Ok, so I’m on the fence… I’m not sure if my new dress is just an ultra feminine style that I’m not quite used to it yet, or um, sorta hideous. I hope it’s not hideous, that would be pretty tragic considering I’ve poured a massive amount of meticulous fiddling into this thing. And silk georgette too, grrr. Like, only the most difficult freakin’ fabric ever!
A recent Vogue magazine editorial informed all of us bright-eyed, eager and devoted little fashion mavenettes, aka their readers; that a longer, elegant tea- or midi-length was the Next Big Thing in dresses and skirts. An edict accompanied by loads of pictures of lovely young things striding the streets trailing beautiful long fluttery floaty tea dresses in their respective wakes. Well, I was inspired! aw hells yeah, I definitely need to get me one of those badass elegant tea dresses so I can look all freakin’ feminine and ladylike, yo!
Et voila. But hmmm. Technically speaking, this dress is rather lovely, if I say so myself; I put a lot of effort into finishing as well as I could; doubled-layered the bodice with all seams enclosed within the layers, French seams throughout and a hand-rolled and -stitched baby hem around that long looooong lower edge.
The dress looks charming on the model on the envelope but not as tea-length as I was envisioning, so I lengthened all the skirt pieces by 15cm. Maybe that was a mistake, although I still think the length looks quite lovely on Bessie. Maybe a little Pride and Prejudice, or 70’s Faye Dunaway or something. I should get one of those wide brimmed felt hats maybe…
The front skirt panel is supposed to be cut wider and heavily gathered into the front of the bodice, and if you think it looks a bit fluffy in this version you should have seen it with those gathers!! I painstakingly unpicked that middle panel and re-cut it narrower at the top to fit the bodice portion assigned to it, eliminating all the gathering. The skirt is a LOT more sleek now, believe it or not!
The sleeves at their intended length were a bit puffy and perky and juvenile for my tastes, so I carefully picked those off too and re-drafted and re-cut new ones. My re-drafted sleeves are 16cm longer than the pattern and have had the sleeve cap flattened a little AND reduced in length to eliminate nearly all gathering to fit it to the arm scye. I do like my modified sleeves a lot, actually one of the few things about the dress with which I’m unequivocally happy. I LOVE the interesting cross-over sleeve cuffs. In fact these, along with the petticoat pattern are what seduced me to buy the pattern in the first place.
So maybe it’s the empire waistline? I think maybe empire waistlines are not for me… But you know, a lot of work went into it so I’ll wear it. It actually looks quite nice if I throw a coat over it, haha; like how I’m wearing it today! The hemline is quite pretty, I think, and looks quite satisfyingly fluttery around your legs as you walk. And it looks rather gorgeous while twirling too, although sadly my days generally involve very little girly twirling.
Obviously I reserve all rights to suddenly decide I love it sometime down the track. I do that sometimes because I’m, like, capricious and flighty. When it suits me. And if feminine floaty, twirlicious tea dresses do become the dernier cri then I’m well prepared!
Oh, one more thing; I have another copy of this pattern to give away to a reader. When I ordered the pattern from Club BMV, for some weird reason I ordered two patterns exactly the same. When they arrived I thought Club BMV had made a mistake, but then I checked my own record and oh deary me, it was all me. I had clicked “2” in what I hope was late night fuzziness and not early dementia.
Anyway if you would like a pristine brand new copy of Vogue 1160, sizes 6-8-10-12 and still in factory folds, then please leave a comment on this post stating so, and next Tuesday 29th July I will randomly select a winner.
LATER EDIT: thank you all very much for the kind comments and the great styling suggestions and I will be sure to try wearing the dress with different shoes in the future 🙂 I drew a winner the old fashioned way…
Details:
Dress; Vogue 1160, pale cocoa brown silk georgette
Petticoat (under) ; Vogue 1160, dark chocolate brown silk charmeuse, seen here
Tights; Kolotex
Boots; Sempre di, from Zomp shoes
Yes, it is not your usual style but looks very attractive on you any way. I love the floatyness (if that is a word) of it.
