It is called the modest raspberry dress because the fabric is a lovely raspberry coloured double wool crepe (in fact, I don't really understand what "double wool" means but it was fabulous to work with) from the remnant bin from Macculloch and Wallis, for £18, and the cap sleeves made it modest enough to be worn to work without needing a cardigan. And after all the troubles I've had with those darn sleeves, I had to honour them in the name somehow.
I cut a size 4 for a close fit, and had planned on making view D. However, I don't know what came over me... when I followed the instructions, I followed those for views A and B! I couldn't tell you just how annoyed I was with my very silly self! The more annoying thing was, this was my first ever fully lined dress (obviously not counting my wedding dress here, which had a thousand layers!), and following the wrong set of instructions really messed up my otherwise beautifully smooth lining.
I decided to be brave, and followed view B through in case I liked what I had. But I really disliked the straps :( I had great plans for this to be my new favourite work dress, and without the sleeves, it just didn't work.
So after a few days of beating myself up, I decided to get over the on-show seams on the inside of the garment, and just add those cap sleeves to my "finished" dress. I'm so glad that I did! I think they have transformed the dress, and gave it so much modesty and sophistication.
Despite my oversight, I thought this was a really good pattern. This is a pattern with multiple bust sizes, so I didn't even need to do a SBA! All I had to do was a petite adjustment on the bodice and skirt.
The dress has such simple lines, which are perfect for a work dress, and the pockets are an added bonus. And I love that it is fully lined - the lining (faux silk lining, at £1.03 per metre from Fabricland) just makes the whole thing feel so much more comfortable and expensive. It involved a bit of hand sewing, but by no means excessive.
Can you see the stitches?
Some inside out photos (front and back) and right side out photos:
Having added the cap sleeves at the last minute, it actually inspired me to do the same to shop purchased clothes. Wouldn't that be a lovely refashion project?
It's so pretty ^^
ReplyDeleteI love the color and it's fit you perfectly!! :)
Maude
mpbymaude.blogspot.ca
Merci beaucoup madame!
DeleteIt's perfect!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly ;-)
DeleteReally gorgeous, great colour and a perfect fit. Love the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lizzy. I'm glad you love the sleeves, and am so pleased that they turned out ok in the end!
DeleteBeautiful fit and colour. Excellent work! Agree that the cute capped sleeves makes all the difference
ReplyDeleteThank you Sertyan. I've seen and loved both of your versions of this pattern too!
DeleteThis looks so great on you! I love the color!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love the almost-red colour too! I don't usually "splash out" on fabric, but this tiny piece of remnant at £18 was well worth it :)
Deletei love the dress espacially how you did the sleeves!
ReplyDeleteMerci madame!
Deletevery pretty dress, and what a great bargain from M&W who are normally quite expensive.
ReplyDeleteThank you! and yes I thought so too! though I am trying not to compare it to Goldhawk Road/Walthamstowe or my local Fabricland!
DeleteHi Alice! You expressed an interest in attending a blogger meet-up I'm organising in Birmingham on 3 Nov. Can you please pop on back to my post and leave your email address - http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/birmingham-rag-market-whos-in.html
ReplyDeleteLovely dress by the way, so glad to have discovered your blog!!!
Wow this is gorgeous. Reading some posts on my journey back from Brum. Great meeting you today
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy! It was lovely meeting you yesterday too ;-)
DeleteI love your style, you've really got such a way with picking fabrics and patterns that suit you, and they fit so beautifully. This is such a fantastic dress....
ReplyDeleteOh Winnie you are too kind! Thank you - I love your handmade style, too! X
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