Skip to main content

Something Blue: Wedding Guest Dress

Hi Loves!

This week's post is all about this royal blue gown for one of my clients.   I want to start by saying I love when my clients are happy.  The best gift a client can give me is a good review.  This beauty wrote a review that had me in tears. 
 

She requested a royal blue gown for a wedding and I did my best to bring her vision to life.   Isn't she lovely?!

Here's how it came together:

This is a pattern hack for McCall's 7569 & 7047. I combined the two patterns plus a self drafted faux sleeve to make this dress.

Faux Sleeve:
The faux sleeve is self drafted. It is 15" wide and the length spans from selvage to selvage. The top, bottom, and one side has a double fold half inch hem. The unfinished side is gathered to match the length of the front bodice side starting 20" from the top of fabric to the bottom of the fabric. It is attached to the side of the front bodice with right sides together.

Bodice - M7569:
I cut the back bodice and lining according to the fabric. I cut the front bodice on the fold. I then cut an inch on both sides and adjusted the angle of the front sides to match the back sides. I attached the faux sleeve starting the gathers 5/8" from the top of the front bodice. I attached the lining to the bodice as instructed with the faux sleeve on the inside. I followed the steps to add the collar.

Skirt - M7047:
I followed the directions for the skirt and lining. It turned out to be a little too short. I added 5" to the bottom following the angle of the skirt bell. Turned out I had to cut that extra 5" in the opposite direction of the rest of the dress. I was worried until I noticed that it added a little design element to the dress. This fabric has nap and shows sheen on the added piece.

With right sides together, I sewed the bodice to the skirt. And WALA, it's done!

The fabric is ponte knit from Jo-Ann Fabric.

Lesson: Sometimes what you perceive to be a problem can actually be a blessing.

Until next time,  Smooches!

DJ

Comments

What's Hot Here?

NL 6519: I Knew It From the Start

Hey Loves! I'm back.  It's been a minute!  I've been busy! But, I took a quick break to make something for me. Top & Headband: By Me (New Look A6519; Cotton from Wal-Mart); Jeans: Target  (Similar); Shoes: JustFab  (Reeta) I saw the cutest yellow and black polka dot fabric in Wal-Mart on clearance (2 yards for $1.87).  When I saw it, I immediately thought about New Look A6519.  It's just one of those patterns I pick up often and put it back because the fabric isn't quite right.  Well, this was the one. I got home and printed one of the croquis from Golden Rippy .  I took a few minutes to sketch it out.  I enjoyed it so much! After sketching, I knew jeans would be perfect. Each time I try a new pattern, I have to read the directions thoroughly...usually 2 or 3 times before I start.  After reading the directions, I got to work.  The directions were so straight to the point and easy to follow.  I decided this pat...

Let's Mix It Up

Hey Loves! It's been a while! A long time! Life has been so busy. I always enjoy the challenge of making myself something a little different for an event. As I made plans to attend the UNCF Birmingham Mayor's Masked Ball, I decided I'd make my dress. It's a combination of a new pattern and a tried and true pattern. I think it turned out well.  I visited JoAnna's for a little inspiration because I didn't have time to wait for items to ship and Simplicity patterns were $0.99. I saw Mimi G's Simplicity 9370. The cut out spoke to me. I decided that the right fabric could make it dressy enough for the event. I found this beautiful fabric in the athletic section in JoAnn. I walked past it 3 times and kept coming back, so I bought it. It was also 20% off.  I made a muslin of S9370 and decided I didn't like the neckline for a formal. So, with very limited time (3 days before the event), I decided to try to incorporate the cut ...

2 Years Later Finishing a UFO

Hey Loves, How many of you have UFOs in your sewing space? Go ahead raise your hand! That project you started but just haven't finished is an unfinished object (UFO).   I don't have many. Those that I have are set aside in zip lock bags.  Last week, I took the plunge, opened one of those forgotten UFOs, & finished it.  This one was pretty cool because I used two remnants from JoAnn. I had to challenge myself to get the right pattern placement to  get the most out of each fabric. It was really easy to sew. The directions were so easy to follow. I like the outcome. The inside is really clean. My only issue was length.  I'd make it longer next time. Here's my mannequin wearing view A of #S8335 without the sleeve ruffle well.  I didn't get any pictures of it when I wore it to work. Here's a link to my pattern review for Simplicity 8335 .  Wh...