Friday, April 11, 2014

Finished Project: Floral Anna

Remember last June, when I participated in Kerry's Spring Sewing Swap? Lucinda of SewWrong sent me the best sewing goodies, one of which was this amazing blue floral rayon fabric. I've finally found the perfect project for it, the Anna dress from By Hand London (have you seen their Kickstarter? They're SO close!).



I'm loving the elegant 1940s feel of this dress in flowy rayon, with the cute kimono sleeves and pleated bodice. It was a breeze to sew (BHL calls it a beginner pattern), though not necessarily the quickest of projects due to all of the seams in the paneled skirt. I used French seams for everything and, after stitching up the entire dress, decided the bodice needed taking in by about half an inch on each side. 

Other than that little tweak, I didn't change anything. I even went ahead and used the facings prescribed by the pattern instead of making my own (beloved) bias tape to face the neckline.  The fit on this baby is pretty great (thank you, indie patterns) and I definitely recommend this pattern (just keep in mind that a drapey fabric is pretty essential for the skirt to look right). I might try pairing the bodice in a stiffer fabric with a gathered full or shorter straight skirt -- there are almost endless possibilities with this one!

Thanks Lucinda for the beautiful fabric, and BHL for making this awesome pattern! Have any of you sewn it up yet, or am I truly the last sewing blogger on the internet to give it a try? 

16 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! I love that fabric, it is perfect for Anna.

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  2. Beautiful. Such a pretty dress.
    I love your idea of pairing stiffer fabric for the bodice with a flowy skirt - that would look so nice!

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  3. Ohhhh this turned out beautifully!! The fabric is perfect for this dress, I'm so glad you love it!

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  4. Fabulous version, it looks great on you! You're right, the combination of the rayon fabric and this pattern do give an elegant '40's look. Beautiful! x

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  5. This looks so pretty on you!

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  6. I love that floral prints are finally making a comeback. Your dress shows why more women should try wear them. It is a real beauty!

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  7. It looks great, lovely fabric for it! I've made one Anna, and in the middle of some pattern adjustments to get the fit right for my second (and probably third!)

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  8. This is really pretty! I love it. I'm guilty of not using drapey fabric. I think I should because it looks really pretty!

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    1. Get on the drapey fabric train, Kathy! I'm thinking of an emery in rayon, too. You should try one!

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  9. Really gorgeous! I love the combination of the fabric and pattern!

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  10. Your Anna is gorgeous!! You're so lucky you had almost no adjustments to make. Mine was a nightmare, but a great learning experience :) BEAUTIFUL fabric choice x

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  11. It's so lovely! The fabric is perfect, and the style looks marvelous on you :) Love that 2nd to last photo of you especially!

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    1. Thank you, Meg! I'm totally in love with your Anna dress. :)

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