Since rediscovering sewing I've learnt quite a few things. One of them is that although I'm only 5'3" I'm not petite - I just have short arms and legs on a pretty normal length body! I also have a bigger bust than most patterns are designed for. This is how I discovered Colette Patterns as they are designed for a C cup, which I am in sewing terms (this doesn't relate to your bra size but the difference between your upper bust and full bust). Luckily my measurements perfectly correspond with their (US) size 6 so I figured that should make my life a bit easier!
The first thing I made was their Sorbetto top which is a free download. I've now made three of them as I was pleased with how it turned out. So when I found out our Summer Ball would have a 1920s theme I thought their Laurel dress would be perfect to work with.
I made a toile to start off with and realised that I needed to make some alterations as it was a bit looser than I wanted it. I started off with the 6 and graded it down to a 2 below the bust. I also took ½" out of each side of the back seam. A lot of this was probably due to the fabric not being ideal but I love the pattern and couldn't resist it! I was able to slip it on over my head so I omitted the zip.
This is me badly modelling it in the garden this morning as I didn't get any decent photos of it at the do.
The dress ended up a bit longer than I intended, as I when I chose the length I was going to attach the fringe with the bottom of it level with the bottom of the dress. In the end I decided it looked better lower down and I didn't want to do the hem again!
The fringe is 6" long and was originally looped at the bottom but I cut them off as I knew I'd get caught on something!
...............before carefully laying it back down and trimming it with my 6" x 24" ruler and rotary cutter. No more annoying loops.
The bag was designed to fit my big and beautiful iPhone 6 Plus as so many of my evening bags are too small for it. The bow pattern is from (and the rest is inspired by) Making Vintage Bags - A gorgeous book by Emma Brennan. It originally had the same length trim on it as the dress but after some feedback from my FB friends I trimmed it down to 4½". Much better!
The overarm strap was really comfortable and very handy for eating and drinking. I'll definitely be making some more for other evening dresses.
Hubby looked fab in his pinstripe suit and I made him a matching tie and pocket square. The tie was a free pattern by Sweet Shop Sewing on Craftsy. It was a really easy pattern but it made a lovely tie. It was also a good conversation starter as people noticed that we matched and commented, Hubby then said that I made it all and I got lots of lovely compliments which was really nice after all that work.
I'll leave you with a few photos of the Mess as they did such a fab job of decorating it and getting everyone in the mood. It was probably the best function we've had here.
The beautiful lady silhouettes were everywhere and looked very Clarity to me.
They would make fab stamps or stencils!
Lots of lovely food and drink. Nom, nom!
Cheese and cocktails - What more could a girl want?
Maybe some crafty goodies. If you fancy a spot of Clarity shopping, this week (1st - 7th Aug) is Groovi Week on their website. If you spend £40 on Groovi products you get a free Christmas Tree Groovi Plate.
Groovi baby! Not entirely sure what I was doing there!
Lynne
x