Monday, August 5, 2013

Red Tulips







Anyone know a 13 yr old girl who could give me lessons in taking selfies? Or not. My "photographers" are MIA right now, so I had to dig out the tripod and give it a go. I failed miserably. I cut my head off, was out of focus, I forgot to take my sunnies off or I just plain forgot to smile! I worked myself into a lather of sweat and so these pics will just have to do. 

Now on to the dress... I bought this fabric at a thrift store! Can you believe that?!! Who gives away a lovely gem like this and I wonder what plans they may have once had for it? I love the color and the print, it feels very "me"and I love red tulips! I think that it is a silk shantung. I only had a meter and a half of this fabric so my pattern choices were limited. Anytime I have a shortage of fabric, I pick a pattern with more and smaller pieces, giving me the ability to play "puzzle" with them on my fabric. I thought that Newlook 6774 would fit the bill. And it did.



My Review: 

Pattern: Newlook 6774

Fabric used: Silk shantung that I thrifted!

Instructions: Were clear and straightforward.

Changes I made: I lined the skirt portion of this dress in addition to the bodice. I hand stitched the crossover part of the bodice to prevent gaping. Instead of using the fabric tabs on the straps of this dress, I choose to pleat and hand stitch them in place with tiny, invisible stitches. I also added inseam side pockets. Of course!

Repeat worthy?  I recommend this pattern but I'll probably move on to another...


After my selfies didn't go so well, I put the dress on my form and lugged her outside for better pictures. What my neighbors must think!


Here is a close up of the pleating that I added to the straps. I am so pleased with my hand stitching here and I love the shaping it gave the dress.




I remembered to get a back view!




Here is the one picture that my head wasn't cut off AND I smiled. Still blurry... but I'm smiling.


18 comments:

  1. Lovely dress! I like the pleats you added to the straps. Selfies can be difficult, I have a remote control that helps a lot, but I always feel like a goof taking pictures of myself.

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  2. Oh beautiful. I love love the fabric. I always adore your fabric choices. The bodice on this dress is gorgeous and the pleating on the straps just make it. As for photos I use a tripod too as I have no one to take pics. I used to always get them blurry but I got the hang of it after a couple of Me-Made-Mays. I focus on a wall or a bush and then stand right in front or sometimes I put a stool or something where I want to stand to focus on and then run and push the prop out of the camera range and stand in its place. I am sure it looks totally ridiculous as I run about like a mad woman but my neighbours can't see into the back yard thank goodness. The things we do to document our makes...

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  3. I have that problem with all my shots. I'm out of focus and everything else is in focus. Great dress. What a thrift store find that fabric was! I adore your little hand stitched pleats.

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    1. Thanks Kristy, I get very lucky at the thrift store. As my kids get older, they aren't home as much to take pics for me. I may have to invest in a remote...

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  4. What a gorgeous fresh summer dress. Great find at the thrift store. :)

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  5. May I ask where you found the fabric for MMM Day 27 Graphic Design dress? Do you buy most of your fabric in NS or on line?
    Thank you and I am enjoying your wonderful blog. :)
    Almeda

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    1. Hi Almeda, I found that fabric at Fabricville. It was 97% cotton and 3% spandex. The name on the bolt was Telio&Cie Harlequin Prt. Good luck finding it! No I don't buy anything online yet...I think I am missing out on some great finds though. Thanks for your lovely comments!

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    2. Amelda,
      I was just at Fabricville in Bayers Rd today...getting buttons...because I am on a fabric buying ban..boo. Anywaaaays, the fabric you are looking for is still there! And right now it is on sale for buy one meter get two free!!!! That's a great deal.

      I would love if you sent me a pic of your make with it and I can even show it off here on the blog if you would like!

      Ready set sew!
      Margo

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    3. Thanks Margo! :)

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  6. GASP! Who does give away fabric like that? I'd be stroking it and calling it precious. Beautiful dress, I really like the faux wrap and pleats on the straps.

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    1. I know right!!! I was so enamored with it that it took me forever to cut it!! Thanks Heather!

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  7. Lovely dress! The fabric is so pretty... Yes, very you!
    And don´t worry about the pics: they are artistic! ;)

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  8. Wow what a great thrift store score!! Turned into such a beautiful dress!

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  9. Beautiful as always, despite the lack of photographers in your area.
    I really like your shoulder treatment, it really adds a sophisticated look to your dress.

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