shirt dress
A shirred-waist dress with a chiffon overlay

Need to get cracking though before summer disappears!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on June 08, 2017, 12:43:36 PM
Disappears??!! It hasn't started here yet!! We had a lovely April and I put away my winter wear.....today I bought 2 lightweight jumpers....in June!!
Love all the dresses but am still convinced that I cannot wear anything that shows my legs  :D
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Francesca on June 08, 2017, 12:57:56 PM
There's still a good chance I won't have made all the above by the time September rolls around and it does indeed disappear!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 08, 2017, 14:30:45 PM
Kad, that dress is beautiful  :loveit:
I'll start the next one on Saturday, it's all cut out already...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 09, 2017, 23:30:12 PM
So I've just finished this, which is Love Notions  Rhapsody top. I hacked it into a dress and added an elasticated bloused waist and side seam pockets. The fabric is a gorgeous rayon challis I got from my favourite man in Spain. Just perfect for the summer heat - 33 here today, and I might have to make some more.

Why are my pictures from Dropbox always sideways - they don't start off like that, honest!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 10, 2017, 00:27:44 AM
Great dress Catllar, I hear you on the heat. Here it is 36C with 90% humidity, going outside is like going into a sauna  :'(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 10, 2017, 12:54:36 PM
It's the humidity that's the killer, isn't it? Today we're expected to pass 35 but there is a bit of a breeze so less humid. 0_0 Got a shindig in the village tonight - mussels cookout and bbq with music and dancing. Should be fun. Might wear this as won't show the splashes! On the other hand, won't do much to stop the midges biting after dark!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on June 10, 2017, 13:12:51 PM
Be careful what you wish for.....it's 15c, grey and wet here  :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 10, 2017, 13:51:59 PM
Another dress finished, this must be my all-time favourite print. Again Vogue 9112's neckline and collar put onto my TNT pattern. I tried a different version of an asymmetrical hem, just slanted to one side here, and of course pocketses  ;)



Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 10, 2017, 14:33:49 PM
Manuela!
That fabric is gorgeous, gorgeous, did I say gorgeous? :loveit:
Love the neckline and asymmetrical hem. I think I would die here in summer with that neckline, but I LOVE it! :loveit:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 10, 2017, 15:11:30 PM
There was a luncheon that I was attending last Thursday.
I wanted a new dress. So on Tuesday, using the Bootstrap app I designed a dress, printed the pattern taped it and cut the fabric.
 I started sewing on Wednesday. Plenty of time. Well everything, everything that could go wrong did.
 I inserted and reinserted an invisible zipper THREE times. I gave up and inserted a standard zipper.
 I had a weird toothache, a growing earache, and a tingly feeling in my skin. By the time the zipper was finally done it was early evening. I knocked off.
My Beloved, after 35 years knows not to ask what is wrong, nor suggest that I stop. But he did understand that a glass of wine on the terrace would be perfect.
 I was woozy all night, but not in misery. I awoke with the idea that I would finish the dress in the morning. I walked in to see my sewing room. It looked like a bomb had exploded.
I wore something else. Came home and collapsed. I spent yesterday mainly sleeping.
 Here is the dress so far. The ready made applique is only pinned on. I am adding applique to the back waist as well.
So after I clean up my sewing room this afternoon  and have a swim I will rest up so that  I can  finish it tomorrow.
I am not 30 anymore. I cannot make a dress in a day. I have to keep reminding myself!
(http://i.imgur.com/GZB74aT.jpg?2)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 10, 2017, 15:17:13 PM
I finished the 'play with stripes' dress to wear with the Cheshire cat shoes tomorrow. Wednesdays we teach a 4 hour Wearable Art session, my favourite day at work  :D
Manuela, Love the play with stripes. You have me thinking...
I love stripes. Stripes mean beach and summer to me.
And I live at the beach where it is summer most of the year! Love your dress!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 10, 2017, 15:19:13 PM
BajaSusana, I love the applique on your dress, it 's going to look gorgeous.
Sometimes we need to know when to stop sewing, sit down and have a glass of wine (preferably nicely chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc)  ;)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 10, 2017, 15:19:36 PM
Well Ploshy if he doesn't notice you in that he really is a tractor head ! It's a lovely dress and it really suits you! :)

L :vintage:
Ploshkin,
 A lovely summer dress. Nice lines, and accentuates your nice lines!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on June 10, 2017, 15:31:01 PM
Manuela that's lovely  the fabric looks like silk?
Susana love the appliques its going to look so smart ( hope you are feeling better)
Catllar gorgeous  loose cool perfect for a summer evening  ( only very slightly jealous )
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 11, 2017, 00:47:18 AM
Vegegrow, the fabric is an old Kenzo print (from some 15 years ago), a cotton twill with a little bit of Lycra. I bought LOTS of it  :devil: and used it alteady for a trench coat with removable sleeves and a duster. There are still about 1.5 yards left, probably for a dress after I've worn this to shreads.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: datcat23 on June 11, 2017, 03:52:34 AM
It dreary and cold right now, but I am dreaming of summer dresses. I made this last year and plan on making more.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7196/26932257526_edf9322568_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/H2URRG)Shirt waist dress - modelled (https://flic.kr/p/H2URRG) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr

It was a save from a Gertie disaster, using my singer plus work blouse front, back (to make a yoke), utilising the rest of the Gertie back, skirt and sleeves.  To me it proves that there is a dress style for everyone. You just need to find it.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 11, 2017, 04:03:49 AM
Yay datcat, good to see you here. I remember your struggle with that Gertie pattern, great save and the result is a beautiful dress that fits you well  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 11, 2017, 19:51:25 PM
Dat, I love your dress - suits you to a T.

Manuela are you very tall?? That funnel neck would drown me and I'm 165, so I  am guessing you must be tall and stately!  The fabric is lovely.

Susan, I feel your pain - I too should  stop now when it all starts to head south. Got a flamenco skirt  on the go at the minute - designing as I go due to lack of fabric, carried on too long and mis-cut a skirt piece, could not afford to lose this fabric. Much bad language :angry:, then I stopped and got in the pool to cool off! No wine as I'm trying to detox for a few days. Had a chilled rooibos with orange juice and then some aw broccoli and hummus -not the same though!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 12, 2017, 01:29:31 AM
Catllar, I'm 172  ;)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on June 12, 2017, 09:50:27 AM
DC, I love your dress, well saved!

