| Turquoise Taylor Dress from FredFlare.com, pictured on the one and only Taylor Swift |
I saw this dress for sale on FredFlare.com (before I'd even found ModCloth.com, gasp!), and was instantly drawn to the cute, retro silhouette, that easily translated into a very wearable modern outfit. I eventually pinned it (yes, this was before I'd discovered Pinterest) to my sewing inspiration board, and there the inspiration languished for quite some time. I had a lightweight cotton blend in my fabric stash that was approximately the right color, but I always seemed to be just a little bit more inspired by other projects to make this one happen.
Well, finally, a few weeks ago, I just went for it and cut this dress out, using New Look 6723. It has the similar neckline and princess seamed bodice, as well as a medium-full gathered skirt. I even had a recently-thrifted teal vintage zipper in dress length, so it' really seemed like the time was right! Here's how my version turned out.
I'd sewn this up with the idea that I could wear it to an upcoming wedding, but now that it's completed, I think the fabric is too casual and every-day for that, even though the neckline is a bit more interesting and could be seen as more formal.
Things I'd do next time when making this dress are:
- Omit the curves from the neckline and go for straight lines, more like the inspiration photo
- If I do keep the curved neckline, actually try when understitching the lining, so it doesn't look irregular & wobbly
- Cut a size smaller in the bodice so the princess seam lines actually fall where they should
- Take a half inch off the shoulders where the front & back pieces meet, and smooth out the transition there, better - I'd had to chop some off of the already finished seam there and it looks a little weird.
All in all, this dress is definitely not my best work, but it's very wearable and I'm ok with it! Mainly, just glad it's finished. I have already managed to wear it for Me-Made-May, so you'll see another photo soon. :)
I have that pattern, but every time I start going through my patterns to see which one I want to make up, I end up passing it over. The cover art isn't as inspiring as it could be maybe. I like your version though. It seems to show the pattern to better advantage than the envelope does.
ReplyDeleteI always managed to feel the same way! The envelope itself is uninspiring... it helps to have something specific in mind first. :)
DeleteSo pretty! I'm going looking for that pattern!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blue! This is a total summer frock and a great first attempt at the fabulous Fred Flare frock!
ReplyDeleteLooks great, and as always, I want to see it on! Love the colour :D
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous colour and the neckline detail is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I love it and the inspiration dress!
ReplyDeleteoooh tis so cute:) love it
ReplyDeletebeautiful! i love the neckline, and that color is just so summery!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! The neckline is A - Ma - Zing ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha, "Actually try when understitching." Story of my life! I love the dress. It looks great on you, and the color is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete