Monday 2 October 2017

Tie Belt Dress

Hellooo!  I'm back and what better place to start than with a new, red dress...


I first decided to make this dress after spying a stunning red tie-belt number in a department store. Lovely as it was, the price tag was over £200 and I convinced myself I could make my own version. Coincidentally Laura from Sew Different had recently contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing a pattern, and by great good fortune the Tie Belt Dress was very close to the shape and style I was after. Although I did struggle with some aspects of the pattern and instructions, the end result is just what I was hoping for.

Original inspiration dress
My version
The dress is a softly fitting A-line shape, with darts to the back, a waist tie belt for definition and a high/low hem. There are no finished measurements given, so I chose the size closest to my actual measurements - a UK size 12 - which fits me reasonably well. The instructions are quite basic, but that wasn't a problem for me as as the dress is a very simple shape. 


There were one or two parts that did have me scratching my head though. Firstly, the grain line arrows are shown going in two different directions. I checked this with Laura and apparently this is to indicate the weft and the warp, but I still found them confusing. Secondly the cutting layouts show the pattern pieces cut on an unfolded, single layer of fabric, even though all pieces are cut on the fold - bizarre!

Once I'd clarified what was what, I made a few style changes:

- Levelled off the hemline (I'm not a fan of dramatic high/low hems)
- Tapered in the side seams to reduce the A-line shape
- Shortened the dress by 2.5cms

I decided to sew the sleeves as drafted before making a decision on length. As it turned out, they were too long on my short arms with the trim attached. Rather than shorten them, I simply turned the trim to the inside to act as a facing and top stitched it down, easy!


Construction was very straight forward - the only thing I'd say is to keep an eye on the position of the black dots for attaching the tie belt. The dot positions are for guidance only and may need moving up or down to align with your waist (I needed to move mine up). The instructions also have you attach the tie belt quite early in the proceedings, but I'd recommend waiting until the whole dress is constructed before pinning them into place. That way you get a more accurate idea of your natural waistline.

For fabric I went against the recommendations (light denim, needlecord, heavy cotton etc) and chose a luxury crepe from Sew Over It with a nice drape. I think the original shape of the dress in a weightier fabric would have looked too sack-like on me. The drapier fabric worked well and was close to the fabric from the original inspiration dress. At £14 a metre it worked out much cheaper to make my own version too! 


I can always find room in my wardrobe for a red dress, and although this one is a little different to my usual style, it's growing on me. I just need to get used to the dropped shoulders and oversized silhouette. It's a really easy dress to wear and I can see myself wearing it with tights and boots once the weather turns fully autumnal. Have a good day! x

A copy of the Tie Belt Dress pattern was given to me free of charge for review. All opinions my own.


54 comments:

  1. Jane, you look gorgeous - that colour is amazing and I am so impressed how you managed to match the dress you liked in the shop so closely. fab darling

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  2. It's amazing how close your dress looks like your inspiration dress!! It's gorgeous

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    1. Thanks Jessica, I'm pleased I got such a good match! x

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  3. Now that is a prefect clone!! I got to say, I like your version better! The color is fab on you and the pattern is fab! xB

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  4. This is such an excellent example of how a few tweaks to a pattern can make it perfect for the wearer! Patterns can be an inspiration, we don't have to recreate them exactly. And having the experience to spot the potential of a change in fabric recommendation to get a different outcome. You are such a role model <3

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    1. Oh thank you Mrs C, that's a wonderful compliment! I do agree about patterns being a good starting point, there's so much potential once we cast our eyes on them! x

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  5. Fabulous dress, nicer than the inspo! Also your fabric choice is great. I'm keen to make this dress now based on yours not the pattern photo which is too stiff and sacky and would put me off. Absolutely gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Alex, I think the fabric makes the dress, it's such lovely quality! x

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  6. Jane, I think your dress is beautiful...and much better made than the inspiration one!

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    1. Aw thanks Evie, definitely worth the effort I think! x

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  7. Lovely - it’s great fun to make ones own version of something seen in the shops! I must say I think your fabric choice is far better than a heavier one, denim or cord would be way too heavy for a belted sack dress!

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    1. I have to agree, in fact I don't like any of the recommended fabrics, I think drapey fabrics are the way forward with this pattern! x

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  8. I have to say that the picture on the pattern wouldn't have attracted me to making it at all however your version is lovely and really suits you

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  9. I really turned out well, Jane. I don't think I would have chosen the pattern either, due to the uninspiring picture on the front of the packet. But it all worked out pretty much as you wanted; so good deal. You look great in your new red dress!

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    1. It did turn out pretty much as I wanted! I'm so pleased! x

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  10. This dress is lovely! It look stylish and comfortable... and I LOVE the color! You did a fantastic job!

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  11. This is stunning! That colour is gorgeous and it looks lovely on you.

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  12. I love your dress. It looks nicer and more expensive than the inspiration dress too!

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    1. Ooh that's nice to hear, especially as the inspiration dress was so expensive! The fabric helps, it's gorgeous. x

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  13. You look beautiful in red. I love the shape of the dress. Looks incredible on you!

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    1. Thank you so much Andie, I'm still a bit hesitant about the shape so it's really encouraging to get such lovely feedback! x

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  14. Jane, I completely love your dress so much more then your inspiration! It's looks classier. Its beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Kathy, I love being told anything I've made looks classy, that's made my day! x

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  15. Ooo! This is absolutely gorgeous, and just like the inspiration dress too - yours is a nicer shade of red though! And off I go to look at the fabric...

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    1. Thanks Lynne! I'd highly recommend the fabric, this is the second dress I've made from it and can confirm its gorgeousness! x

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  16. That shade of red is perfect on you, absolutely lovely! It's great when you can find fabric and a pattern to match inspiration.

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    1. I know, it's so satisfying too! And thank you, I do love red. x

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  17. Looks beautiful Jane. Kicking myself now though because I picked this pattern up at GBSB Live and put it down! I have just the fabric for this too! Looks like I'll have to buy it now!

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    1. Ah, that's a shame! Good luck with your version. x

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  18. Great job!!! It looks like the same dress!

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  19. Thanks for this review - if I'd have just seen the pattern pic I wouldn't have considered it- not very flattering - but your version in drapey fabric is lovely!

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    1. Thanks Gill, I love drapey fabric at the moment! x

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  20. This is fab Jane! I overlooked the pattern before, but seeing it on you and in a drapier fabric has totally sold it to me! It looks brilliant and is such a perfect copy of the high-st version :) x

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    1. Aw thanks so much Shauni! It was lovely to finally meet you at GBSB Live btw! x

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  21. I think your dress looks great! The colour suits you and the drapery fabric is perfect for this pattern. It looks very classy!

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  22. Beautiful and lovely shoes too!

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    1. Thank you! They're very rarely worn as they're quite high/difficult to walk in, but I do love them! x

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  23. I absolutely LOVE this on you Karen! It really suits you. Great job. Who needs to spend £200 on a dress when you can sew!

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  24. So beautiful dress. Red colour suits you. It looks very simple pattern but looks so expensive when you done! :D

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    1. Ah thank you, that's so gratifying to hear! x

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  25. Hi Jane,

    I'm looking at buying this fabric but I just wanted to ask you, did you line this or was it ok? I just wanted to check if it's see through before buying it!

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    1. Hi Ruth, no I didn't line it. I've used this fabric before in turquoise and both are completely opaque, so no worries there! Thanks. x

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