I agree, the dress looks very nice on you. It's very well made and I hope you'll learn to love it!
Not to cast doubt on your usually unimpeachable judgment, but —- how can you even be questioning this??!! It is floatily, romantically gorgeous. Please put my name in for the drawing.
I adore the sleeves. That fold over thingy! Swoon.
This is so intensely romantic. I love it, but think it is a mood dress – I'm imagining sandals, a dusky warm evening and tiny little flavoursome things to eat whilst sipping a glass of champagne. I think it will come in to its own at some other time of year ;)…I might be feeling a bit chilly, so take no notice of me, I must be transposing.
I agree, even though it is not your usual look, it does look lovely on you. Good job on reshaping the skirt and redrafting the sleeves. I think the sleeves are lovely at this length and the finished dress is nicer than the one on the pattern envelope model.
Don't count me in on the give-away, it is not my size nor would I be able to pull off that look. Good luck to those who enter though.
I think it looks lovely on you! I would love a copy of the pattern- I'm infatuated with those sleeves.
I think the dress, as well as you wearing the dress, are both beautiful. I picture midi as being mid calf length, which the back appears to be. I love it.
I think the dress is lovely as well! Have you thought of pairing it with shoes or sandals? Such a delicate dress perhaps deserves more delicate footwear and showing a bit of skin below the knee may balance the deep neckline and show off the lovely hem.
I think this is very pretty-my first thought when I saw it was "Oh, pretty…not Caroline's usual style but so pretty" I agree with fabric epiphanies above that the dress would be set off with strappy sandals and leg showing.
Carolyn! This is a gorgeous dress! Yes, it is a bit of a different style, but it is so lovely! The cocoa brown is delicious and the work you put into this dress shows. Well done!
No pattern draw for me – just dropping by to say the dress is gorgeous. Perhaps a couple of lovely long necklaces to add to the femininity – it is lovely.
I actually have had my eye on this pattern for quite a while. Good to know that the gathered-ness is so intense. I do think that your iteration of the dress is quite lovely – probably just not a style you are accustomed to. I know it always throws me off when I try out something that isn't in my comfort zone, even when I get multiple compliments. Anyway – I'd love the pattern…
Oh my goodness this is special. I think the front is quite pretty, but the back is just divine! Perfect with those boots too for a wintery look but I can also imagine it dressed up with heels and bare legs.
You look so pretty! I would love to have a copy of the pattern. -karrie
I think the dress is beautiful. I'd probably have to do a lot of work re-sizing so I'll pass on the giveaway, but just wanted to say that this is definitely a dress that I love. I may try and draft my own, I love it so much 🙂
Gorgeous dress, love the colour and those sleeves are divine. I feel the dress is wearing you and not the other way, like kbenco, I can see it more with sandals and a bare leg however BeaJay has a good idea with the beads or scraf. Please do not include me in the draw.
I love it too, especially the beautiful sewing. The sleeves look great too. I'd love a crack at this pattern. Thank you!
This looks like the perfect 'high tea' dress. Have you tried wearing it with heels?
I'll pass on the giveaway.
You made the right dress length decision.
I have only one word …WOW!
Christine
What an absolutely gorgeous dress! I let out a 'whoa!' when I saw the first photo. It's incredible and you look amazing. But if it's not your style, then it's not your style. No thanks on the pattern draw.
I adore it and it looks great on you with your height. The details are lovely.Do you have some strappy light colored high heeled sandal to wear it with? That would be perfect.
This looks SO good on you – SOOOO good! I hope you grow to love the look, because you rock it!
Oops forgot to add that I'd love to be included in the drawing, IF you're shipping to the U.S. 🙂
At the risk of sounding gushy, this is simply stunning. I think it's one of the loveliest dresses I've ever seen and looks wonderful on you. I love the alterations you've made to the length of the skirt and the sleeves along with removing some of the excess fabric in the front. I would love to own this pattern, so it you're shipping internationally, please enter me into the draw.
