Monday 11 February 2013

My fourth and final Peony dress

This is yet another variation on the Colette Patterns Peony dress.  Yes, this is now my fourth version (here are the first, second and third), but I love the shape, it suits me and I can get it to fit me well, so why not? 



It's made from navy sweatshirt knit fabric (Goldhawk Road, £4.50 a metre), with leftover red double knit scraps used for binding the neck and cuffs.  Sweatshirt knit isn't the most glamorous fabric in the world, but it's so cosy and warm, I love it. I sewed it in exactly the same way as my last knit Peony, the only difference being that this time I tried some extremely fine fusible knit stay tape from A Fashionable Stitch on the neckline and hem.  I'm still not entirely sure what I'm doing when I'm trying to stabilise a neckline, but it seemed to give a good, smooth finish. I can definitely tell the difference on the hem, it hangs perfectly. 


One big plus is that whenever I wear this dress, I get a distinct Star Trek vibe. If you reversed the colourways and shortened it by about a foot, it could almost be something Lieutenant Uhura would wear.  Sort of.



I think my cold weather sewing has now come to a bit of a natural end. My plan was to make a few dresses that I could wear during the arctic UK winter whilst still retaining a modicum of style, and I'm pretty pleased with the final tally.  You can layer them up with cardigans and tights and still be warm and stylish (well that's the theory anyway.) Now I know I've got enough knit dresses in my wardrobe to keep me warm, I can get on with what I love most - making pretty clothes for the summer. Live long and prosper my friends. x



30 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post you had me laughing with the Uhura photo and spock quote thanks for the chuckle I think I may have to buy this pattern love what you have made, it would suit my shape me thinks lol

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  2. Oh I love it! Star Trek and all!

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  3. Star Trek was the first thing I thought of! Lovely dress!

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  4. Fab job Jane! I really love comfy dresses like that layered up, not to mention the colours are so you! x

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  5. Great dress Jane - may you and your Peonies live long & prosper :)!

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  6. Jane, I love your dress and i love your blog. You are an inspiration

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  7. Hahaha it totally does of a Star Trek vibe! Love it.

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  8. Just lovely, like all of your makes!! Love the sixties' fashions!

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  9. Your dress is lovely! I was thinking it was kind of Star Trekky before I got to the picture of Lieutenant Uhura. :)

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  10. This is a fantastic use of colour blocking! You really have the fit on the peony down pat- epic work. May you live long and prosper!

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  11. It looks gorgeous! I am a major fan of reusing patterns that fit well. I have made 3 versions of one pattern I own and have a couple more planned. I love the red and blue combo you have used. It looks lovely!

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  12. Jane you throw in the best references into your posts. LOL! I love how this looks on you, so cute and the two colors are great together! I was getting a swishy Austin Powers 60s vibe, you just need a cigarette and a martini in your hands. ;)

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    1. Yeah baby! I wish I had a cigarette and a martini in my hands right now too! x

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  13. Great fit, great colours!!! Are you SURE it'll be the last peony? It's such a great pattern on you :)

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  14. Very cute:) suits you so well

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  15. It's another perfect peony Jane. Even more so if it is a cosy knit. Love the contrast and Star Trek references, you get a gold star for your spelling ambition - I wouldn't know where to start spelling urhurrooo ;-)

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  16. The temptation to say 'seam me up Scottie' is just too much Jane, sorry! Actually Star Treck wouldn't have crossed my mind, I love this dress – Navy and red, yes please!

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  17. Haha, that made me giggle. Looks gorgeous on you, and comfy too - bonus. x

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  18. Thanks for all your lovely comments everybody! x

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  19. This dress blows your theory about sweatshirting not being glamorous right out of the water! Fabulous!

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  20. haha funny post. I love all your Peony's ~ I have got to get mine out and do something with it. No excuses. You are such an inspiration - thank you!!

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  21. I love this dress and the fabric, it looks warm and comfy, ideal for someone like me who is always freezing! I am in london for a day in March, could you recommend some cheap fabric shops? Lovely blog by the way!

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  22. How on earth did I manage to miss this post...darned google reader! It's lovely Jane, you've totally nailed the knit Peony - what a great T&T dress you have there! Also loving the Star Trek reference ;o)

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  23. I did think Star Trek as well (maybe it's the badge...?) but in a good way, promise! And then laughed out loud at your live-long-and-prosper pose :)

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  24. Oh Jane, the Star Trek bit made me laugh...very loudly! It looks great and I don't blame you for making another one, it looks so comfy in jersey as well. Bethx

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  25. I just discovered you. Anyone who can make a connection between sewing and Star Trek gets a place on my list. :-)

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  26. Hello! Love love love your blog. Have just stumbled across your blog via, I think, Tea for Two? Or burdastyle? (have been having one of those lazy Friday nights catching up on feeds and seeing where else they may take me.. who knows how I found you). Anyway, so happy to have found you. And I love this dress! and contrast trim! I will be stealing your idea for my next dress. I live in the Highlands in Australia and this morning when we got up it was only 1.9 degrees Celsius, and it is just the start of autumn for us! Sweatshirt fabric? Perfect! Thanks, I'll be back! xx

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  27. Can I ask how you got hold of stretch knit stay tape. I can't get any at all.

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