Friday, November 7, 2014

It's the Holiday Season - Time for Parties and Fancy Dresses

I'm a little bit behind schedule for posting one of my latest dresses. This one was finished in September.  It posted on the Mood Sewing Network on Wednesday.  Here, I want to share more of details on the construction process and my thoughts on this pattern and dress.








Long, long ago back in... July, this beautiful brocade caught my eye. The rich jewel tones sparkled against my brown complexion. I saw a holiday dress.  Perfection.  I bet you're thinking, holiday dress in July? Yep. I wanted it to be ready before the first big holiday event rolled around.


Typically, I make myself a birthday dress, which is usually white or off-white because my birthday falls on the week of our annual Women's conference. This year I wanted to change it up a bit. No white dress for me. I finished it a few days after my big day.



I like this brocade's bold print. It turned out so well that I think I'll continue with the boldness for future birthday dresses. Mood has a huge section of brocade fabrics. There is something available for every complexion and style.

I used Palmer/Pletsch McCall 6464. It was the first time I used this particular pattern. The empire waist and the center front panel are what drew me to this one.  I made several changes for fit and style/construction.

Fit changes:

I first mentioned this project in a September post for Notes on a Pattern. My biggest hurdle was the FBA. The first step in the FBA process is altering the tissue pattern to include a bust dart. When I sew the bust and waist darts, it created a "cone boob" effect. That's not a good look for me.  So I divided the "big" waist dart into two darts. This made the bust area smooth. Sorry I don't have a illustrations. I made this change as I sewed. For the back I made a broad back and sway back adjustments. I think I achieved a good fit; it would have better even better if I added about an inch to the length of the bodice.


Construction changes:
  • Trim along the bodice and front seams of the dress. Shown in above pictures.
  • Hong Kong finished seams on the skirt of the dress.


  •  Silk organza to shape the sleeve cap.



  •  Hand picked zipper with beads (You can hardly see the beads because of the fabric print.).


I can't say that I will sew it again. I have so many patterns.  But it is incredible.


So, this is my first holiday dress of the season. I may make two more. We will see.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta


39 comments:

  1. I love this! The fabric choice was perfect and I hope you have a wonderful holiday event to wear this too!

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  2. Gorgeous dress and the inside is just as lovely as the outside!

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  3. This is really fabulous on you. The color is very becoming and I love the bold print on you.

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I hope to wear it sometime during the holiday season.

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  5. It's beautiful and would shine at any party.

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  6. Beautiful woman, beautiful dress both outside and inside. I love it! Thank you.

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  7. Hi, Cennetta - I love this dress. The fabric is absolutely stunning! If you never make that particular dress again, you have a winner in this one. Perfect fit as usual. Enjoy your holidays.

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    1. Thanks, Vernelle. It's always great to hear from you.

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  8. Bold and be.YOU.tiful, indeed! Happy belated birthday and you look lovely in your newest creation!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

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  9. This is really beautiful, a wonderful brocade choice perfect for your complexion - you're glowing in these photos! Your construction is impeccable - kudos on sewing so beautifully as a birthday gift to yourself. The fit is really good, too - I find FBA with an empire line to be one of the most challenging to do so it both fits and flatters. Each one you do brings you closer to perfection. Wear this dress happily this holiday season!

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    1. Thanks, Janee. The empire line is a challenge. I must remember to add a little length to the bodice.

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  10. You were so right about that fabric and your complexion. Gorgeous together! What a stunning dress! And such a great and flattering fit.

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    1. Awe.., Thanks, Debbie. It's always great to hear from you.

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  11. Beautiful fabric! Love all your special details in the construction too.

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  12. I do love the fabric. Your dress came out beautiful and you look stunning in it.

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  13. Lovely. What gorgeous fabric and you are likewise the same wearing it!

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  14. Love your dress. You look gorgeous!

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  15. Gorgeous dress, Cenetta! It's so perfect on you.

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    1. Thanks, Andrea. I'm glad it worked out. I was having some issues with the dart placement.

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  16. This beautiful fabric made a gorgeous festive dress. You look gorgeous (and Happy belated Birthday)!

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  17. This is a beautiful dress it looks very flattering on you. Your work is alway on point..btw love those shoes.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lucy. The shoes are from DSW. They have them in red and navy too.

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  18. You look wonderful in this gorgeous dress. And that fabric is to die for!

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  19. This is absolutely gorgeous! It's just the perfect dress. Happy birthday, lady!!!

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  20. Wow. I can see why you snapped up that fabric when you saw it. Gorgeous. Love the interior finishing pics. And you've nailed the fit, as usual!

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  21. Happy birthday Cennetta. You look amazing, stylish and on trend.

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