Dress Parade {Blue Shift Dresses}
03 January 2012 | by Jen in Sewing
Happy 2012!
I’m starting the year off right by sharing not one but two projects I recently completed. Today is the first official day back to work and I’m simply not ready so I’m posting to the blog instead (being used to working into the night and occasionally on weekends, my slowness into getting back to work is not such a big deal).
First up is another Built by Wendy #3835 dress, this time with the sleeve ties. Honestly I don’t know why the ties on my version are so long compared to what is shown on the pattern cover. I really think there is some serious funny business when it comes to companies representing finished garments from sewing patterns, at least there seems to be! But the super long ties don’t really bother me, not enough for me to redo them (I didn’t notice how long they were while I was stitching them on, oh well). We’ll see…let’s just say they are very fashion statement-y!
The fabric is a lovely cotton voile in a print that reminds me of the night sky. I’d probably wear a slip under this is real life because the fabric is thin. I also made this version super short because I’m realizing that short dresses/skirts really does look better on me (being 5’2″) although I’m super self conscious about my legs. But I’m I’m feeling particularly modest (or cold) I can wear leggings underneath.
And I just this morning finished this dress:
I took New Look #6022 that I used for a blouse and merged the top of it with the lower half of BBW #3835 because the latter had more shape and is overall more flattering. The fabric is a super soft denim and I top-stitched with traditional mustard-gold denim thread.
Seams are pinked because I figured serging them would make them kind of stiff. I almost added patch pockets but decided to keep this one really simple and to keep the focus on the pleat details.
Now I’m going to trace off this new pattern 6022/3835 hybrid so I can make another dress just like it!
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 11 Comments
Cute, both of those dresses!
The use of topstitching on the denim dress is a great idea, I like how it’s reminiscent of jeans but overall it’s still a great dress.
Also the shorter length looks good with your legs, I guess that in time you will get more confident/comfortable with it
Thanks, Gaby! I wanted to give that dress an everyday feel with the top stitching, just like a pair of jeans.
Wow, especially love the denim dress! It’s super cute! I like the little pleats at the neckline!
Thank you!
Both are darling! I love the top one, because I can imagine how comfy it would be to wear in a voile fabric, like you used, and the other looks fun to add other accessories to it for different looks.
You know, a while back I made my daughter a top from one of the built by Wendy patterns, and I really thought the fit was odd. Especially in the armscye.
Thanks, Elizabeth. The armscye fits okay on me although I took it up a little since I’m petite. Of course it’s raglan so it’s not super complicated. Armscyes and sleeves are the most difficult to get right imho!
I LOVE the denim dress. It really is super adorable.
Aw, thanks!
These are both so pretty! I especially love the fabric you chose for each; they suit the designs to a t!
You have the BEST shoes in the world. Please please please where did you get those bright yelow ones that look like these brown ones? I’ve been looking for ages!
Thanks! The shoes are Svens clogs.