I was hoping to be able to put my latest make on here today.  Unfortunately, it's on another thread for all the wrong reasons!  A great big permanent marker mark on the overblouse - and yes, it will show massively.  :'(

Looking for suggestions to remove it....  :'(

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Francesca on June 12, 2017, 09:59:37 AM
So I've just finished this, which is Love Notions  Rhapsody top. I hacked it into a dress and added an elasticated bloused waist and side seam pockets. The fabric is a gorgeous rayon challis I got from my favourite man in Spain. Just perfect for the summer heat - 33 here today, and I might have to make some more.

Why are my pictures from Dropbox always sideways - they don't start off like that, honest!

Lovely, mine was a disaster :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: datcat23 on June 12, 2017, 12:19:15 PM
DC, I love your dress, well saved!

I was hoping to be able to put my latest make on here today.  Unfortunately, it's on another thread for all the wrong reasons!  A great big permanent marker mark on the overblouse - and yes, it will show massively.  :'(

Looking for suggestions to remove it....  :'(

Jessie

Jessie ....... hand sanitiser.  It will remove permanent marker from your hands, and if the mark isn't set into the fabric, it will remove it from fabric. 
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on June 12, 2017, 12:43:08 PM
DC thank you, but unfortunately that was the first remedy I tried.  It didn't work, but it did smudge a little, mainly I think, because the fabric is 20+ years old - so it will be well set!

I'm going to keep trying though because I think it's the method which will cause least damage to the fabric.

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 12, 2017, 14:04:14 PM
DC, I love your dress, well saved!

I was hoping to be able to put my latest make on here today.  Unfortunately, it's on another thread for all the wrong reasons!  A great big permanent marker mark on the overblouse - and yes, it will show massively.  :'(

Looking for suggestions to remove it....  :'(

Jessie

Jessie, where exactly on the dress is the mark?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on June 12, 2017, 15:02:53 PM
Manuela, you did reply to my problem on the other thread, thank you for the advice.  I have been thinking about which repair would be the least 'in your face'. 

I intend to try the brake cleaner option (after trying it on a scrap of course), but if it doesn't work, I've had a look, and I think and applique may work.  At least it's at the back of the dress.  I have some of that stuff that you iron on, to apply appliques, so it's worth a shot.

Of all the problems I could have had with this dress, this was not one I was expecting!

It was actually shaping up quite nicely..... ;)

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 12, 2017, 15:23:12 PM
I finished another dress, again with a large collar - I only realised lately how much I like collars with some drama...

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on June 12, 2017, 15:47:26 PM
Mmmmmm, what lovely fabric!  Very dramatic.

Really love this one.

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on June 12, 2017, 19:31:25 PM
Someone gave me the Tilly & Buttons Cleo pattern.....so I made a pinafore with some lovely very lightweight linen/cotton mix fabric today...its loose, just the way I like it....going to make another one as it's quite comfy...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 13, 2017, 20:28:53 PM
Manuela it's the collar that does the job there, isn't it ? That and the gorgeously dramatic fabric. Simple dress shape needs nothing else!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on June 13, 2017, 21:19:17 PM
Manuela I love your dresses.... :loveit: ,,, I reckon I can count the times I wear a dress in a year on one hand... I live on a farm and  the only people I see on a day to day bases are DH, DD the post man and the van drivers from the delivery firms and I don't dress up for them  :ninja:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on June 13, 2017, 22:16:44 PM
Manuela, that fabric is just amazing!!! <3  <3  And I love your collars.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on June 14, 2017, 08:36:21 AM
Loving your dungadress Emma. Jeniffer Taylor is a big fan of those as is my bessy. Jeniffer Taylor...young and funky, my bessy...not so much!  :)
Yours is gorge. Nice tidy job.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 14, 2017, 13:00:06 PM
Great outfit Emma, I wish I could get away with wearing something like that  :loveit:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on June 15, 2017, 20:56:48 PM
Manuela that fabric is just awesome, don't you find high collars like that a bit warm for where you are though?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on June 15, 2017, 21:08:00 PM
DC, I love your dress, well saved!

I was hoping to be able to put my latest make on here today.  Unfortunately, it's on another thread for all the wrong reasons!  A great big permanent marker mark on the overblouse - and yes, it will show massively.  :'(

Looking for suggestions to remove it....  :'(

Jessie

Someone used a permanent marker on a dry board where I used to work, I managed to get it off with alcohol wipes. I don't know what the fabric is but if you try it, either try in an inconspicuous place or a scrap of leftover fabric just in case it makes the colour bleed.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 16, 2017, 15:31:05 PM
Manuela that fabric is just awesome, don't you find high collars like that a bit warm for where you are though?
No, not at all. The collars are made without interfacing, hence soft. They are also fairly wide at 70cm, so they basically just loosely 'frame' my face. Having worn mostly sheath dresses for the last few, I got bored of them and plain necklines. Thus I now really indulge making those loose fitting styles with different hem and collar shapes.

I made one more  :devil: (some more are planned, I fell in love with the collar of Vogue 1515)
This one is again featuring Vogue 9112's collar and a hemline similar to the picture of the pattern envelope of afore mentioned pattern. It'll look fab with my Cheshire Cat shoes too  :D



Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 20, 2017, 15:44:03 PM
I finally decided on the first garment to make from the denim lace, I bought quite a bit as I want to make a trench coat from it as well  :devil:
This time I used collar and neck gole of Vogue 1515 on my TNT pattern, I could have lengthened the Vogue top into a dress, but I'm happy with the fit I achieved with my pattern, so why change a winnig formula  ;)
I slanted the hem toward both side seams (a bit like the envelope picture of Vogue 9112) - I found quirky hem lines go well with flat shoes and sandals.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: dolcevita on June 20, 2017, 16:32:14 PM
My word, that's fabulous, Manuela.  Glamorous but somehow slightly Goth as well.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on June 20, 2017, 18:37:33 PM
You do have some amazing fabrics Manuela, I'm very envious.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on June 20, 2017, 18:47:31 PM
Manuela ... lovely again... do your work colleagues expect you to arrive in a new dress every week.. you can't save all these for a special occasion.. I'm envious of your chance to wear lovely things all the time  :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Tamnymore on June 20, 2017, 19:02:20 PM
Fab dresses and fab fabrics, Manuela.  :D
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on June 20, 2017, 19:35:08 PM
How do you manage to find such amazing fabrics?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 20, 2017, 23:18:40 PM
Thank you everybody  :D
My dresses are getting worn all the time, I work in the Textiles department in a secondary school - the perfect job for me, and the kids can see what possibilities are there once they mastered some basic skills. Many come after class to work on their own projects, and a number of girls want to make their own prom dresses next year.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Tamnymore on June 21, 2017, 07:16:18 AM
Lucky kids, having you to teach them! It's good if they learn these skills now.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 25, 2017, 12:28:19 PM
Surestitch  Living in Hong Kong, finding beautiful and reasonably priced fabric is really easy. I'm off to the fabric market with a pupil of mine on Tuesday....
When it comes to internet shopping, I love what Marcy Tilton and EmmaOneSock have to offer.

I finished another shirt dress, this time I incorporated the front placket into a pleat at the center front (a new thing for me), and really like that. I'll play around with stripes again next week, and do another version of that with pleat and seam.
I always wanted a gingham dress with a large (2"/5cm) check, so here it is  :D

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on June 25, 2017, 13:40:15 PM
My SIL is in the USA at the moment..... I think a little parcel from Marcy might just find its way into her suitcase!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 25, 2017, 14:15:36 PM
My SIL is in the USA at the moment..... I think a little parcel from Marcy might just find its way into her suitcase!
Good thinking  :)
Luckily there is no such thing as VAT in Hong Kong, hence we don't get slapped with those extra charges when getting things from overseas.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 25, 2017, 15:12:37 PM
Love the giant gingham - avoids the school dress look, takes it to another, more adult, level.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on June 25, 2017, 18:52:42 PM
Two toiles and it's ready to go.....how hard can it be to get a good fitting basic bodice!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 27, 2017, 11:38:21 AM
I finished another dress with the collar from Vogue 1515. The fabric is textured and partly see through, hence I lined it with Bermber rayon lining.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on June 27, 2017, 16:43:39 PM
Manuela - I am in awe at your speed at making these dresses and I love your attention to detail x
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on June 27, 2017, 18:22:14 PM
I've started a shirt dress from black broderie anglaise. Impossible to photograph - can see nothing. Humph! >:)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on June 27, 2017, 19:40:01 PM
My entry into the Pattern Review Sewing with Lace contest.
A Lutterloh slip dress with an animal print lace Tee dress from Pamela's Patterns.
https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/136905 (https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/136905) If you are a PR member your comments and when the time comes your VOYES are welcome.
(https://i.imgur.com/byB1I0g.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on June 27, 2017, 21:29:47 PM
I finished another dress with the collar from Vogue 1515. The fabric is textured and partly see through, hence I lined it with Bermber rayon lining.

Ok Manuela now I'm seriously getting concerned about the size of your wardrobe... and jealous about the contents.
Do you operate a one in one out system with these amazing frocks
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on June 27, 2017, 21:33:21 PM
That's a lovely top BS....will vote over on PR
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 27, 2017, 23:11:10 PM
BajaSusana great oufit  :loveit:

Vegegrow no need to worry  ;) Since I decided to chop my hair and go grey 3 years ago, I've been busy with a complete overhaul of my entire closet. I had long black hair before, hence my colouring changed completely. Then came the job change earlier this year, and my wardrobe needs changed as well, no need for 'corporate uniforms'. I actually enjoy the process, and love the idea of being able to 'dress in the dark' - having to get up at 5am when Mr Manuela is still sound asleep, it makes sense.
And.... I need to have another wardrobe in Thaland  :D
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: jen on June 28, 2017, 07:50:23 AM
Lovely dresses Manuela, I'm envious of your fabric opportunities. Like many others, I used to get silk from a seller in Hong Kong who has now retired. I pulled out a beautiful cornflower blue length of silk velvet bought from him a few years back and noticed that I only paid £7 a metre. Your check dress has given me an idea for a woven check silk, it's very effective and shows off the fabric beautifully.
 
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on June 28, 2017, 10:39:04 AM
Jen, good quality silk isn't cheap here either. That said, one of my students found a 2 yard length of 'grown up' pink silk sateen for £ 2.- at the Hawker's Bazaar   :)
I love the fact that they go fabric shopping on their own now. She started working on a summer dress today   :loveit:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 04, 2017, 01:30:51 AM
I finished another dress using a cotton sateen remnant I bought last year on sale from EmmaOneSock. I love the rather large scale print, it amlost screams: "It's summer!"  ;)
Collar and neck-hole:Vogue 9112
Pattern: my heavily amended version of Vogue 8772
Next up a shirt dress in striped rayon crinkle...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Stitches on July 04, 2017, 07:04:05 AM
My New dress I manged to squeeze in between orders .its a polyseter crepe .
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 04, 2017, 11:25:49 AM
Beautiful fabric, it hides the details though. The front looks very interesting, do you have a line drawing of the pattern.  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on July 04, 2017, 12:41:43 PM
Manuela... what a fabulous print  the yellow looks really summery... I've never worn yellow .. wrong skin tone
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 04, 2017, 13:41:05 PM
Manuela... what a fabulous print  the yellow looks really summery... I've never worn yellow .. wrong skin tone

Nowadays, I can only wear yellow when it is part of a print. The black, white and grey made it wearable for me. On the upside, pastel colours look good on me now, before I went grey they looked ridiculous on me.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 04, 2017, 14:06:24 PM
Manuela... what a fabulous print  the yellow looks really summery... I've never worn yellow .. wrong skin tone

I'm told there is a yellow for everybody - just have to find the correct shade. I avoid bright green- yellows I'm better with soft buttery yellow, but to be fair I don't wear it a lot in real life.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Stitches on July 04, 2017, 15:06:44 PM
 Manuela wrote
   Beautiful fabric, it hides the details though. The front looks very interesting, do you have a line drawing of the pattern.
Its a princess seam dress I used my dress block so I dont have any line drawings

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on July 04, 2017, 21:01:49 PM
It's done....just need some summer to wear it.. I think the newly finished rain coat is more appropriate
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 07:56:53 AM
Beautiful fabric, it hides the details though. The front looks very interesting, do you have a line drawing of the pattern.  :)
That's really pretty Stitches. I too was peering at your front  :| trying to figure out the detail. I love the fabric.
Oh how I wish I could make garments.   :(
Manuela....stunning as always. That is my style of dress; I'll send you my very peculiar measurements and give you a real challenge!  0_0  :ninja:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 05, 2017, 14:22:40 PM
It's done....just need some summer to wear it.. I think the newly finished rain coat is more appropriate

Cute dress, come over to Hong Kong - it's hot and humid here, more summer than you'd wish for  :devil:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Fabric Lover on July 06, 2017, 14:49:30 PM
All lovely dresses here - I think mm next make will be a summer dress but it is all finished!!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Emma2109 on July 07, 2017, 00:20:29 AM
I made this for my gorgeous and quirky best friend for her birthday....first attempt at sleeves...not my favourite thing to do, much prefer putting a zip in  -<

I got the fabric from Aliexpress...very pleased with it x
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on July 07, 2017, 06:04:23 AM
Ha! Love that. I've looked at flamingo fabric so many times and can't find an excuse to buy it. I will!  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 08, 2017, 15:53:46 PM
I made another shirt dress playing with stripes. The fabric is a rayon crinkle that feels like a breeze when worn, I wore it all day today and it felt sooooooo comfortable in the heat.
Button plackets incorporated into a center front pleat are my new favourite thing  ;)
I've tried to upload pictures several times, but can't seem to post a reply when doing that today. Hope to do that at some point later.

Edited to add pictures. Yay it finally worked
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 10, 2017, 18:12:33 PM
So do you remember my panels of stretch cotton sateen? I fiddled about with a maxi dress and decided I don't need any more so I made this" M6699. I altered it a bit in that I cut the skirt panels a bit more A-line to avoid cutting in to the panel overmuch, I moved the zipper to the side to avoid a back seam for same reason, got rid of the now superfluous kick pleat and ditched the pockets.  I found a teeny tiny bit of blue stretch sateen left from another job to make some piping but only had enough for the front.

The panel is from The Textile Centre.

Been a good girl and put this in the Gallery as well. Would like to know why the bloody things are always sideways when they come onto the post!?!?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 13, 2017, 14:51:08 PM
I had to make a pink dress (will probably do some more  :devil:) to go with my mew pair of pink Cheshire Cat shoes - some things just have to be done  ;)
The fabric is an ombre print cotton, used on the cross grain as the panels were too short as a dress otherwise. I lined it with pink Bemberg lining to make sure it's opaque.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 13, 2017, 20:44:25 PM
Manuela! Love the shoes, love the dress! i once bought shoes and made a dress to go with a Venetian glass bracelet that I received as a gift!
I just  finished this Lutterloh dress. I feel wonderful in it. Everyone says I look adorable in it, but this photo doesn't seem to convey the same image!
(http://i.imgur.com/Td88J4u.jpg)
Just to show that I do have a shape, I made this Pamela's Patterns Tank, same bra, same day same photographer!
(http://i.imgur.com/VfxuosG.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on July 13, 2017, 20:53:21 PM
Love the dress and shoes Manuela never seen Cheshire cat shoes before... :D
BajaSusana I prefer the neckline on the tshirt... perhaps its because it sits a fraction higher on the shoulder than the dress
but you should be pleased with both of them  :*
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on July 13, 2017, 21:00:06 PM
The dress is lovely... but the tank is making you smile!   0_0
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 14, 2017, 01:09:02 AM
BajaSusana, I love both outfits on you  :loveit: but also prefer the neckline on the top. You hit a sweet spot there, best to copy it as a keeper.

I pull a face like you in the dress when I ask Mr Manuela to take a picture of me. He, being a hobby landscape photographer would have me standing in the blistering Hong Kong heat for half an hour or more, in order to have the perfect background. By the time he has everything prepared to his satisfaction, I am hot/flustered/frustrated/cranky (choose or add suitable adjective) and look loke thunder. Given that Hong Kong is densely populated, crowd are starting to form to look at what's going on  :S

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 14, 2017, 16:12:55 PM
 0_0 0_0 0_0 0_0
Manuela, It has taken years to get the DH to  look for wrinkles, shadows and other  unflattering bits.
 Sometimes he is very patient, like with my current pants fitting journey. Others he just does not want to be bothered.
And yes when we are in town taking shots, people do stop and gawk, wondering if I am a celebrity that they should know!
 
