Sunday, January 3, 2010

And the first frock

I haven't made a frock for about ten years, probably because long zippers scare the bejeebers out of me. Yes I am aware of the fact I have made hundreds of zippered pouches (and three skirts), but they use 8 inch zips and a dress uses a 24 inch one. I get a bit "Hold me, I'm scared" and sweaty all at the same time when faced with the task. This dress did not disappoint in the scary zipper department.

Dress #1

The zipper mainly got scary because I used a cotton fabric which had a touch of elastane. Elastane is stretchy and that gets scary when the fabric wants to go in different directions when sewing on a zipper. It all turned out OK though, because once I'd removed the basting stitches in the zipper opening, I ironed it really well (one of the reasons I only use cotton thread is that it doesn't melt when you are getting fierce with the iron). Result = good looking zip. Not perfect, but I don't do perfect so that's OK.

I used the Burda 8379 pattern for the first time ever. It looks pretty much like the photo indicates it will, however the measurements were off and instead of the hips having 3 inches of ease, I had to let a lot of seam out of the waist and hips just so it would fit nicely. I love the vintage look of the pattern - the sweetheart neckline and wide shoulders and self sleeve have that 1950s house dress look, but without the waistband. I'm going to make it again, but I might make the waist and hips a size bigger, and the neckline a size smaller. I'd also like to experiment with thin sashing on the waist.

Fabric of dress

I bought the fabric in Cabramatta a few years ago when I went to Sydney on a TASDA trip. It was $2 a metre at one of those crazy indoor/outdoor fabric shops where you wave to the Vietnamese man from the outside of the store and he comes out with a one metre ruler and cuts the fabric straight from the bolt and takes your money. Sure beats standing in the queue at Spotlight.

And while we're on the topic of dresses, did anyone else spot the fab dress Therese Rein was wearing the other day at the reception for the cricketers at Kirribilli House? It was so very Betty Draper.

theresereindress theresereindress2
(Images from Getty Images)

Now - what to sew next? I still have two and a half days of staycation, heaps of fabric and another day or so until the Tessuti shipment arrives. A blouse? Another skirt? Or perhaps I should just go and watch the tennis...

18 comments:

  1. That dress looks great. I love simplicity and yet with the fabric and cut it has enough going on to be really stylish. And yes, Therese Rein's dress - I approve.

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  2. Another gorgeous creation Michelle. I really like your idea of adding sashing next time. It looks nice and cool and comfy!

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  3. Lovely frock!! Suits you so well. I think you definitely should make another one, immediately!

    I am still amazed that I made two dresses (definitely dresses - like a shift dress, not frocks!) with very long zippers when I was at uni. These days, I'd have NO IDEA how to put in a zip. Ah, the ingnorance/bravery of youth!

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  4. The dress looks lovely. Great fabric and the style really suits you.

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  5. Fabulous dress :) I've been liking your skirts too!

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  6. That dress is great , love the fabric .

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  7. Gorgeous Michelle, you'll rock that dress. You can't fail in red, although, Terese should have left that dress to Betty. My husband bought me Mad Men for Christmas, seasons 1 & 2, i am blown away. Trying to see the fashion & decor through the smoke haze. Love your work, brave girl too, that's a looooong zip to hyperventilate over!! Love Posie

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  8. fantastic frock, great effort, obviously conquered the zipper

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  9. Pretty dress - love the fabric too.

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  10. Love that dress! I want one too ;)

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  11. What a pretty dress! Looks great on you as well. You're very talented.

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  12. That Burda is lovely - it looks great on you. Love the fabric and the beautiful neckline.

    (The very first zipper I ever inserted was in stretch poplin, where I had cut with the stretch going lengthwise. It was not a very good zipper experience!!)

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  13. Excellent dressmaking skills there. 24 inches of zip...be still my stuttering heart!! My Wedding dress was laced with ribbon up the back so that I didn't have to put a zip in hehehehe ;-)

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  14. Lovely! It really suits you Michelle!

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  15. Oh! I love your frock! You are inspiring me something fierce! I'll have to get some zipper tips from you - they still scare me.

    And I love so many of Ms Rein's dresses - I've seen a few photos of her in gorgeous 50s style frocks. Now, if only I had the figure for a cinch-waisted full-skirted dress....

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  16. i love this dude - you are on such a roll with your gorgeous sewing! =) xo

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  17. Oh yes please, Michelle i'd love to borrow that book you suggested, when will i see you again . . . love Posie

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  18. How gorgeous - I've been dreaming of frocks and skirts - have the patterns/material and bits but not the motivation or childfree time necessary - I will try harder - you have been so busy that you inspire me!

    I second rosered - another frock immediately!

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