Monday, October 05, 2015

Autumn Cocktail Dress

I'm excited about this dress. It's been awhile since sewing has been this much fun, and I'm enjoying it. I'm going to a Friends of Opera Gala fundraiser this Sunday, and I thought I wanted something new to wear.

I'm using a TNT pattern, Marfy 1128. It's a fairly basic sheath dress, but with the gathered neckline under the chiffon collar, it give you a lot of leeway to manipulate the neckline if you don't want the collar.
One thing I have learned with this pattern is to use a much longer zipper than I originally thought necessary. This makes it so much easier to get into. I bought a bag of invisible zippers last time I was in LA with Kathi Rank shopping the Fashion District, and so I happened to have a 34" invisible zipper in an acceptable color (dark green), which goes in the left side seam from the armscye to the hem. I probably would not have purchased this long a zipper on purpose for this, but it's great, actually. Apparently the longer, the better.

I found the fabric at Hancock, and it really spoke to me. It's a very thin, non-wonderful brocade, but I love the colors and the look. This actually shows the wrong side while it's being cut out.
I'm underlining with a thicker satin lining fabric. Originally I thought I would do something along the lines of a car-wash skirt, as they are so current, and finally wearable now that they're not being shown only with absolutely nothing underneath them. However, I like what I have come up with even better. I extended the underlining about 5" below the brocade and then turned it to the outside and asymmetrically attached it. Here's a photo of it on the dressform with the hem pinned. I am pinning a draped effect from the left waist to the right shoulder and I think the bow will be staying, but you never know.



7 comments:

patsijean said...

This dress is going to be beautiful. I like the bow as it is not "twee".

Summer Flies said...

I like the bow because it isn't structured and stiff. I LOVE the hem detail... looks sensational. Enjoy your Gala and I hope we get a wearing the dress photo!

jacquianne said...

That is going to be one spectacular dress. Enjoy the outing!

Sharon said...

Gorgeous looking dress and love the colour. Have a fantastic evening.

Mardel said...

I rather like the bow as well, but am also certain it will be lovely whatever you do. How nice to have some fun making something and that spirit comes through in what you show us: a treat.

Irene said...

This dress looks spectacular!

Vicki said...

Looking good!