Sunday, October 2, 2011

Vogue 8184 in Japanese Cotton

Vogue 8184

I seem to have found my sewing mojo again after losing it for a few months. I've been on holidays for two weeks so have had plenty of time to daydream - silently laying on the daybed while matching fabrics in my stash, to patterns borrowed from my sister to up-and-coming events.

Here is the first one I've completed:
Pattern:Vogue 8184
Fabric: Japanese cotton from Tessuti, purchased on my Sydney trip
Event: Today - Friend's 40th birthday, drinks & lunch at a groovy bistro on the beach in Palm Cove.

I'm really happy with this dress. Apart from minor fitting adjustments to my toile, the only thing I changed was to make it a teeny bit more a-line.  I usually like to add interesting and unique details to the garments I make, but I think the fabric was interesting enough.

I was lucky enough to already have a perfectly matching belt (and shoes). I sewed a few belt-loops to go around the actual belt,  to keep it in place. Much less tacky then a rubberband! I think the dress kind of needs the belt to hide the seam. Not that there is anything actually wrong with it, but there is a slightly odd effect due to one layer of fabric (the skirt) meeting 5 layers of fabric (bodice, lining + SAs + SA of skirt).


Anyway, the beach is calling and the bubbly is flowing! Enjoy your sunny Sunday!

 - Just because I'm smiling -

 - side view -

- back view - (I really have mastered invisible zippers! Yay!)


The amazing fit was achieved with the help of Robyn, from Robyn's Learn to Sew Studio based in Cairns, Queensland. Robyn runs fabulous sewing lessons. If you live in Cairns, I highly recommend them.

18 comments:

  1. Drop dead gorgeous. Love the fabric and the style is just right for it. Winter is making a comeback here in Sydney.

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  2. What a great summer dress! You have a wonderful fit and the fabric is so pretty!

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  3. So gorgeous! I love that fabric and the braided belt is such a nice touch. Looks like it fits you perfectly.

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  4. It looks great - I can't believe how warm it is where you are already - we are still experiencing crisp cool weather.

    Love the way you have put the outfit together.

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  5. Another really lovely dress. The colours and print are very pretty on you. have fun!

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  6. Your dress is gorgeous and the material is fab.
    Anne xx

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  7. That is fantastic! The fit is spot on, and the fabric is divine.

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  8. What a great dress. Your matching of fabric and pattern is terrific. I would have trouble with such a big print, but your placement of the flowers is perfect, you look fabulous. I hope it was a good party.
    Your belt band idea is sheer genius. I am copying this!

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  9. Groovy dress! The belt looks great - love the print - wishing it was a tad warmer here .... brrrrr

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  10. A lovely dress, and that fabric is so pretty! And I like the belt and matching sandals. Hoe you had a great party at the beach, sounds like a divinely fabulous way to celebrate a new dress to me...

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  11. er, that should read "hope" obviously... sorry! Yikes!!

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  12. I love this dress - it looks fantastic, the colours are great and that neckline looks so good on you!

    Thank you BTW for your comment on my blog - but if you're worried about the V1228 neckline after reading of my issues, your sister seems to have a very good solution that I will be taking up if I make a second version.

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  13. Thanks for finding me! I am still rebuilding the site. Having people's comments makes it easier to rebuild the blogroll! Talk to you later.

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  14. It's a winner - you look great. Love your pattern and fabric pairing. Great dress, sunshine and a glass of bubbly - what more could a girl want?

    P.S. I think blogger hates me - this is the 6th time I've tried to comment.

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  15. I just love the fabric you used for this dress and the fit is outstanding. So perfect for the afternoon you had planned.

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  16. I L.O.V.E this Bernice!!!! Would you allow me to post this over at Sew Tessuti...pretty please????

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  17. Hi Colette, I'd be delighted to have it posted at Sew Tessuti.

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