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Stitches on July 15, 2017, 13:03:29 PM
My Shirtwaist dress wanted sleeves princess seam and elasticed waist with side pocket
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 15, 2017, 14:58:44 PM
Ohh, that looks great. Do I spot the use of selvedge as piping on the placket? Please tell  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 15, 2017, 15:57:53 PM
Stitches, a perfectly crisp and cool summer dress.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 15, 2017, 16:05:59 PM
''Tis is my next summer dress. The fabric is so lovely. I have had my eye on this Lutterloh pattern for years.
My version will not be thatbstraight, I have more waist definition being an hourglass.
 I am working out how to wear a bra under this. I have watched some videos, mainly by silly, skinny girls with tiny bumps for boob, cutting up their itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie  bras.
I am going to sacrifice a pink bra and turn it into a halter. I am also going to cover the strap with the same fabric.
 The back is a little looser and lower than I like, so I am making an elastic casing and adding self ties to the ends of the elastic. This will bring the back in c,over and higher. More to come.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jt0akxY.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: UttaRetch on July 15, 2017, 18:59:12 PM
Come on, Susan.   Sort out the underpinnings so that we can see the dress in action.  0_0
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 15, 2017, 22:15:20 PM
Some nice work there BS - I love the top on you too  and the print on your dress is gorgeous - looks like a batik but is it a rayon or viscose?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 16, 2017, 03:30:00 AM
I finished another 'have shoes, need to make dress' project, and wore it yesterday to the movies.
Collar and neck-hole again Vogue 9112.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: UttaRetch on July 16, 2017, 08:39:18 AM
Love the dress, although I never go sleeveless.  The fabric is lush and I recall someone on PatternReview having bought some of this and feeling really quite envious.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on July 16, 2017, 08:49:11 AM
Fabulous as usual....that has to be one of my favourite Marcy fabrics.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Stitches on July 16, 2017, 10:08:33 AM
Quote
Ohh, that looks great. Do I spot the use of selvedge as piping on the placket? Please tell
Yes its the selvedge .
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 18, 2017, 11:06:39 AM
Managed to get a not bad picture of my black broderie anglaise shirt dress :frock: McCalls 4769. I really, really like this dress - it fits well after my usual adjustment for the fact that I have no waist to speak of.  When I saw the fabric I already had this pattern in mind despite the fact that I hate sewing black. - go figure.. I flat lined the skirt half way down to decency level using more of the same fabric. I think this might become a TNT.     - Just received some gorgeous navy blue fine linen in the post today and it's now in the  wash ...............
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Missie on July 18, 2017, 11:58:00 AM
That is lovely C!  Really suits you.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 18, 2017, 13:02:18 PM
Ta!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on July 20, 2017, 17:49:56 PM
Latest summer dress.. Ottobre 2014
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 20, 2017, 17:54:49 PM
That's nice Ef. I see a black theme here!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on July 21, 2017, 09:19:59 AM
I bought some black last week, thought it would be good for trousers, but it's far too lightweight (it was double on the roll).  Wonder if a shirtdress is the answer?  I still haven't done the Bernina Shirtdress that's been threatened.

I'm so envious of all your lovely frocks.....

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Vegegrow on July 21, 2017, 21:13:06 PM
A quick first make from one the jersey's I bought in Birmingham.....   this ones from Barry's it was £1 a metre chopped up a Debenhams Mantaray top for the pattern which was a very useful comfortable top that faded really badly   lengthened it a bit and this was the result.. not bad for £2 .. well I'm pleased 0_0
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 22, 2017, 01:42:43 AM
Vegegrow, I love the colour  :loveit:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: b15erk on July 22, 2017, 08:43:28 AM
Veg, that's lovely!  Just shows, you don't have to spend a fortune on fabric.

Jessie
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on July 24, 2017, 16:28:44 PM
This was actually supposed to be a toile, but it quickly became clear that a) The 'proper' fabric would look terrible in this style and b) It was working - so I got the embroidery machine out! 

It was very difficult to photograph so that the embroidery at the hem could be seen - it has a shirt-shaped hem, with embroidered inserts at the sides - so it isn't hanging as well as it could.  It has better lines than the photograph shows!

It is a Lekala shirt pattern, lengthened (but only by a small amount!!) to take it below the knee, and with pockets added.  There was also supposed to be something else going on at the shoulders, but the instructions were weird, and I decided not to mess around as I already liked the way they looked.  I had to take the bust and waist in by a good 8 inches and the hips in by 4, and it is still very loose indeed.  I like a lot of ease, but I'm not keen on wearing a sack.

The second photo is a close up of one of the pockets.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Missie on July 24, 2017, 23:57:11 PM
Well my honig design garden party dress is finished:

(http://i.imgur.com/N8xSOEH.jpg)

I don't love it, but it is wearable.  It needs a bit of tweaking, but I'll wear it.......if summer ever appears again!

Scuse the rather ferocious face again.  I need to stop scowling at Little Miss or stop throwing the camera at her as we rush out the door!

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: elisep on July 25, 2017, 12:27:37 PM
I really like that dress, Missie. Off to search for that pattern now! I'm in the opposite hemisphere so it's winter now... but I'm already starting to think about my summer wardrobe!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Missie on July 25, 2017, 13:56:26 PM
I really like that dress, Missie. Off to search for that pattern now! I'm in the opposite hemisphere so it's winter now... but I'm already starting to think about my summer wardrobe!

Thank you Elise.  It's actually an all year round dress.  The pattern comes with sleeves (long and short) but I decided to go sleeveless.  I'm hoping to tweak it so that I can make a couple of winter dresses.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 25, 2017, 21:25:20 PM
Looks good! What's bothering you about it?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Missie on July 26, 2017, 07:48:27 AM
Looks good! What's bothering you about it?

Hmm, the fabric for one.  It's quite a departure from my normal thing.  I don't normally wear pattern (in fact, I don't often wear dresses but I'm trying to change that!) but  I loved it when I saw it and thought it would make a great dress.
 However, once made up, I wasn't sure.

I don't like the fit under my bust, it's too baggy, but I now think I know how to fix it and I need to redo the armhole, they are quite tight and mildly uncomfortable, which they weren't on the toile but that was very soft cotton and this is a bit more sturdy.  As I said, I don't love it, although love the pattern and am wanting to tweak it to make a couple of winter dresses, but I will wear it.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on July 26, 2017, 08:57:43 AM
I don't know you so I don't know your "normal" thing. When I looked at it I thought "I wish I could wear dresses like that". It's a lovely neckline and very neat armholes (you say uncomfortably neat but maybe you could fix that). The pattern isn't outrageous and I think it looks great.
Well done and good photo skills little miss.
I sooooooooooooo want to be able to dressmake.  :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Ploshkin on July 26, 2017, 10:55:04 AM
Quote
I sooooooooooooo want to be able to dressmake.  :(

Go on, you know you can.  If you can use a sewing machine you can dressmake.  Just start with something basic, without too much fitting, that you know will suit you, use a nice, stable fabric and don't be too ambitious.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on July 26, 2017, 11:10:32 AM
Go for it Wrenkins!  If we can, you  can.

Something like this (http://patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/index.php/made-to-measure-designer-sewing-patterns-tunic-with-long-back.html) is really easy.  The pattern can be customised to your measurements, so no grading; it's woven, so no stretchy jersey to deal with; the sleeves are dolman, so no setting in.  The cuffs on the sleeves look really good but are  sooo easy.

