
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.

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.