New and Exciting Sewing Project!!

Yesterday Jim and I were invited to a charity gala event on April 24th, and immediately I thought, Great! Now I can make a new dress for it!

So after looking at some patterns online and those I had in my stash, I've decided on this one (muslin permitting, LOL).

I actually want to make it in a very similar color/fabric as what's shown - I'm thinking a silvery gray dupioni silk. This is what the line drawing and pattern envelope look like - the skirt part of the dress looks very (too) full in the drawing on the pattern envelope but only nicely and manageably full on the model, and I'd prefer it to look as it does on the model.

I think it will work on my shape. I do well with anything that wraps around the body as this does. I'm going to muslin it in the next few days. It actually doesn't look that difficult to sew, either, after looking at the fairly minimal number of pattern pieces and pretty easy instructions.

The funny part is, I told Jim that I was going to make my dress and he immediately said, "Would you be able to make me a matching vest?" He has a tux but he usually buys or rents vests and bow ties to match my outfits when we dress up. I hadn't even thought of it, but I think it will be fun to just buy extra fabric from my dress (especially as I plan to go with a silvery gray, which looks good on Jim) and make him a vest. I am going to muslin the 36 of this pattern for him to try on. He is a pretty standard height and proportions so it should be easy!

Comments

[Zonda]

That is a beautiful dress, hoping it works out well for you! Making Jim a matching vest is a great idea too :)

[Susan - Knitters Delight]

What a fabulous idea. Can't wait to see how the silver gray vest. Also, what is the pattern for that dress? I am in love and need to add it to my pattern wish list asap. lol

[Debby]

I am completely envious -- a charity ball and a stunning dress. I think it's so cool that you can make Jim a vest to match! Hopefully you can take pictures at the event so we can see both of you there!

[Monique]

That is beautiful!

[kozykitty]

Robin--I've made that dress twice. You might want to check my pattern review for the red silk one for some fitting issues. I showed the way the pattern had to be altered. It tends to gap at the neckline and armhole which I found from reading a log ot the reviews. If I remember correctly, I put photos of the pattern alterations. There is a shorter blog post about it here: http://kozykitty.blogspot.com/2009/06/you-deserve-break-today.html.
It's a great dress and one of my favorites. One suggestion --I would use rayon lining in the bodice rather than the fashion fabric which is what the pattern has you do--especially if you are using Dupionni (which is what I used as well). You'll love the dress!

[Jenny]

Awesome idea, Jim! A friend of my mom made most of my prom dresses & she would always make the guy the matching tie & cummerbund. I was very concerned about matching EXACTLY back then.

[kozykitty]

Oops! Wrong blog post! Try this one:
http://kozykitty.blogspot.com/2009/06/fashion-911.html
Also--the skirt is a full circle. It is very full and I worried about that which is why I made a muslin that included the skirt as well. I was pleasantly surprised that it hangs nicely and doesn't look as full as I thought it would.

[Elizabeth]

Beautiful dress and I think silver dupioni would look stunning on you. too bad you just gave away all those other dresses. Can't wait to see you make it up!

[Michelle]

Awesome! Love the dress and color will be stunning..Jim's vest will be great too!

[Andrea]

I can't wait to see you make that gown up. I actually have that pattern in my stash. That looks like a great pattern you are making up for Jim. He's going to love it!!

[Carol]

OOOH! Pretty! can't wait to see.

[Heather R]

Great dress. Love to see how it comes out. Does that tie in the back?

[Jenni]

This is gorgeous! I can't wait to see it all finished!

[Judy G.]

You will be the belle of the ball! Incidentally, the skirt on the dress would probably look really full on you too, if only you had a 16 inch waist like in the line drawing...

[bettyc]

You know, that dress would great with that capelet shown on the latest Vogue Knitting cover.

[Sally]

You will look stunning in that! You look great, BTW! I love making special things like that, but it has been forever since I've needed anything special. :( Can't wait to see your version. Will you be knitting a sparkly, special shrug or something to go with it? ;)