Get the hat! Or maybe a skinny scarf. I think this is just one accessory away from being an awesome 70s style look. (Btw please don't put me in the draw)
Well I think it looks lovely – well worth your beautiful finishing 🙂 Isn't it strange though, that some styles while we love the idea of them, just don't feel like yourself? I have this issue with frills, as I love them on others but always feel ridiculous wearing them. (Maybe one day I will overcome this!) I think with your modifications you have unfussified the dress and hopefully after a bit of wear you will grow to love it. The photos are really pretty, too.
gorgeous ultra feminine dress. I think the 70's reference is spot on, I think this dress looks it's best with natural accesoires and carefree styling.
I love it. Actually, I love your version more than the original. I have the perfect fabric, so please enter me in your giveaway.
"Oh, that is beautiful!" were the words that escaped my lips.
Thank you for the review of this pattern. I've had it sitting in my stash for a while now, waiting for (a) the time to make it and (b) the inspiration. I'm a little in love with some silver tulle and somewhat inspired by all the little girls coming through my work in foofy tulle skirts and fairy wings at the moment, so it'll have to wait a little longer until I find JUST the right fabric for it…but just you wait! When it comes to the top of the pile, I'll certainly be doing that little sleeve lengthening thing too.
I hate to say it, because I do thing they are really neat, but changing the sleeves might make you feel more comfortable in it. Shorten them and take out the extra volume and you'll have something a little more sleek.
Very Stevie Nicks! It looks lovely on you – beautiful sewing as always (but pls don't count me in the comp).
I especially like the back view of the dress on you. I had my eyes on this pattern for a while now and I would love to give it a try (although your comments about the difficulties of dealing with the sheer fabirc somehow discouraged me). Thanks for the giveaway.
I think it's a lovely floaty dress, the colour is gorgeous on you and beautiful french seams and rolled hem.
Looks great on you, iD love to have a go at those sleeves
The dress is beautiful.I love the floaty, elegant feel and I agree, the sleeves are divine. Wear with pride and watch the envy of all the women around you!
Stunning! I was scrolling through pics to start with and caught site of "obviously I reserve the right to suddenly decide I love it…" er WHAAAAT, it's amazing!
Well, I for one just love it. Different for you, but vive la différence, n'est-ce pas? Surely I would like to be included in your giveaway!
I think the dress is beautiful on you and I love the floaty aspect of it. You did a wonderful job on it. My sister has your exact hair color and some colors wash her out and don't show the brilliance of her hair color, so I am wondering if you feel rather lost in the color / tone of the dress? The design however and the fabric (content wise) is perfect!
The dress is beautiful and very ethereal – it also has a vintage look about it – very de rigeur at the moment, and your version is nicer than on the pattern packet. anyhow it looks simply lovely on you and the work you put in is worthwhile.
Please can I be included for the giveaway?
Beautiful and flattering dress! It makes me want to get some silk georgette!
It's quite lovely on you, beautiful work. I would like to be included in the drawing, I tend to gravitate towards this style but have never made an item like this. Thank you!
It's gorgeous! But, I do see what you mean – midi + fluffy is more complicated than midi + sleek. Your coat is a clue – throw a sweatshirt over it! That's the kind of outfit you can only get if you design your own clothes.
Thanks so much for the effort you make to share your work, it's always gorgeous and inspiring.
Ooh!!! Me please!!!! It's so fabulous and very flattering on you! I have a couple of festivals to go to and this would fit in perfectly!!
Well, I think it's lovely. The sleeve treatments are super cool and I like it with the boots too. Perhaps try pairing it with a long necklace to balance out the front proportions and make your torso look longer?
I noticed the sleeves first, thinking how they worked so well. Then I saw the rest of the dress, and I think it is very lovely, and works well on you, even if you're not sure you work well in it, if that makes sense.
I'd love to be in the draw.
I think it is lovely, and it looks like a very comfortable dress as Well! I would love to try to make one myself 🙂
Whilst it's not your usual style it does look lovely on you – very feminine. I want one please 🙂
NOT hideous. Lovely and flirty and feminine without drowning in a sea of pink lace and ribbon and ruffles.
The dress on the model looks to fall above her knee, which is not at all what I would call "tea length." I like the length on which you settled far better.
I think the dress is beautiful. I love the color, and would love to make one myself 🙂
Everything about it is gorgeous! …and I really like it with your boots.
Perhaps it's my affinity for the 70s, but I think this project turned out to be quite fetching. I don't think I would have liked it as much as designed, however – the sleeves did look a bit juvenile. Your sleeve design is way cool and I like how it mirrors the slight high-low skirt hem. I guess I could see it with a lower waistline, but I do like what the empire waist does to the skirt – it's a tradeoff!
This dress looks lovely on you! It is so feminine and airy looking. Great fabric choice and color! I have not ever ordered 2 patterns at the same time, but I am guilty of ordering a pattern for the second time! So now I look through my patterns before I order. I don't have this Vogue pattern though, so I am thrilled to be in the drawing for it!
Just looking at the envelope, the pattern didn't appeal to me, it's way too girly, but I think you translated it beautifully into a grown up's wardrobe staple! The solid fabric, the longer sleeves, and the no-longer-there gathers really do it all! Please put me in the draw, I'd love to have a lime green copy of your version for the fall!
I love the way it looks on you/. I haven't ordered this pattern (yet) but I definitely want to try it with your version of the sleeve/ I'd love to be in the draw ( If you are shipping to Europe )
Although I often like the juxtaposition of hard and soft, I suspect that the boots are too hard for this delicate dress. You might consider substituting black tights and heels for the boots.
I love it on you! (And I'd love it to give it a shot myself, so please enter me!)
It looks very nice on you an its just so pretty. Love the color! Very girly :O). A lovely evening out dress for sure! Don't enter me in the pattern drawing only because I am doubting I would ever manage to get this made :O).
It looks like a very nice pattern!
I would love this pattern! Gorgeous dress. You look wonderful. 🙂
i think a statement necklace in a reomantic style would make this perfect
Hello
Hello from Sevilla (Spain). I love yours blogspot and all sew works you do. This dress is so pretty… is perfect! Too much hours sewing and a lovely end. Congratulations!!! I use Pattern Magic too. So, I would like sew this dress, now in Seville is summer, so is the perfect dress for this days. Sorry for my english, and good luck for alls!
Your dress looks beautiful, but I think perhaps the boots are too heavy. Have you tried it with dainty heels? Of course you have! I would think you could dress this up for a very special occasion or down for a floaty day around the fabric shops. Yay for trying a new length.
I don't see what you see at all… Or, better, I see it exactly and think it is amazing. Really! And if you are worried about too feminine, the styling with the boots toughes it up. I would like to sew one of these, and I would probably use the same length you did!
I do believe my first comment was lost, and darn it, most of it has flown out of my brain. That's what happens when you skip a meal. You get brain fog. Anyway, I love the dress, but the styling could be different. A nice heel with maybe a bow – it'd be over the top feminine with the bow – or a period type heel – think Victorian – would be great with the dress. I especially like the change you made to the sleeve. The dress is lovely, but better yet, it looks great on you. Relax and enjoy wearing this wonderful me-made.
The dress is definitely lovely. You always take gorgeous pictures. Please do enter me for the giveaway.
You and I have completely different styles, and often I am intrigued by what you wear, but I would never wear it. I have to say that you have created an inspired outfit. Dress – a one of a kind masterpiece that all women want. Styling – with those boots, killah. And you are wearing it extremely well; you are tall enough. So, I think you shall come to love it, even if it doesn't become in vogue. It is like a beautiful vintage garment, it is timeless.
Oh, and don't put me in the draw. I am short, and I couldn't pull this off.
