Wednesday, August 17, 2011

In the Mood to Model

And its not a dress for me!  I started this dress a while ago, as I had ordered yards of the cotton sateen fabric to use in my Etsy shop and now it is all but gone.  So I am giving this dress to my hairdresser Lia.  She and I are just about the same size and height.  I decided to slip into her dress take some photos of myself for a change.


Before I get to any sewing, I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who commented on my last post with lots of good wishes for a speedy recovery to my back problems.  I am being careful, slowly healing, diligently doing my exercises. Surely I speak for many when I say that through a year of blogging I now have some wonderful friends in all corners of the globe and it would be so great to meet in person. If only!  And go fabric shopping!


redwhite dress 1
This is one of my all-time favorite fabric choices.  You know I love the super-colorful but my sister pointed out that for other people who may not be as color crazy as I am but want a print or some color, the 2-color or one bold color on white is a good option.  I think she is correct since this fabric was snapped up pretty quickly.
Of couse I put pockets in it.  The pattern is New Look 6457 with a few tweaks, such as much thinner, wide-set straps to give it a retro look.

redwhitefress2
redwhitedress3

This summer I have altered a few J.Crew strapless dresses and they all have the inside elastized back strap which helps with the fit and maybe keeps someone from a wardrobe malfunction.  I really dislike strapless dresses but that is a topic for another day. So I added the inside back strap to this dress to try it out and I am really happy with it, I don't know why this is not included on patterns, such an easy addition.  This version is not particularly beautiful but I made it on the fly - next time it will look a little better.  I attached it by stitching in the side seam through all layers (dress plus lining) from the outside, the stitching is hidden and it makes it very secure.
redwhitedress4
This pattern has a nice shape across the top of the bodice and an attached facing that creates that pleat across the front.  I used the same pattern last year on my Floral Dress for a Sunny Day.  As I did on that dress the front facing was changed to 2 pieces, and is sewed into the side seam.  
redwhitedress7

silvercork sandalsThe SunnyGal garden photo was included in my first photo - the crepe myrtle trees in shades of pink.  So instead a look at my newish sandals - I really like them, but due to my back issues they will only get out for photo shoots, 5 minutes at the most. I bought them on a whim,  silvery-bronze on cork wedges.  Oh well, next summer. Plus you get a peek at my lovely tennis-sock tan lines.  

Happy Summer Sewing, Beth

17 comments:

  1. Gorgeous dress! The fabric choice really is amazing. Great idea with the added back strap, too.

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  2. Such a pretty dress,and as always, perfectly constructed. Love that print.

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  3. Blimey you must really love your hairdresser to be able to give away this gorgeous dress. At least you get to keep the lovely shoes!

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  4. Really cute dress, and lucky hairdresser! Love the tip about the back strap.

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  5. You look completely charming in that cute dress. Glad your back is improving. That back elastic strap is brilliant. You should definitely do a tutorial, though it's not something I see using for myself. ;)

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  6. Pretty, pretty dress. I love a red and white print. I feel happy just looking at the fabric. I have never seen a back elastic strap like that. Neat idea though!

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  7. ha ha, thanks for pointing out the tan lines - I would not have noticed them otherwise!
    I love that back elastic strap - what a great idea.
    You look great in your colorful summer dress - very pretty!!
    Glad you are on the mend.

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  8. That dress is absolutely gorgeous!! I love the big bold floral print and the back strap looks like a brilliant idea.

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  9. Very pretty dress Beth! So glad to hear things are improving with your back. I remember herniating a disk when my first born was about 6 months old. It took so long to get back on my feet. Hang in there. It's amazing how your back really does heal in time!

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  10. Your dress is wonderful... and that back elastic strap is a fantastic idea!
    So so generous of you to be giving it away, particularly when it looks so lovely on you.

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  11. Gorgeous dress Beth! I do hope your back is better soon so you can make yourself one!

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  12. That is a beautiful dress and a gorgeous print!!!

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  13. This is a stunning dress! Thanks for showing the elasticized back strap...that is a very interesting and helpful technique.

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  14. beautiful dress - I love the elasticized back strap idea - will have to give it a go. Shame you are giving it away, however bet your hairdresser is thrilled to bits

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  15. That is the cutest dress -- the print is fabulous and very "sunny gal"! I'm glad you're starting to feel better!

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  16. Beautiful dress, you look stunning in it! Thanks for showing the inside detail.

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  17. I love those shoes, where did you buy them? Oh and the dress is gorgeous!! I just bought the pattern.

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