The problem with matching a large repeat is where you draw the line. What I really needed was to buy another three yards to match the skirt panels perfectly, could I in anyway justify it??!!... Er no...and let's be honest, it's a dress to wear in my real life not my imaginary Nina Garcia fashion editor one...
The back bodice was easy, no darts or pleats so I just picked a large fern for interest, there is a 22" all purpose black zipper down the middle, which I inserted by hand for better control.
The front took way more time than I imagined, there are a row of pleats on each front panel which distorted the look I was aiming for so I kind of moved the folds around to keep the main detail cohesive.It also helped stop the front from being as low cut as my white cotton one . I really like it, no need to wear a necklace with this!! I had to turn the print upside down but did manage to keep it on grain to match the front skirt panel.
Luckily the drapes are so deep, the less matching skirt is not a issue.....
The original pattern drawing:
The starting point , its a good 55" wide...a really sturdy charmeuse..gorgeous to work with..
I underlined the whole dress in the thinest drapiest organza I had....
Just after I had catch stitched the entire skirt it occurred to me that this would make a perfect maxi dress if the organza was removed, as it would reduce the skirt to just a casual flowing silk rather than the almost crinoline one it gives it now. I will consider doing that I think eventually....but I do like the more formal look.
and I have to admit I don't think I am done with this pattern, I feel like I want to try one more dress...I have a red silk gazar that could work beautifully as a knee length version, I am going to roughly drape it for a couple of days and see if I still like it although I am concerned it might be a little to stiff..
Its very rare for me to make more than one version of any garment but this is such a simple flattering fit, I absolutely love it and highly recommend it for anyone looking to try a slighly more complex Marfy. I could fill a closet with ten versions of this and be done for summer!
I'll certainly have something by next week!
I started reading Coco Chanel by Lisa Chaney absolutely hooked...facinating with lots of new material. She certainly had a personality...I really had no idea.
Audio books this week were good and bad! Touch and go by Lisa Gardner if you can get past every cliche ever written and then repeated again and again and the weakest female characters I have come across in a long time, the story is actually good .....if completely unbelievable when you stop to think about it!
and Dreaming in English by Laura Fitzgerald turned out to be a real winner, total chick lit but a easy feel good read that was food for thought.
Pink has been playing all week...amazing as always and Daughter her voice is so beautiful.
Back on Monday, have a great week!
Leisa