STYLISH DRESS BOOK 3 : DRESS 'W'
The one textile that I picked up when we went to Brimfield a few weeks ago was a vintage swatch of navy lace. I specifically was looking for something to go with this navy Anna Maria Horner ‘Good Folks‘ fabric for the yoke of a dress. When I found this swatch, I couldn’t believe how perfect it was. I have never seen a ‘plaid’-looking lace like this, but it certainly echoes the diamond pattern of the fabric. This particular vendor had lots of lovely lace swatches, but they were a bit pricey and so I decided to just get this one.
The pattern is the first that I’ve made from Stylish Dress Book 3. It is a slight variation on Dress ‘W’. Rather than create a separate skirt, I simply extended the bodice to make a short shift. I’ve been wanting to try doing a lace yoke on a dress for a while, I was a bit worried about sewing it and whether it would hold properly since the holes are rather large in between the lacey bits. I serged all the edges of the lace when I serged the rest of the pieces for the dress. I thought this would help to give it a bit more stability. The sewing was easier than I thought it would be. I was extra careful when attaching the bias tape around the neck since you can see through the lace to the underside of the bias tape. I think it turned out really well. I really like the little gathered sleeves on this pattern.
My special pocket detail this time used the fuschia Heather Ross mermaid fabric. Surprisingly, I haven’t used any of this fabric before and now I’m a bit sad that I didn’t have the foresight to stash a bit more of it away for myself. Oh well. I did just order the ENTIRE new Heather Ross Far Far Away 2 collection for the shop and I won’t make that mistake again.
Navy is where it’s at right now. I have another navy dress that I’m trying to finish off. (that’s 3 navy dresses in a row!) It has a super cute detail that I’m excited to show you!
24 comments
wow! great dress. i love the idea of using lace, it’s gorgeous. the shift style is beautiful, too. i’ve been dying to make myself a shift dress for summer, i’m going to check out this book!
Great way to alter the pattern. I was not into ‘w’ at all when I picked up the book but I really like your variation. The lace yolk is beautiful.
Beautiful job with the lace! Other tips for sewing with lace: use spray starch to stiffen the lace before sewing or sandwich the lace between pieces of water soluble stabilizer while you sew the seams.
Jaw-droppingly pretty! I always thought that that print was a bit too crazy for garment sewing, but I’m rather envious right now. Amazing!
adorable!
this is stunning! what a fantastic use of lace.
as always you are inspiring
xo
that dress is super cute! (So was the one you were wearing on Sunday!)
Gorgeous lace!!! So beautiful and what a unique find. I am so jealous, wishing I had a Brimfield near me… enjoy your gorgeous dress!
The dress looks adorable! I love lace but never knew how to sew them on properly.
Lovely dress again! I have a piece of that in my stash too, wish it was big enough for a dress! I was thinking a bag, but now that I see your dress, maybe I’ll make a top. Thanks so much for all your inspiring work. I hope to visit the workroom again this fall, can’t wait!
Cheers,
Georgi
Amazing dress Karyn! Looks fantastic on you 🙂
that’s really cute! i love that added bit at the top. gives it even more pizazz.
another pretty dress. hell!! i would love to come into your workroom so you could show me how to sew so fabulous. the blue lace is such a beautiful detail. yesterday i sewed my first piece of clothing ever (for a baby though) and i was careful with the bias tape, too! 🙂 will have to practice more to sew my own dress.
That dress is beautiful! Perhaps you could start mass producing these creations for the rest of us?
Have to say I am on the edge of my seat for Far Far Away II!
How are you this cute and talented!?
Oh Karyn, this is amazing!!
Oh that plaid lace is such a special detail, the dress look lovely on you.
That dress is absolutely stunning Karyn!
wow! it is suuuuuper cute. great job.
wow, the details on this one are just stunning!
Beautiful! I’ve seen this fabric before but I wouldn’t have thought to use it this way..