cherry bomb dress
pattern: new look 6459
difficulty (1-5): 2
pattern size: 10 (modified to 8)
fabric: 1.25 yd of chloe's closet fabric in retro cherries and apples, acetate lining fabric, 14" zipper, double fold bias tape
my cherry bomb dress. the name exudes nothing but raciness, yet with its style and fabric, i see a duly 50's wife so vividly in myself. but finally, i have completed a dress.
fabric cutting, measuring and fitting were all done with hege while in cape cod. she had taught me some useful tidbits about sewing which enabled me to accomplish a great fitting dress. i am still struggling with the size though, with different pattern brands and styles. for this particular pattern, i could have made size 8 without much fudging around. but as always, i would rather make it bigger than smaller... cut less than more (always keeping the lobster pants experience in mind...) and always use a ruler.
patience. that was another thing i need to work on. i tend to rush through a sewing project without paying detailed attentions to seam lines, zipper installation, hemming... you know, those details have little to do with fitting, but speak loudly of the craftsmanship, the working style and attention to detail of its maker. i, as an amateur seamstress wannabe, will practice my patience and skills which will hopefully push my craft to a state of art in the end.
one can always dream. definitely.
a close up, but ignore the cat
so this a-line dress was very comfortable to wear and i wore it to work today. so perfect for this southern city. the red shoulder straps are actually bias tape (can you tell?). initially i wanted to use silk (and had already bought some scarlet red silk fabric for it) but was afraid it may be too flimsy. so bias tape it is. hemming with bias tape was also something i am glad i did. the color red frames the dress well and picks up the cherries and apples in the fabric. of course, soulemama's bias tape hemming had a profound impact on my modification. she was a genius!
love, love, love this dress. and i rarely wear dresses. rarely. i can count how many times i've worn a dress with one hand. now that i have the skills to make my own dresses. things will be different.
sewing selfishly for self will end with my cherry bomb. at least for a while. next few projects will be for sister and husband. possibly my cute little chubby niece.
Comments
Gorgeous!!! Fits you so wonderfully, and the pattern is a delight for the eyes! Enjoy!
posted by grumperina on August 9, 2006 07:34 PM
Blossom, it looks fabulous on you! It fits great and the fabric is super-cute. Very inspiring.
posted by Steph on August 9, 2006 07:40 PM
Love the name of your dress. You did a great job, both in terms of fit and finishing.
posted by erin on August 9, 2006 09:30 PM
This dress is too cute!! I love it!
posted by Morgan on August 9, 2006 09:38 PM
sometimes, in the past, i've had trouble believing my numbers ... in terms of measurements. but, with the beauty of multi-size patterns, i could trim my pattern for my (pattern) size 12 bust and 14 hips. your dress looks like a success!
posted by gray la gran on August 9, 2006 09:43 PM
It is so great. Wish I knew something about sewing! Can't wait to see more in the future:)
posted by Jeanie on August 9, 2006 09:43 PM
Great dress! Perfect for the summer, too!
posted by Angela on August 9, 2006 10:51 PM
very pretty summer dress and it looks terrific on you. The cat in the background gives the pic character!
posted by Erica B. on August 10, 2006 12:19 AM
Looks like a very good fit for you. Beautiful fabric also.
posted by Maud on August 10, 2006 12:27 AM
Wow, Blossom, you look so beautiful in your new dress! What a gorgeous dress, well done! I wish I knew how to sew, but I don't even own a sewing machine.
posted by terhi on August 10, 2006 03:12 AM
Love yr dress and it looks nice on you. I wish I can sew a dress in someday, but now I start with a shirt for it is more simple.
posted by handknit168 on August 10, 2006 03:21 AM
Great job!
posted by colleen on August 10, 2006 06:42 AM
It's a beautiful dress! The red straps and hem is a wonderful detail. Looks great on you, enjoy wearing it!
posted by Carin on August 10, 2006 09:14 AM
what a perfect summer dress! great job!
posted by Stacey on August 10, 2006 09:20 AM
Beautiful! Looks like it fits great. What a great idea on the straps, too! Did you have to double the tape?
posted by Laura on August 10, 2006 10:47 AM
That looks fantastic on you! The pattern and the fabric go together perfectly, great job!
posted by Emily on August 10, 2006 11:01 AM
Beautiful dress! You look lovely, and the sewing looks well done.
posted by Charity on August 10, 2006 12:17 PM
Wow,it looks fantastic on you! I think the fabric fits the pattern, great job!!
posted by joujouka on August 10, 2006 12:41 PM
This dress is gorgeous, love the style, the fabric, the fitting - simply everything. I am reading your blog now for several weeks and I like the things you are making very much. I am also a knitter and sometimes I try to sew, but never dare to make clothes, just some simple bags or so. And this dress is topping it all - you look great in it, enjoy it very often.
Greetings from Germany,
Suzi
posted by Krawuggl on August 10, 2006 02:04 PM
Wow very pretty! You look great in it, Blossom. I love the pink strap/hem you added to the skirt.
posted by vanessa on August 10, 2006 04:53 PM
Gorgeous. You look lovely in it.
posted by Julia on August 10, 2006 05:12 PM
I love this fabric! This is THE perfect summer dress and it suits you to perfection. You are right about patience though... Take your time and you'll save it in the end.
posted by francoise on August 10, 2006 05:22 PM
What a perfect summer dress. It looks great on you.
posted by Sue on August 10, 2006 08:01 PM
Amazing! I still dont' think I could sew a dress that would actually fit me correctly!
Congrats!
posted by pip on August 11, 2006 04:33 PM
It looks beautiful on you! Congratulations on such a sucessful sewing project.
posted by Iris on August 13, 2006 02:40 PM
The dress looks beautiful! And the red accents are perfect! Very nice work!
posted by hege on August 17, 2006 04:50 PM