Canberra Frocktails : The dress that stayed home

In my first Canberra Frocktails post I eluded to the fact that my Plan A dress didn’t meet my expectations. I’m after all, rather a fussy lass at times. This is the vision I had in my head when I purchased the leather for my clutch and my shoes.
The fabric is an old stash resident. A lovely crepe de chine with an awesome print that I purchased on sale from Emma One Stock when US shipping rates were reasonable.
The dress is one I’ve made this year… Pattern E ‘Blue Embroidery’ from Simple Style Dress by Machiko Kayaki.
My first version was blogged last month. I wrongly assumed that the silk would tame a little bit of the volume in the dress. The front is fine, but there is just too many fabric in the back. Maybe I just need to grown hump on my back?
Two things I learnt making this dress:
- Black thread is sometimes more invisible than cream!
- Fancy glue (Vliesofix Tape) is fabulous for gluing binding in place before top stitching it down.
So this dress didn’t make it to Frocktails in Canberra last month, but I must admit that distance does make the heart grow fonder. When putting it on today for these photos I realised that it’s actually fine. I suspect in the heat of our summer I’ll be reaching for this dress and pairing it with some flat sandals.
Pattern: Pattern E ‘Blue Embroidery’ from Simple Style Dress by Machiko Kayakih (Japanese language only)
Size: 11
Fabric: Silk crepe de chine from Emma One Stock
Alterations: NA
Accessories: Handmade leather clutch, beads from Scarlet Jones and shoes purchased at Luisa
I adore this fabric and love the dress. I think you made the right choice for Frocktails as the final dress choice was probably dressier and more “cocktail” (as well as being totally awesome). That being said I think this is a winner – I agree that in summer this will be a total go-to, especially for a bit of coverage on a hot sunny day. And black thread! I find that on patterned fabric it always looks like you’ve sewn extremely crookedly, it’s bizarre!
You’ve hit the nail on the head here Jillian. This is a great dress in it’s own right, but the Aeolian was the right Frocktails dress. This one is a little more garden party and will be perfect worn casually until I’m invited to a garden party…
It’s a lot of fun, great fabric choice.
You can’t go wrong with houses fabric!
I love it and I’m sure it will get a lot of wear. I completely agree about black thread, I have been pleasantly surprised myself with the discovery as well.
For me the black thread was revolutionary… something it’s the small things that make a big difference.
You have a great eye for pairing fabric and pattern. This dress looks lovely and the length makes your legs look a mile long. I loved your Frocktails dress, but this one is just as lovely.
Thanks for your lovely words Jean. Sewing and blogging is the best hobby!
This is such divine green fabric, I also predict it will be well worn, however you looked smashing in Jellybeans at Frocktails!
Thanks Nicole. I see it will be the summer of silk!
Ooooohhhhh I love this one too! You and your amazing fabrics. You have a definite gift in finding them and then finding the perfect patterns for them!
Thanks Michelle. I do love searching, finding and sewing quirky fabrics.
[…] dress was actually my Plan B Canberra Frocktails dress. Plan A just didn’t make my heart sing. So, when my first dress didn’t meet my expectations, […]
Great dress–shows off your fit legs!
Good genetic Sarah Jo, not hard fought!
This is stunning and I love it. Such a beautiful print too. Glad you have come round to this, perfect silky dress for summer.
I can now see the benefit of letting things mature in the wardrobe.
I think that your jelly beans dress was the right choice for Frocktails, but I adore this green house fabric. It drapes really nicely, and would also look lovely as a tunic over skinny jeans 🙂
I hadn’t even thought of wearing it as a tunic Janette, but yes, that a great idea.
I like this fabric too, but I might put a belt on it though. Even a tie belt made with the same fabric. I have a more rectangle shape. I have to make sure to show where my waist is, just in case people think I don’t have one!
I’ve not had luck with belts in the past Linda, but I must give it a go again.
We all do what’s best for our shape. Mine would be adding a tie belt. Whatever works!
What fabulous fabric! it is a shame you were not so happy with it!