I’ve been thinking long and hard about what to make for my works Christmas do, and also something for The Monthly Stitch Challenge – “Party!!”. I didn’t want to buy a pattern or any material as my stash should be is vast enough to find something.
Eventually I decided on Newlook 6648 which is a top that I previously made as a frock.
The pattern calls for jersey fabric, but I wanted to make it in a shiny polyester so decided to cut it on the bias so it would have some stretch widthways. Easier said than done!!
It took me ages to fold the material eventually I went with the pattern and kept everything crossed.
It was really easier, and the bias gave enough ease to get it over my head. When I’d sewn up the side seams it was way to big, hung like a sack with no shape.
I took the seams in about an inch from just above the waist all the way down and shortened it to below the knee. Much better!
I applied dark blue satin bias binding to the arm holes. It looked terrible so I bent it over, pressed it then hand stitched it in place. Big improvement! And quite therapeutic sat hand stitching!
For the hem I was a bit lazy! I overlocked the edge, then turn over a narrow hem and machine stitched. Passable.
Not a lot else to say……’cept happy Christmas and I can’t wait to see all your party frocks!!
there’s more pix on my blog….. Thimberlina
Looks like it tuned out very nice after all of your effort. Keep up the great work. Happy holidays!
LikeLike
Thanks! You too, hope you have a wonderful time! 😀
LikeLike
Very nice! I love the fabric you chose, great pattern and colours. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks!
I bought it back in June and have been undecided what to do with it. Glad I saved it for my ‘Christmas Do’ 😄
LikeLike
The blue and purple version is my favourite – I have a similar dress (but a Vogue pattern) waiting to be hemmed – yay for party frocks! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing everyone’s party wear!
I went to a works themed Christmas party last night – the 80s. I’ll have to add my outfit for that too! Don’t think any of our fellow bloggers will get any inspiration from it, though they may have a chuckle! 😃
LikeLike
The dress turned out great and looks like you had fun in it. I am starting to enjoy hand stitching myself.
LikeLike
Thanks! It was a fab night, I love Christmas parties. I’ve another one tomorrow which has an 80s theme. I’ve had such a laugh making mine and my friend’s outfits. Can’t wait to show you all!
LikeLike
Great job – looks beautiful!
Have had similar experiences with patterns so can sympathize.
But it was well worth it for the end result: Party!
del
LikeLike
Thanks!
It was worth the effort, especially as I got a few ‘did you really make that?!’s
Even a simple pattern impresses the non-sewers! 😃
LikeLike