This was the biggest sewing challenge I’ve done in a long while. It was just really, really hard getting everything right. This goes for both the pattern (from Burda magazine 3/2009) and the fabric (silk/rayon velvet). The picture might look serene, but I can assure you that there has been a lot of profanities involved in the making of this dress. But I’m very proud of myself now, because the dress turned out even better than I had hoped it would! Also this is a petite pattern, so the only alteration I had to do was adjusting for my sway back.As for sewing velvet without any special helpers, like a walking foot and a velvet pressing board, I will talk about that experience in a separate post where I will share the stuff I learned along the way.
Regarding the execution, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s less than stellar in places, there was a lot if salvage stitching involved, but when I look at the dress now, I think it looks pretty good.
The dress has an interesting yoke that goes all the way to the back.
You can read my review of the pattern over at Pattern Review where I talk more about the specifics. Also I want to direct a special thanks to Melissa who not only wrote a very helpful review, but also took the time to answer my assembly questions over e-mail.
14 Comments
wendy
April 17, 2009 at 11:37 pmOh my. That is *gorgeous*!! I love the color.
gwensews
April 18, 2009 at 1:32 amNice job. I am sure it took exteme patience to sew this dress. Congratulations!
geek sewing
April 18, 2009 at 1:40 amI haven’t finished reading your entire entry–had to say, “Oh, deary, my oh my! You look absolutely gorgeous in that dress!!”
Antoinette
April 18, 2009 at 2:35 amSo, so beautiful! You look just great in it. I bought a velvet remnant a few years back to try sewing velvet — thought I would make a hat – but I still haven’t cut into it. Look forward to your PR review and upcoming velvet post.
luckylibbet
April 18, 2009 at 5:42 amAll misty eyed here – you look beautiful in that forties dress – and I thought it would take you weeks to get it finished – it’s just GORGEOUS and you look so stunning in it.
So happy you overcame the velvet problems, and looking forward to the post on how you achieved it. I didn’t think to see it finished so soon! after your despair in some previous posts….
Mary Nanna
April 18, 2009 at 7:18 amvery pretty .. well done for sticking through a difficult project!
Your pose in this photo is just gorgeous, the whole picture looks lovely.
Shannon
April 18, 2009 at 11:00 amI have always found that when a garment inspires profanities, it will either be a complete disaster or a work of art. Your dress is definitely in the latter category! It is gorgeous on you – the colour is amazing and the style is wonderful.
Kristine
April 18, 2009 at 2:13 pmVery beautiful, I think I’ll add that to my “to do” list! Great job overcoming all the obstacles, you’d never know any existed!
Cindy
April 18, 2009 at 5:04 pmThe velvet looks so lush! Gorgeous!!
Laura
April 19, 2009 at 2:21 amThat looks absolutely ravishing. Love it.
Anonymous
April 20, 2009 at 12:43 amSo glad you persevered – this is gorgeous and classy on you!
SherryV
melissa
April 20, 2009 at 2:00 pmIt looks fantastic! Well done for persevering through and finishing it! Is silk velvet now a “never again” fabric for you like it is for me? 🙂
Christina
April 20, 2009 at 10:57 pmThis style is very pretty in velvet. Profanities every now and then are no big deal in my book.
Audrey
April 21, 2009 at 7:51 pmYour dress is lovely. Velvet can be a challenge to sew, but it really makes this dress special.