Here’s another dress I made for myself over the holidays. This is something I intend to wear for work: it is neat and smart, but also easy to get about in during my daily walks to the station and back. The pattern is Vogue 8146 — one of those ‘easy’ Vogue suit patterns, which includes a dress and a nice wee jacket. I am actually quite tempted by the jacket, and may well make one for myself at a later stage, as I have enough matching fabric to do so. The fabric is a good quality Shetland tweed, and I bought it from this Skye based designer, who has a shop here on the Royal Mile. At the end of each season, she apparently sells off her excess fabric, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Nurses. I bought 3 metres at a very reasonable price, and was able to cut this dress out of less than a metre. I should point out, however, that I shortened it by 6 inches, so less fabric was actually needed than the amount the pattern specifies.
I do like a wool dress, and this is a nice, straightforward one. There are two sets of darts in front, and one in back, which creates a good tailored fit. If I’d been feeling braver when cutting out the fabric, I might have also shortened the body a tiny amount (the pattern includes guidelines for doing this) — though Vogue sizing fits me well in all other respects, I do find that their patterns are designed for women with a slightly longer torso than myself. I made the dress over two days: it took me one morning to prepare and cut the fabric, and another morning to sew up. The bodice includes facings, but no lining. It hangs well, and is a neat, simple pattern. Overall, I am very pleased with it, and particularly so with the neatness of the zip and the darts in back. You’ll just have to take my word for this, however, as it was so berloody cold when we were taking these pictures that I didn’t feel like taking my coat off and cavorting. Also, Tom was on a mission to score the ingredients for what he assures me will be the ultimate winter pie, and we had to get to the butchers. On such a chilly day, it is nice to return home to a warm kitchen, the sound of JRR and the promise of a tasty pie. Hope you are enjoying your weekend, too!
So, i have a question about that tweed! :) I bought some too from Ragamuffin, it was such a good deal and i made a first attempt at a sort of “tablier” top, but i found it really hard, and it did not turn out well it unravels a lot and i am not sure how to stabilize it, i am not as experienced as you, i’d appreciate any tips you have from sewing this fabric
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NIce frock. If you do make the jacket please leave the bow off!!
I am inspired to dust off my machine and do a little stitching myself.
You are very talented.
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I used to make a lot of dresses like this when I began sewing in the early 60s, with two darts for the waist/hip shaping back and front, the ‘bust drafts’, and a zip centre back. Also, they used to have another small pair of darts on the back neck, that pointed out to the shoulder blades. I still remember the fabrics I used for some of them: cotton prints, mostly, although sometimes plain colours. They were always called ‘shift dresses’.
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Fabulous boots too!
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I love all your sewing (as well as your knitting) I wish I had easy access to lovely woolen fabric!
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Such a cute dress. Love it!
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That is a great dress — you absolutely should make the jacket, it is darling! Did you use an “invisible” zipper? I always find they are the easiest to install neatly. Thanks for sharing!
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Perfect blue on you!
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Another beautiful dress. Your talents continue to astound me! They also inspire me, before Christmas I dusted down my mother-in-laws old sewing machine and made a ‘Maud’ from remnant woolen fabric, lined with a Liberty fabric recycled from a skirt I made many years ago. I’m planning to attempt a simple dress in the near future, so thanks for the inspiration.
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Another fabulous dress.
Must. Lose. Weight.
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Oh, it looks great! And I love your boots, too :)
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Oodles of style as always, am loving the tweedy dress. Tis very good work wear love it! Also I too love Fly boots (am on second pair that I’m wearing to death), I’ve replaced zips, got bits stitched up and kept them going. Just about to buy my third pair!
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looks so smart on you! fabulous fit.
today i bought my first Vogue pattern in 20 years.
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Okay I have to admit to utter jealousy at your endless crafting talents and excellent style Kate!
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Great dress! And great boots too, do you mind if I ask who makes them?
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They are made by “Fly” and are really excellent — I have two pairs — my brown pair are walking through their third winter and are still going strong.
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Great dress! It fits you perfectly. Also: I have the same scarf as you! I love it very much. My mum gave it to me for Christmas.
Enjoy the pie! Tis the season for pie, for sure…
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this is lovely
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Lovely color- cute, classic, timeless…you can’t lose!
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Ah yes, Ragamuffin is one of my favourite places too.
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I love both the dresses that you have created this Christmas; both in beautiful colours, and perfectly fitted for you! You must be very pleased!!
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how wonderful people are still sewing == the color and shape is lovely!
But … what is that gray thing “poking” out at the bottom of your sleeve LOL — do you have sweater on, or is it a scarf or … sorry, had to ask, as I love gray and patterned knitting!
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Ha – that’s one of my F U G U E mittens — which you can see here:
https://needled.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/fugue/
— the pattern is now with the printers and will be available shortly from Lilith at oldmaidenaunt.com.
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it came out great! I love the color
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Beautifully fitted! Another big success!
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Everybody should have a dress like this in their wardrobe. Love the color.
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Very nice! Do you find, though, that without a lining, it gets stuck on the tights? I have that problem, where the skirt or dress sticks to my tights and looks ridiculous.
Perhaps I have odd dressing issues, though :)
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Another super dress – I can’t make up my mind which is my favourite (and I’m extremely envious, as I can’t wear wool next to my skin!)
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