Not quite my cup of t (tea)
This is my second attempt (see first here) to make something with this divine medium-weight viscose jersey from The Cloth Shop and I’m still not 100% happy. It’s not the fabric (it’s divine) or the pattern (the Draped T-Dress from You Sew Girl is a cleverly drafted masterpiece) but I just didn’t get the hem length right. And… this is one of those patterns where the drafting doesn’t allow for a quick ‘hack off excess fabric & re-hem’ solution.
Don’t get me wrong… I think the dress looks good in these photots, but when I’m not wearing mustard wedges (and let’s face it, they are not an everyday shoe) there seems to be too much dress and not enough leg. In other words, when wearing my flat everday summer sandals this dress feels frumpy.
On a positive note…
- The dress quickly found a new home (hello Sharon!)
- I have more of this lovely fabric for a top
- I’m not giving up on this pattern… an inch or two shorter and I think it’ll be a winner
Pattern: You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress
Size: S
Fabric: Medium-weight viscose jersey from The Cloth Shop
Alterations: Raised the neckline and shortened the dress by 1.5″ (3.75cm)
Accessories: Sophie Digard scarf from Luccell0 and shoes from Siricco (purchased several years ago)
Location: Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne
I love it! I can see how the dress could look a bit frumpy without the heels. The color, though, and your accessorizing. And the drape… all give me serious hearts-for-eyes!!!
The colour is something else isn’t it Meg and accessorising, well I just think it’s a fun game to play!
It does look great with wedges but I can see how flats would totally change the look. What a chic little dress! That jersey is dreamy. Love the twist on the basic t-shirt dress and I look forward to seeing your shorter version.
Thanks Sarah Jo. With all this lovely feedback, I’m inspired to try again and soon!
Yes, it does look great in the photos, but I can see how 10cm off the bottom would make it a much more fun summery little thing. In the interests of sewists everywhere you really must have another go at this 😀
Maria Cornejo did a dress very much like this a few years ago, only with a shorter (shoulder-grazing) sleeve and longer (mid-calf) length. Try pushing up the sleeve. Dress may be a T poseur.
I hadn’t even thought of changing the sleeves. What a great idea. Thanks Jane.
With requests like that Jane, how can I refuse to have another go!
And if you take up the sleeve you might take down the neckline. Dress is begging to be taken seriously.
Isn’t it a shame when things don’t quite match your vision. Hope third time is the charm!
I have my fingers and toes crossed that third time is a charm Siobhan.
I agree. Perfect in every respect as you’ve styled the dress; but can see how the length might be too much with flatter footwear. Great you have found such a lovely garment a new home. Look forward to seeing what comes out of your studio next!
Shoes really can make a difference to an outfit can’t they Susan. I’m hoping to get a few summer things sewn in the next week or so before the family and I head north for some sun.
Arrgh, such a shame you weren’t 100% happy with your dress. I have some of this fabric and agree with you about its deluxe-ness. Lucky you have more I suppose, and lucky Sharon!
Thanks Jenny. What plans do you have for your fabric?
I’ve already made mine up into a brigitte T and it’s my favourite of the *many * versions I’ve made, winning on fabric lushness points alone!
Nicely played!
It sure does look great in photos. The fabric has such wonderful drape. I get how wearing it differently may look and feel… well… different… I hope you will give this pattern another go, because it looks soooo good on you!
I love the look of this dress – the drape works so well. Actually I have drape envy! I can see where you’re coming from with the length though, although it does look good with those wedges.
Thanks Nicola. In a draping sense, the fabric and pattern are made for each other!
Aww shame! I look forward to trying version 2!
What a shame you’re not enamoured of it – it does look lovely in the photos (and the colour is magical on you) but I can see what you mean about the length and shoe type, and if you’re not going to wear it, best off in a new home! I hope the next one works brilliantly.