The instructions may not be clear enough, but there are plenty of people here who will talk you through every stage.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on July 26, 2017, 13:30:27 PM
Hmm, the fabric for one.  It's quite a departure from my normal thing.  I don't normally wear pattern (in fact, I don't often wear dresses but I'm trying to change that!) but  I loved it when I saw it and thought it would make a great dress.
 However, once made up, I wasn't sure.



It's  a big leap to dress AND pattern fabric but you wear them both well. I agree it looks a bit snug under the arm but you know what to do  to fix the next version. It's amazing how a different fabric can completely change the feel of a garment isn't it?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 26, 2017, 18:09:00 PM
Catllar! I love your classic black summer dress. I have a pattern  like that is on  my list of  "someday I'll make that!"

Manuela! Stop it, I am so jealous, I love the shoes and the fabric. LOVE the outfit.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on July 26, 2017, 18:18:20 PM
Here is my rayon batik looking summer dress. And Ms Congeniality a/k/a Utta Retch. I have figured out the "underpinnings.
 If you look closely you can see the covered bra strap at my neck.
This is another entry into the PR stash contest.
(http://i.imgur.com/SXpn2lW.jpg?1)

So here is the bra with the strap covered.
(http://i.imgur.com/I8AHOmI.jpg?1)

And here are my sandals. and Earrings. My daughter gave me the earrings for Christmas years ago. And then I found these sandals. The  white bead has faded from coral. Actually the sandals are about to be recycled. But they  go so well with these earrings and this dress!
(http://i.imgur.com/yLhMAxC.jpg?2)


Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on July 26, 2017, 22:12:54 PM
You see my thinking was...jersey/stretchy/easier cos if it doesn't fit you can still squeeze yourself in. No? I have a couple of (I think) very simple top patterns and fabric ready to go. I just need to brace myself.
Buck up sissypants!!!  :o
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on July 26, 2017, 22:36:00 PM
Yeah, c'mon, get to it!!   :P

I don't find jersey any harder than woven unless it's very slinky or stretchy, but a lot of people are scared of it.  The secret is to sew with it before anyone tells you it's a problem, but I might have spoiled that...  -<

As you say, jersey is more forgiving to wear, and it doesn't usually fray, so if you don't want to neaten your seams you don't have to.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 27, 2017, 00:01:04 AM
BajaSusana, what an absolutely brilliant idea, I love how you covered the bra straps  :loveit:
Goergeous looking dress as well...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 31, 2017, 00:49:55 AM
My latest dress is aperforeted denim (or denim eyelet) dress. I went with my usual TNT pattern, shaped the hem and addede a cowl. The cowl is cut on the bias, so the collar can be worn 2 ways.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Ploshkin on July 31, 2017, 12:48:30 PM
I like that holey denim.  Manuela, you must have made more dresses since coming on this forum than I've made in my entire life - and I started at the age of 8 !
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on July 31, 2017, 13:59:24 PM
Dresses are what I wear, especially in Hong Kong's hot and humid summer. I was also in for a change of style, combine that with the fact that I have time, thanks to the school holiday  :devil:
I'll be alot less productive when school statrs again, and I'll start with my year back at university in mid September. I'd better make the most of this holiday  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: fajita on August 03, 2017, 09:42:17 AM
http://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;pic=93

Half a day. So easy. 3 metres of fabric. Vogue 1410.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: tumblina on August 03, 2017, 13:29:37 PM
I really like that Fajita!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on August 07, 2017, 23:42:49 PM
I made another dress inspired by Chanel's latest resort collection  :)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: fajita on August 08, 2017, 00:45:03 AM
I love that green fabric. You've made another lovely dress.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on August 08, 2017, 20:14:52 PM
You make some fabulous stuff Manuela
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BrendaP on August 08, 2017, 23:03:07 PM
You see my thinking was...jersey/stretchy/easier cos if it doesn't fit you can still squeeze yourself in. No? I have a couple of (I think) very simple top patterns and fabric ready to go. I just need to brace myself.
Buck up sissypants!!!  :o

I used to shy away from anything stretchy before I got a decent overlocker, but with one t's a breeze! 0_0

The overlocker sews the seam and neatens the edges in one pass, but also a lot of patterns designed for stretch fabrics are pretty simple with minimum amount of shaping, often no darts, and rely on the stretch factor for fitting.

I made Vogue 9199 with princess seams yesterday.  It took longer to cut out than to sew it together!   
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on August 09, 2017, 09:21:06 AM
minimum amount of shaping, often no darts
That's what I'd thought. I also went for batwingy style sleeves and a cowl neckline. My bust is ridiculous!  :(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on August 10, 2017, 15:32:10 PM
Here is my rayon batik looking summer dress.

(http://i.imgur.com/I8AHOmI.jpg?1)


(http://i.imgur.com/yLhMAxC.jpg?2)

Love what you've done with that outfit, but just noticed your lovely metal palm tree!  If my metal Big Bird disappears I'll know where to find him! Kicking back under a palm tree in Mexico!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BajaSusana on August 12, 2017, 15:25:04 PM
Love what you've done with that outfit, but just noticed your lovely metal palm tree!  If my metal Big Bird disappears I'll know where to find him! Kicking back under a palm tree in Mexico!

This palm tree has been a lamp. It caught fire one night as a result of bad wiring. It has been in my bedroom. While we were building our present home, we rented a tiny place, and this guy was our Christmas tree.
Bugs hide in it, and birds hunt them. What a noisy bunch!
 Big Bird eh? I am sure my doggies would be interested in that!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on August 12, 2017, 23:13:28 PM
I made another dress using denim lave (let's just say I bought a lotof it  ;) ), the pattern is Vogue 1469.
Given that the fabric has less drape than the boucles, and the fact that I have very straight shoulders, I made a muslin and had to pinch out a shoulder dart at the neck hole. I pivoted the amount out, and now the V-neck sits nice and flat.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Efemera on August 13, 2017, 09:03:03 AM
Not made but altered.....what to do when you're pear shaped? buy two dresses, one a size 16 and the other a 22 and join them together. The dress had a waist seam which was easy to unpick, I just rejoined the 16 top to the 22 bottom using the existing clear elastic.
It's from Asda... cheap and cheerful.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on August 13, 2017, 10:00:22 AM
What a brilliant idea Efemera - simple but brilliant!  I will be looking out for such possibilities in the sales.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BrendaP on August 13, 2017, 16:55:14 PM
Brilliant idea - you just need to find someone who's a 22 on top and a 16 bottom!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: tumblina on August 20, 2017, 20:34:01 PM
I finally have some finished projects!

