Frocks

I am going to show you a couple of frocks, but before I do in case you've been following my shirtmaking journey here's a picture of my headless husband wearing his finished shirt.  I would wholeheartedly recommend the classic tailored shirt class to anyone who wants to learn how to professionally construct a shirt, it's so well taught by Pam Howard that even a slapdash sewer like me managed to produce something wearable.  I really hope that Craftsy will offer some more Pam in the future.

Now onto the frocks.  A while ago I pinned this Brora dress onto my Pinterest page.  I particularly like the neckline with the collar, at the time I looked online and in my own stash of patterns but couldn't find anything similar.

Then a couple of months ago I spotted this dress in the February edition of BurdaStyle magazine

                                                             BurdaStyle Boucle Dress Pattern

I prefer the shape of the skirt on this pattern to the Brora dress as full skirts never look good on me, so I decided to give it a go.  As I was under the misapprehension that spring was on it's way I decided not to use a boucle like the photograph (although I do think it looks fab) and opted to use up some fabric I had in my 'not sure what I'll use this for' pile.  So here I am in my frock.

Now I hadn't done my shirt class at this point and I couldn't get my head around the collar instructions at all, so I drafted a flat peter pan collar and went with that.  I think it came out ok, but the neckline is way too low to wear alone and it's a bit baggy around the waist.  Anyway I've worn it and that's probably the biggest test.

So then I decided to make another - it really is a very easy dress to make (did I mention no dreaded zip?)  This time I added a waist dart at the front (there is one already in the back) and opted not to include a collar.  I dug out some fine needlecord fabric in black and came up with this.

I did reduce the length of the neckline, but still not enough to wear without flashing.  It's a shame because it's a bit spoilt by having a cami underneath although it probably would look better with a black  one rather than blue - hey ho.

I'm pleased with the overall outcome, the fabric in particular.  It looks a bit like velvet from a distance, but being needlecord is a lot more wearable.  Whilst the new front darts have given it a bit of shape, I don't think I got them right and should have given them a longer taper.  Well I think that's what the problem is.

I'd love to know what you think about these two frocks, I'm tempted to make a third to try and get the neckline right and use my new collar knowledge to make a 'proper' collar.  I'll add it onto the to do list.  In the meantime I'm off before I change my mind about posting photographs of myself - I hate having my photo taken (gulp).

In Between Days

I have finally completed my classic tailored shirt, but I have no 'model' to photograph it on as my husband is in London for a couple of days so I'll post it shortly.

In the mean time I'm having an in between day, one project is finished and I haven't decided what to start next. I have so many things that I want to make when it comes to deciding it feels a bit overwhelming.

Here are the contenders for next project

                                                   BurdaStyle Asymmetric Zip Jacket from 03/2012

                                                                         Inspired by this

                                                          White Company Jersey Biker Jacket

I haven't see the White Company jacket in real life, but it looks like a sweatshirt type jersey fabric which I think will be too challenging for me.  What fabric to use though?  I'm hanging on to the hope that spring is coming soon (no snow today) so I'm having to fight my instinctive desire to choose a tweed or boucle.  I don't want to choose a linen partly as I've just used linen, but also I think the crumpled effect you get with it wouldn't be right with this kind of jacket.  

My reservation is that I could be biting off more than I can chew with this pattern, I haven't worked with a separating zip so this is completely out of my comfort zone.  However it is my plan to tackle some of my sewing fears and this could be an opportunity to do just that.

Alternatively I do love a shirt dress and having just finished the shirt I could use my new skills to make myself one.  

                                                                    Lisette Traveler Pattern

I was thinking of doing a classic denim shirt dress or see if I can find a great print.  Fit and flare styles don't do anything for me, so I'd probably go for a straight skirt like the model in the pattern here.

Hmm, not sure which way to go, what do you think? My three children are all off school ill today so I won't be heading off to buy fabrics anyway, perhaps I'll spend some time looking for separating zip tutorials.