Tuesday 8 May 2012

Ikea in the Rain



 She's done and as predicted by my choice of sewing - it rained, and the wind blew and it was cold. So much for a summer dress!
















First I put on an old Mac of DH but it hid too much of the dress.


Then I brought the brolly out.

During construction I lengthened the sleeves to elbow length instead of the tiny cap sleeves in the pattern. This meant cutting and fitting longer underarm gussets too - definitely the hardest thing in making this dress.




Then I abandoned the brolly because the wind blew it about and I was freezing and the pictures were blurry, so we moved indoors like sensible people. By sheer happenstance all the colours are at the front of the dress - the back is positively plain by comparison. but there there exists a certain symmetry on each side: the flower at left shoulder is the same at the left hemline.



The underarm gussets are no where near perfect but a lot better than first time around. I eventually managed to get most of the wrinkles out of the gusset insertion points but they aren't points. If I make this again I think I might just resort to putting regular sleeves in. I ended up taking my own advice here

The bodice has a pleated mock wrap effect that is surprisingly secure and comfortable with no gapping at all. The pattern called for a grosgrain waist stay inside the dress (that's the vintage touch) but my middle aged tummy likes comfort so I opted for elastic and it works just as well.

 There's a lapped side zip and matching pull through belt and  I don't think it needs a flouncy petticoat, my hips do the job very well instead.









Now - sunshine please!















Thanks for reading. Ruth


25 comments:

  1. Look at you! You look very pretty with the brolly in the rain :) I can tell the style perfectly suit you.

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    1. Thank you Jun, for once I was girly.

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  2. fabulous I too want sunshine next week please

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    1. I'll stop making summer clothes - that might help. Hope you have a great day.

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  3. The Dress is great. I know the fabric from ikea since a log time. Lo and behold! You can make a dress with it! You did a very good job.
    Mema

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    1. Yes, Mema I guess that's why it was on sale - it's old stock. But still usable.

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  4. I am crushing big time on this dress! I love it!!! I want it! Perfect fabric on perfect you!

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    1. That's sweet but I really do prefer jeans and a baggy shirt. That's when I'm most comfortable. I have to hold my tummy in when I wear frocks, and not swear or drink beer from the bottle! LOL

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  5. Just oozing with style and personality! Fabulous!!

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  6. Love it, the colors and stunning fit, all wonderful!

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    1. This dress required the minimal amount of alteration - it's practically made exactly as the paper pattern - What luck!

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  7. Wow, it looks great! I love the pleating on the bodice. I have the exact same fabric sitting in my stash, been wondering if I should get rid of, lol, not anymore though!

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    1. No, make yourself something - the fabric makes you happy

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  8. Your dress is fabulous. The fabric is sensational.

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    1. It is a very loud and big print - but what the heck. Try it and see.

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  9. Genius! Daring! A huge success.

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    1. Yep, believe me, it's daring for me who likes plain and little prints on the whole but I'm learning to expand my colour palette.

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  10. Wow, this dress is a knockout! Love the neckline and the belt. And the fabric....a breath of Spring!

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    1. And not a basting stitch....only pins!

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  11. a lovely dress !!!

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  12. Merci. J'aime votre rouge pantalons - tres chic.

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  13. That's IKEA fabric? Where can I find that in...the shower curtain section? Bed sheets? Tell me please.

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  14. Your dress is so lovely! And I like your sleeves, much better balance, I think, with the dress than the cap sleeves would have been. Fab fabric. Happy summer!

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  15. What a perfect fabric for a lovely result - Ikea? Who knew?

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