The first is inspired by the Charlie Caftan - I knew I'd never get the pattern shipped and made up before the weather turned, so I hacked BurdaStyle 05/2010 #103 "Ruched Dress" that I already owned to look similar. The Burda pattern has a waist seam which I left, because it was easier ;) and I just hand appliqued the front band on. The pattern also had the bias binding (which I swapped out knit binding for) flipped to the inside, but I liked how it looked so I left it out!

The second (McCall's 7092) is at least an 85% failure of fabric choice (I used cotton interlock with no spandex, and it was way too thick for the bodice) and perhaps a little on pattern design (the underlay and upper are both doubled to not have to finish the neck edges + pleating... I was massively impressed when my little Brother 1134D, with a little help pre-trimming the seam, managed to chew through all that!). I like how it looks on the pattern envelope, but if I try it again it's going to be with thinner fabric with more recovery, and I'm going to do single layers only!!! DH and I agreed this is getting relegated to nightgown status.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: toileandtrouble on August 20, 2017, 21:21:55 PM
Brilliant idea - you just need to find someone who's a 22 on top and a 16 bottom!
Close, so close. Could you make it front and back instead of top and bottom?
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on August 20, 2017, 23:02:09 PM
Tumblina, I love the neck line with the inserts of your second dress, too bad about the fabric, but at least you got a freat night gown this way.

I made another cocoon dress (Vouge 1469), this time in a double gauze cotton from Nani Iro. Perfect for the heat and humidity here.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: fajita on August 21, 2017, 00:13:11 AM
Lovely fabric. Lovely dress.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Lowena on August 21, 2017, 10:00:53 AM
Very nice Tumbli  :flower:
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Surest1tch on August 21, 2017, 20:48:26 PM
They are really nice Tumblina, I can't help wondering if the second one may be a bit warm for a nightie though.  I know it's creating work for you but do you think if you swapped the skirt parts over you may feel better about them?

Manuela you make me so jealous with the lovely fabrics you get hold of  :'(
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Catllar on August 21, 2017, 22:07:52 PM
Tumblina, I love the neck line with the inserts of your second dress, too bad about the fabric, but at least you got a freat night gown this way.

I made another cocoon dress (Vouge 1469), this time in a double gauze cotton from Nani Iro. Perfect for the heat and humidity here.

I love the Nano Iro double gauze fabrics - so easy to work with too.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Francesca on August 22, 2017, 08:57:41 AM
Brilliant idea - you just need to find someone who's a 22 on top and a 16 bottom!

I think I have a friend who is!  0_0 I think she wears a 32J cup.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: BrendaP on August 25, 2017, 17:16:30 PM
I have made McCalls 6438 (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/515182992/1990s-mccalls-6438-misses-shirt-dress?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_b-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=5098bd6c-c394-4865-8dc9-b4fc6d82e450&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlf_MBRDUARIsAD8Gj8CBZ8zO_CXS3l51VwQppRXdJ9S4GVl5te1qvNxdwXGR0OT57jQ2eycaAjXYEALw_wcB) - the pattern I bought from Efemera a few weeks ago - with a few modifications to the sleeves (and my usual lowering of the bust dart).

Pattern called for 1/2" shoulder pads so I sloped the shoulders down 1/2" and lowered the sleeve caps by 1/2" and the pattern pieces looked much better!  But made up there was still a wadge of excess fabric in the sleeve head so I just folded it out to make a properly fitting sleeve.

Other than that it's more or less as per pattern, except that with just the recommended two buttons the front gaped so I added another button and buttonhole between them.  Looks odd in the photo but the buttons are in a straight line!  Also I made a sash belt but didn't like it so bought one.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: wrenkins on August 25, 2017, 20:02:10 PM
Lovely Brenda. I love the fabric and I particularly love that style of dress. Nice wee detail on the sleevies too.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on August 26, 2017, 02:19:30 AM
Beautiful dress, love the colours on you.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on September 01, 2017, 00:45:04 AM
And now for something completely different. A few months ago StyleArc had their Cher Knit Dress as their freebe for the month when you ordered 3 patterns. I didn't look at it twice when it arrived.
So a few days ago I opened my 'don't know what to do with it' fabric drawer, and decided to make the aforementioned dress.
Cocoon shape, cowl neck, optional sleeves, bright pink flowers.... what's not to like  :D
It goes together quickly, so there will be a few solid colour versions...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Stitches on September 01, 2017, 06:50:41 AM
 A princess seam going into the shoulder made from my Sure fit dress kit I have a funeral to go to this pm
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Fabric Lover on September 01, 2017, 18:01:46 PM
I made Vogue 1250 some weeks ago, only just got round to taking photos. I used a yellow pointe knit that I got from Fabricland, really pleased with the way it handled. Don't ask me why it kook me so long to make it up, but it's so easy, I think there will be more! 
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: toileandtrouble on September 02, 2017, 20:24:09 PM
Very flattering. You sold it to me! 
Found a reference on the net and it is for all figure types and said to be quicker to sew than cut out, and unfortunately, out of print.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Sewbee on September 03, 2017, 12:49:20 PM
I finished another dress, again with a large collar - I only realised lately how much I like collars with some drama...

This dress is just gorgeous, Manuela. I adore the material pattern, too.

I would LOVE to wear dresses again. I am 65 and havent worn them for about ten years at which time I began to gain weight and lost my waist. I am more or less "straight down", perhaps a rectangle. From the side I have a big bust and a tummy. (Not so heavy at the top but busty). Thankfully, I am 5 ft 8 in tall. I have resorted to wearing trousers or jeans! I love to wear nice things and now that I am getting a new sewing machine I am rethinking the clothes I have and what to make.

