Thursday 21 June 2012

Cherry Fabulous Plans

Thank you for your helpful and constructive comments on my last post - I think the general consensus was 'bugger the weather and just sew what makes you happy."  So I'm striking whilst the iron is hot and forging ahead on my newly christened Cherry Fabulous Dress (thank you Scruffy Badger for the name!) I'm inspired by these two Marilyn Monroe dresses:

Cherry print dress from The Misfits

Halter neck dress as worn in Niagara

Now, brace yourselves.... I made a bodice muslin!!!  The reasons:-

1) I've only got the exact amount of fabric specified on the pattern, so no room for mistakes.
2) I've never made a halter neck of any description.
3) I've never actually sewn with a Vogue pattern before - I'll be using V8727 - so have no idea how their sizes run. In my experience, Simplicity run large, as do McCall's and New Look (to a lesser extent).  I don't think I've ever used a Butterick pattern before either, so can't comment on their sizes. I'd be interested to know though.


For once, I erred on the side of caution and made up my muslin in the correct size for my measurements (size 14). The fit was fine, plus there's a certain amount of leeway with a halter neck as it can always be hoisted up if necessary!  I will say this about the pattern though, because of the gathering around the bust, I suspect it's an easier fit if you've got a reasonable sized bosom to fill the bodice with.  I did try it on my actual body as well as the dummy, but calico and deathly pale flesh isn't the prettiest sight, so I'd thought I'd spare you that ordeal.  As Sunni said in a recent post "nobody looks good in muslin!"

I've got a lovely white silk cotton for the lining (Classic Textiles, Goldhawk Road, talked about in this post), so I'm really looking forward to making it.  And as all you fabulous commenters pointed out, if the weather goes on the turn again, just wear a cardigan.  Wise words. x

18 comments:

  1. Wow Jane, you clearly mean business with this dress, but I never thought I'd see the day when you made a muslin!!! ;o) Hehe! I'm so excited about this dress of yours, I already know you are going to look stunning in it...cannot wait to see it!!!

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    1. I do venture into muslin territory occasionally! Thanks Marie! X

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  2. Ooh this really will be fab - can't wait to see the finished item! I too am making a summer dress, despite the terrible weather. Surely dressing inappropriately for the weather is a great Irish/British tradition anyway? ;-)

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    1. Yes, of course it is, along with tea drinking! Looking forward to seeing your summer dress too Joanne. X

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  3. Oh this is going to be spectacular! I simply cannot wait.

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  4. That's going to be one foxy dress in the cherry print fabric!

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    1. It's such a lovely fabric, hope I can do it justice! X

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  5. Well I must say first of all, that you sure do manage to get an amazing fit for not making muslins - i never would have guessed!!

    And I'm such a sucker for a halter neck, this is going to be so dreamy on you - I can't wait to see it! :)

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    1. Why thank you! I love halter necks too, I can't wait to make it. X

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  6. Love the red halter dress, and I am sure you will love the finished garment. Vogue patterns are my favorite, and their fit are pretty spot on for me. Not to mention that the directions are good. Muslins are the way to go, and especially when you only have a specified amount of material. I always say, don't limit sewing garments according to the weather because you might end up traveling to a climate where you need a summer dress, winter coat, shorts, or sweaters. Best to make what you like and layer if needed. Looking forward to seeing your final garment!

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    1. Thanks so much, I've definitely changed my thinking re sewing according to the weather, you're absolutely right, just make what you like. I think the fit of Vogue patterns is good for me too, I'm sure I'll be making more! X

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  7. I reckon even if you made this into the full dress it would look glorious such is that awesome bodice.....ie even this calico would look fab....

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    1. You're an angel, I hope the finished version lives up to the muslin. I think only Marilyn Monroe herself would look good in a full calico dress! x

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  8. Jane on a halter neck with gathering under the bust I suggest a single dart about mid point as well. This help to give a central 'point' ahem, to the shape and is more flattering to any bust size. Doesn't need to be a deep dart, about 3cm pinched in running out to just below the bust point would do it :)

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    1. This is über-helpful Mrs C, thank you very much! Will implement immediately! x

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  9. Looking out of my window at my garden furniture trying to fly off in the wind and rain I think a change in the weather could only be for the better! The dress looks as if it will be fab and will brighten people's day.

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  10. I'm so glad you decided to just go ahead and sew summer dresses, this is going to look great, especially in the cherry print cotton. Can't wait to see it finished. Bethx

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