Saturday, November 16, 2013

Amelia Dress

 I made this a couple of weeks ago, but I only just managed to get some photos this morning. It is the Amelia Dress by Green Bee. I had been putting off making this as it looks like the perfect everyday summer dress and I did not want to make it and discover it wasn't.
I was not disappointed, with a couple of tweaks this could be the perfect everyday dress. I made a muslin first and made a few changes - I took it in a little and changed the darts (they could still do with a little fixing). It is not loose and it is not tight and hangs beautifully. I think this might be due to the lawn (from Spotlight) I used and the bias cut. I love the bias cut, but I am not a big fan of putting zips into anything bias cut. I didn't take any pictures of the back, but it is not good, very, very wavy. If you have any tips I'd love to hear them!! I'm wondering if I should just change the zip to a side zip, at least my arms might hide it. I need to do something about the facing too, it keeps flipping out which annoys me, it probably just needs tacking down in a few spots.
I have been wearing it all day and it is amazingly comfortable. It is quite warm too and it is really nice to wear in this weather. I think it would be great with a little cardi over the top too and boots when it is cooler so I can see it being a very versatile pattern. I just need to deal with the zip.


 
 

 

6 comments:

Jo said...

Looks great Kate (much nicer than mine). The lawn sits really nicely. I wondered about a side zip too though the back is so high that I'm not sure if there would be enough space to wiggle into it. I'd also like to try it in a woven with a little stretch, though the zip issue may be worse with it! Hopefully you'll get some helpful suggestions for the wavy zip issue.

Abbe said...

It looks lovely Kate, it gives you a great silhouette. I of course, have no suggestions re the zip as I'm barely classified as a novice in the seamstress world. Anyway, I think it's a winner!
Abbe

bec said...

Key-yoot! Great fabric too. Hmm, is it bias strecthy enough to get over your head without a zip? If yes i'd scrap the zip altogether. Or leave a jeyhole and buttonhole ay the neck at the back- can you tell I like skipping zips? Or what about that fusible skinny stuff (it's late, words are failing me) double sided I mean, so you can iron and fuse the zip in place? Im hoping you can work out what I mean haha

Abby and Stephanie said...

Adorable and flattering. Wishing I sewed clothes as I'd have a wardrobe full of polka dot dresses and skirts. :o) I might manage flannel PJ pants this Winter.

Marina said...

Ooh, I love it. Not sure what to suggest re zip. Maybe as Bec has said, a button and loop?

Marina x

formandreform said...

Looks great on you Kate!!!
I wonder if making a facing in straight grain fabric would be enough to hold the zip flat? Topstitching through the layers (outer,zip& facing) might keep it all playing nicely?