I am not good at selecting patterns that flatter my present figure. I had a lovely figure and along with being tall could wear just about anything years ago. :(

I also have sloping shoulders and don't look good with raglan seams. I didn't have this problem years ago when I was slimmer.

Would be grateful for pattern suggestions or any other comments or suggestions.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Kad on September 03, 2017, 13:19:26 PM
Sewbee, some of the big 4 pattern companies, Vogue certainly, show symbols in their pattern books indicating which figure types are best suited to each design. I'm sure that the system isn't foolproof as us taller sewists, (I'm 5'11"), can often suit a design that others of similar size, but fewer inches,  wouldn't. Might be enough to give you confidence to choose though. Good luck!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Sewbee on September 03, 2017, 14:50:03 PM
Sewbee, some of the big 4 pattern companies, Vogue certainly, show symbols in their pattern books indicating which figure types are best suited to each design. I'm sure that the system isn't foolproof as us taller sewists, (I'm 5'11"), can often suit a design that others of similar size, but fewer inches,  wouldn't. Might be enough to give you confidence to choose though. Good luck!

Thank you. I didn't know that. I will have a look.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on September 03, 2017, 14:52:03 PM
Sewbee, I am 5'8" as well....
Try loose fitting shirt dresses with shirt tail hems (if you want to show some leg), semi-fitted shift dresses and cocoon dresses. As Kad said, the big 4 usually have little symbols on their epattern envelopes, recommending the pattern for certain body shapes.

Fabric Lover, what a beautiful dress, it looks lovely on you.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Sewbee on September 03, 2017, 15:52:35 PM
Sewbee, some of the big 4 pattern companies, Vogue certainly, show symbols in their pattern books indicating which figure types are best suited to each design. I'm sure that the system isn't foolproof as us taller sewists, (I'm 5'11"), can often suit a design that others of similar size, but fewer inches,  wouldn't. Might be enough to give you confidence to choose though. Good luck!

Thanks, Manuela.

You posted the link below earlier on and oddly enough I took a fancy to the shirt dress under the heading "flat Oxfords with dresses". I might just try to find a pattern like that because it drags the eye vertically.

https://youlookfab.com/2014/08/13/how-to-wear-dresses-with-flat-footwear/ (https://youlookfab.com/2014/08/13/how-to-wear-dresses-with-flat-footwear/)

Maybe CLD or Style Arc has a similar design.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Sewbee on September 03, 2017, 16:03:35 PM
I just found this at Style Arc
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on September 03, 2017, 16:13:34 PM
Have a look at the Blaire Dress pattern too   :)

(https://www.stylearc.com/wp-content/uploads/BLAIR-SHIRT-DRESS.jpg)
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Sewbee on September 03, 2017, 17:00:44 PM
That IS nice, Manuela. I will add that to my shopping cart. I just have to write to Style Arc to find out what sizes to buy for top and bottom.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Fabric Lover on September 03, 2017, 21:18:22 PM
Sewbee, I am 5'8" as well....
Fabric Lover, what a beautiful dress, it looks lovely on you.
Thank you so much Manuela.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 06, 2017, 16:59:51 PM
So, it's September, and now I decide to make a dress - or two, or they may just be tunic tops...
Vogue 9112 has been teasing me for a while, so much so that I've bought some material today.  It doesn't call for stretch, but I can't bear struggling in and out of clothes, so I got some white stretchy seersucker  - and some stretch denim with a diamond pattern - and some (expensive!) cottony stretchy gorgeous blue Gutterman fabric - and some black and khaki jersey.  I may have over-shopped...
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on September 06, 2017, 17:43:16 PM
I have that diamond patterned denim!  It's lovely stuff - mine turned into a skirt.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 06, 2017, 18:20:30 PM
I have that diamond patterned denim!  It's lovely stuff - mine turned into a skirt.
Does it soften up a bit?  It's quite stiff.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on September 06, 2017, 19:24:00 PM
I haven't washed it since I made it, and I can't remember whether I washed it before making it.  I wouldn't call it stiff exactly, but it definitely isn't drapey.  It would be nice for a dress, but it would have to be fairly fitted.

PS  I'd have bought more if there had been any left when I went back.
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 08, 2017, 14:07:31 PM
Vogue 9112 is going reasonably well, I thought there were a lot of pattern pieces when I was cutting them out, I think I had duplicates of three pieces!
I've had to take in around two inches either side below the armholes as it was huge.  I'm not keen on the neck hole being quite so wide either.  I've ordered another (half-price!) pattern to cut a size smaller for the next one, and I will also make the neck narrower.  I'd also like to shorten it, so it's more wearable over jeans/trousers, but with all those panels, I'll have to have a good think about where to do that.  This fabric is a lovely seersucker that only cost a total of £10, but it's white and sleeveless, so I'm not sure how I will wear it now it's (almost) autumn.  I may also have to find a slip to wear under it, being white, but my thoughts are tending more to a white t-shirt and denim leggings/jeggings (both on order!)  I still need to do the hem, arm holes and maybe re-shape them a little, and of course press it. 
All in all though, I love it!  I didn't before I took it in though!
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Manuela on September 08, 2017, 15:41:40 PM
Bodgeitandscarper, interesting how different our preferences are - neckhole and collar were the only things I liked about Vogue 9112. I muslined the pattern, and it looked like a sad sack on me. I ended up using neckhole shape and collar with my TNT dress pattern  :)
I like the dress in you, hated it on me.

Summer is still going strong in Hong Kong (and usually lasts wel into October), so I made another floral dress... with a slanted hem and 2-way collar.
The fabric is a cotton sateen I found at the local Hawker's Bazaar in Hong Kong's fabric heaven called Sham Shui Po.

Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 08, 2017, 17:20:44 PM
The finished dress - I'm hoping making a smaller size will make the armholes sit better as well.  They are not in the right place really (almost off my shoulders), but it's wearable  - and I do like it, but have no idea when I could wear it!

Edit: Just wanted to point out I am wearing dark shorts underneath it, not huge knickers  :S 0_0
Title: Re: Summer dresses - share what you make/made
Post by: Acorn on September 08, 2017, 17:45:44 PM
I like that Bodge - it's crying out for a long hot summer day though...

Seersucker is a great material (other than the 1970's tablecloth version).