Tuesday, November 9, 2010

My Little Black Dresses - New Look 6824 Part II





In August, I shared my intentions to make my LBD's for Fall 2010. Both dresses are finished but, not in time to enter the already awarded PR LBD contest. Rats..., Seriously...,

I wore one for the Captains Ball (cruise) and the other just a few days ago. I love them both for different reasons. LBD-1 The sash is cute and creates a waist for me. LBD-2 is just classic: The ruffled neckline combined with the fabric. Love, love. It's amazing how you can use one pattern to achieve different looks. For these LBD's I used New Look 6824, same pattern I used for my 2008 birthday dress. My first thought was to try the full skirt for the first LBD, but the remnant that I purchased was not long enough to accommodate the skirt. So, plan B, slim skirt.

In this review I'm describing the my process, my thoughts on the fabric, and the feel/fit of both dresses hoping not to confuse you. So here goes.


Pattern Description: Misses Design Your Look Dresses. This pattern includes a variety of necklines, skirts, and sleeves style that can be mixed and matched.

LBD-1 I used B+C+E+G+I+J
LBD-2 I used A+E+G


Pattern Sizing: 8-18, I used size 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Both dresses looked like the basic design lines for the pattern drawings.

Were the instructions easy to follow? No difference from what I reported in the first go round. The instructions were pretty standard. Some processes were added/changed based on my design changes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the versatility of this pattern and the "vintage" appeal. There are many, many options.

Fabric Used: LBD-1 is made of peach skin from JoAnn's(Bodice) and a beautiful jacquard from Vogue's(skirt). The photo does not do the jacquard justice. It was easy to sew. On the other hand, the peach skin was a bear to achieve that smooth finish we all love to get with in-set sleeves. So I decided to live with my second attempt. Peach skin is very tightly woven. I suppose I could have reduce the amount of ease..., Next, time.

LBD-2 is made from a black on black hounds tooth from Vogue's. The fiber contain of the weave of the hounds tooth contained the flexibility needed to insert the perfect sleeve. I was lucky to find a two yard remnant of this quality.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
For both -
FBA
Prominent shoulder blade adjustment
Added two inches to the length of the skirt
Lined the skirt
installed an invisible zip.

LBD-1 -
- I finished the hem with a slit attaching the lining to it.

LBD-2 -
- Carefully planned the layout to line up the hounds tooth pattern throughout the dress.
- Shorten sleeves by a inch or so (limited fabric)
- Added organza ruffled trim to the neckline and sleeves. The trim was on an elastic band. So I stayed the neckline. Then I used a thin strip of stitch witchery to hold the trim in place while I basted it to the dress. Next I follow the steps described in the instruction finishing the with understitching.
- Added facing to the sleeves for a polished finish



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is now one of my TNT/slopers. I'll probably use it again and again. And yes I do recommend it to others.

Jewelry Made by my DD



Conclusion: This is a great dress pattern that provides many design options for that classic, "vintage" look.

38 comments:

  1. Wow! Your work is impressive! And the fit on the dresses is awesome!

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  2. Both these dresses look so elegant and such a perfect fit.

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  3. I never noticed this pattern before. But with these 2 great looks it's gotten my attention. I absolutely love the pairing of the peachskin with the jacquard. It's sensational (wink)!

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  4. What great details on LBD2! I just love the look of LBD1, I think it's my favorite of the two. Nice job!

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  5. You have two incredibly stylish dresses and beautifully made too.

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  6. You look great in both dresses. Thanks for sharing your work.

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  7. Truly mesmerizing dresses! As always, I am in awe of your work!

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  8. Both are beautifully made and absolutely gorgeous on you.

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  9. these look beautiful on you and I like the organza ruffle - a nice touch!

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  10. Wow, beautiful dress and very elegant!

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  11. Your work is amazing! you look gorgeous :)

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  12. You look fabulous in both dresses, the shape of the pattern really makes the most of your figure. Now I want to make myself a black dress for the holiday season!

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  13. You look amazing in both your dresses (and the jewlery is th perfect finidhing touch)!

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  14. All I can say is WOWWWWWWWW
    The dresses are awesome. Black dress is beautiful and your sewing is impecable.

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  15. You look amazing in both dresses. Very classy!

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  16. Outstanding! Perfect for the Haute Couture fashion show!

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  17. Stunning! These take the little black dress to a new level. Beautiful work and you look beautiful in them!

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  18. You look gorgeous in both dresses! I can't believe they are the same pattern.

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  19. Very stylish and such a great shape for you!

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  20. Thanks, everyone! The compliments do wonders for me ego! ;-)
    C

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  21. Beautiful dresses!! I love organza detail!

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  22. I love your new dress and especially love the ruffled trim - very Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel.

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  23. I really like both of these dresses!!!!

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  24. Like I said in your flickr album, these are stunning dresses!

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  25. both dresses are gorgeous!

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  26. I love the necklace that your daughter made!! Can you give us any of the details on it?

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  27. Thanks! Sally D- I'll post some details on DD's jewelry later. Thanks for asking.
    C

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  28. Fantastic!!! I especially love that little organza trim. I'm going to have to steal that idea.

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  29. You look wonderful! I can not choose which one is my favorite dresses, both are super elegant. Your work is stuning!
    I was watching the post of your cruise and I'm very, very envious. :)

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  30. All your dresses look awesome. You make the perfect pairing of fabric to pattern and they always fit you perfectly.

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  31. Such beautiful dresses. I love them both!

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  32. Both dresses are stunning! You look very stylish and elegant!

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