I'd be interested in a copy of this pattern!
Well i think this is lovely on you 😉 I would be interested in the pattern give away Thanks for the chance to win X
I'm in love with rhis dress !!!!
Maybe it's different for yum but looks beautiful on you! Well done! I really love it and would love to be entered into the giveaway.
This does look lovely. Yes, I think lots of gathers across the skirt would be too over the top. Thanks for a chance.
There is a lot to love about this dress: the colour, the floaty fabric, the amazing sleeves. I follow what you're saying about empire waists. I tend to associate them with maternity and children's clothes or at least clothes for younger, though they really are very flattering. If you just look at the dress without picking it apart I think it's lovely and it suits you. I wouldn't have put boots with silk georgette, but that is very much your thing, isn't it? Might you like this dress better if you styled it differently, say with a statement necklace that fills in more of the chest area and some sexy heels?
As everyone has commented, it's not your usual but it does look beautiful- I think boots and coat, or sandals and no coat – boots and floaty just isn't quite working on this one!
You have really inspired me- I've been following you for a while and finally, have started making my own clothes again (the last time was when I was a teenager, until I finished at college, which was a while back!) Have just made a couple of dresses, one of which I could have worn every day while on holiday, have never felt like that about clothes before! and some fabric has just arrived to make another, so that's next week's project! If you're prepared to send to the UK I'd love to have a go at it!
This dress? Lovely. You? Lovelier. I'm trying to see what isn't quite, on about it, but it's not easy to know why something isn't quite the thing. I think maybe you do need a layer over it with the boots, a sweater or tailored jacket to give a nod to the boots. In summer, this would be so lovely with a large brimmed hat and pretty sandals. One thing I notice is that the chest is very open. I wore a blouse yesterday with a portrait neckline that left me with a rather bare expanse that didn't look balanced. Maybe a necklace with substantial shapes would help, like one of those cool Alabama Chanin knotted things, or a scarf with the boots would be fantastic! If the brown fabric seems a bit… brown, you could print it with a subtle horse print. Or floral, or leaf in ink, terrifying to try something that might ruin it though. It's such a beautiful piece. Surely the twirlability alone makes it worth your effort.
I think it would look lovely without the boots.
It's beautiful! I'd love to win=)
I don't see anything wrong with this dress. I think it's beautiful and you look great in it!
Gosh, that looks beautiful. I love the colour, the fabric, the pattern. Gorgeous.
You look lovely in the dress! It was worth all the effort 🙂
I personally think you look amazing in this – ethereal even. Its so pretty & soft on you. Love those sleeves too.
Great dress. Thanks for sharing your sewing adventures on your blog, you are an inspiration.
I love the dress! It's beautiful on you. Now I want to make one…
I would like to try thre pattern just for the sleeves, at least. I would change the bodice, so that the gathering action comes from the top, so to make my top area look bigger, to balance by big hips
I think this dress is anything but hideous! It looks really lovely, like a winter-fairy outfit. The sleeves look really interesting too.
It's beautiful! Not anything even remotely close to hideous. Though I do vote for the wool floppy hat and some long artsy necklaces. I love it. And silk georgette- oh my.
i'm a bit late to see this post (been traveling and kind of neglected bloglovin) but i had to comment on this dress and tell you how beautiful i think it is.. i get why you're biased about it, i also don't feel empire waistlines on me, but this dress looks gorgeous on you, skirt is wonderful and i love the sleeve details.. and that forest behind you is magical
Love your dress! And now I'm seriously regretting passing on this pattern in the recent Vogue OOP pattern sale. Hope you've gotten a bit more wear out of this dress. It so deserve to be paraded!
This dress, this image of this dress in Magazine persuaded me to find your blog: an entirely new activity for me, but also to make it! Not that it will look as beautiful on me but I can hope. The longer sleeves are definitely winners. Many thanks for sharing….
thank you so much Belinda for your very sweet comment! that is too kind of you 🙂