Hello, this is my very first post with The Monthly Stitch. I can’t believe that I’ve been sewing for so long and never found you earlier – but here I am and willing to contribute what I can and will probably take away very much more.
As this is TMS’s third birthday, the August challenge is to create a garment that encompassed three elements – here’s mine……
Three patterns: Alabama Chanin corset, Paco Peralta half circle skirt and self draping.
Three sewing techniques – hand (reverse applique), regular machine and overlocker/serger
Three fabrics – solid red cotton jersey, floral mesh, burn-out white cotton jersey
Three designs – fitted (corset), draped (overskirt), flare (underskirt)
Three items – dress, gloves, necklace
This dress was also part of the Six Napoleon dress challenge set by Sew2Pro way back in May 2016. The deadline was pushed further and further as making this proved to be more problematic than anyone thought.
The corset top is an Alabama Chanin pattern with reverse applique on one side.
The patterned overskirt is draped onto the Paco underskirt.
The two were then stitched together to make a dress.
Leftover bits were used to create the accessories: opera length fingerless gloves and a plaited necklace with intertwined pearls.
The overkirt has 4m of pleated fabric and is hemmed with a facing of red jersey using the overlocker at the edge and machine stitched along the top.
I’m not terribly proud of this dress as it was an experiment and the finishing is not up to standard but it’s completed and is a wearable item and a great learning experience. Just not sure where and when I’ll wear it…..Ideas welcome…..
Paco Peralta half circle skirt pattern
Corecouture – my sewing blog with more pictures and dress development from idea to garment. And lots more…..
I hope you enjoy this unconventional dress. I certainly enjoyed the process of using a designer dress as inspiration but at the same time trying to make it the same but different – adding my own personal style and personality.
There are no limits…………
Welcome! I have just joined two months ago myself (which I’m sorry you missed, as it was a lot of fun with many challenges!).
I also saw your post and thought – wow, here is someone who knows how to sew and has a very unique style! I think it’s a very pretty dress that you could style up for a fancy party or down for a coffe with friends. But I can also see it as a ballroom dancing gown as someone mentioned, so it is in fact very versatile! 🙂
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Thank you easuber. I hope TMS gets good publicity.
I like challenges as they push me to try new things.
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You should wear it EVERYWHERE! It is fabulous!!
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If only I had the confidence Gloria. These photos are all pretend.
Thank you very much
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I love Alabama Chanin garments! Yours is so pretty. I have no patience for it unfortunately.
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Yes you have Joanne… put a movie on TV and don’t set a deadline. Do a small project first. Thank you
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Wow! This dress is amazing!
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Thank you Corrine. It’s a one-off dress but fun to wear.
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Your question about where to where this dress is so funny because, having just met you, I was like: Wow! This lady has a bold style! And just assumed this is how you dress. The point being, you could really wear this anywhere if you wanted to!!
I would probably style it with sandles and a big straw hat for the beach or the esplanade (if you have one) in the summer months – perhaps without the gloves though.
This is a very memorable first post on TMS. Welcome to the community!
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Hi Naomi, I hope you won’t be disappointed but future posts will probably be very conservative in comparison.
Thanks for the welcome and I’m glad to be here.
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This is fabulous Ruth. I love the red hem facings, and the gloves totally make this!
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Thanks Felicia. Fabulous but not practical – heck, once in while we should have fun.
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The first thing I thought when I saw the photo was that someone else here makes ballroom gowns too! So you totally need to wear it out dancing. I have those Alabama Studio books and I’ve loved the look of their style, but I haven’t tried to make anything from the books yet. Your use of the reverse applique in this dress is just so perfect! I might have to copy your idea for my next competition gown!
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Hi Mizz. I’ve never made a ballgown, too much tulle for my liking. You copy whatever you like. Isn’t that the whole purpose of sharing? Thank you.
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I love it!
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Thank you Peggy. It’s a bit of fun and way outside my normal dressing style.
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Wonderful outfit – adore that self-draped skirt.
What a challenge – ACK! But definitely successful on your part. 😎
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Thanks Curisn. It was definitely a challenge although here I am out the other side and I survived to tell the tale.
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