Monday, October 8, 2012

Spambie. I mean . . . Cambie!

I finished my dress this weekend!  And I took a picture or two this morning . . .

Here's the "real" picture.  This one was the best of the bunch.  Also, please note that I made an effort with my appearance!  Hair and makeup!


OK, let's get down to brass tacks.  I love this dress.  The more I look at it, the more I like it!  And it feels so good on - very comfortable. 

You may remember that I cut a straight size 6, since Sewaholic's size 6 measurements are mine exactly.  In the end, I'd say that for a closer fit, I could probably go down to a size 4 on top, and possibly even on the bottom if I used a heavier fabric (this one is made of cotton lawn with a synthetic pongee lining).  However, this little bit of roominess makes the dress very comfortable to wear and easy to move in.  So I'm on the fence. 

Although this fabric is very pretty, I truly did mean this to be a muslin, both to check for fit and to practice the techniques involved.  This is the very first time I've made a fully lined dress, and I think that's one of the reasons I was putting it off.  But it really wasn't hard, and the pattern instructions were clear enough that I was able to figure it out.  But just to make sure, I checked on Tasia's blog - there's lots of great extra information that helped me confirm that I was on the right track.

My intention is to make this dress again using the gorgeous Liberty fabric Andrea gave me when she visited.  That fabric is precious, so I want to make sure I have the right fit before I cut into it.  My current plan is to wear this muslin a few times and see how I feel in it.

But you want more pictures and less discourse, right?  Pleased to oblige!

The dress itself.  With closer views of the pockets and sleeve/strap area:


I'm very proud of my invisible zipper.  It took a lot of re-sewing and cutting, but I finally got the two sides to match up perfectly!


Some fit photos.  I included the back view even though it is fuzzy.  I don't know why, but sometimes my camera just decides not to focus even though the settings are the same as all the other photos.  But at least you can see the shape of the dress from the back.  Let's just pretend it's "soft focus" because I'm old.


And some "outfit photos."  I think this dress looks pretty cute with the Miette!


And the one you've all been waiting for:  the Silly Photo!  Here I'm channeling my inner school teacher, and shushing you:


I'm hoping that anyone who is interested can see some of the fit wrinkles by clicking on the pictures to enlarge.  I'd welcome any advice anyone cares to throw my way!  I find it interesting that there's a horizontal wrinkle at my right shoulder (visible in the back view photo), because that's my lower shoulder!  There are some horizontal wrinkles at the sides of my ribcage as well.  That said, I realize this fabric makes those all a little difficult to see!  But much the better for me to get some wear out of this dress!

36 comments:

  1. I love it with those shoes! Where did you get them? And with the Miette it's adorable. I think it could be a bit more fitted in the bodice down to the waist, but this version is entirely lovely.

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    1. I got the shoes from Anthropologie about 5 years ago. I hardly ever wear them, so I'm glad they look nice with this dress!

      I was also thinking it could be more fitted. But now I'm not sure I want to give up the comfort!!

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  2. This dress is adorable. Beautiful fabric, beautifully made. It looks gorgeous with Miette and those shoes are to die for. And you look stunning in it. I really must get my Cambie pattern prepped. Even though the weather is cooler, with tights and a cardi, it's a super dress. I just hope mine turns out as lovely as yours!

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    1. I'm really glad I took the time to trace out a few patterns a couple weeks ago. That meant one less task when I was ready to get started sewing, and it really made a difference! And I agree - I definitely plan on doing some layering for colder weather with this dress!

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  3. I, too, am in love with the shoes you are wearing! And it does look very cute with your cardigan. I'm thinking I should finally get around to making one now, yours is so inspiring!

    As for the horizontal wrinkles, could it be because your bodice is a bit too long? I can't quite tell from the pictures, but that's usually the culprit.

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    1. My first thought was also that the bodice is too long - but then I decided it was too big overall, so I'm thinking the next size down? However, it fits well at the bust. Decisions, decisions!!

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  4. I think we are our own worst critics because I can't see a thing wrong with it. I think it looks lovely on you and is one of the nicest muslins I've seen! Your hair looks so pretty like that and I adore the dress with your Miette! Now I want to make this!

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    1. You're right about that! They are there though, but the fabic hides them. Aren't I clever?!

      I forgot to say that I really enjoyed making this dress - it's probably not a difficult one for you, but for me there were plenty of techniques involved that are just a little beyond the things I normally do, so it was a great learning experience!

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  5. Oh my, Gail! You look like a fashion model! At first I wasn't sure about the fabric design, but once you showed us the pattern up close I completely changed my mind, I love it! And your shoes are adorable!

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    1. I wasn't really sure about the fabric either, but it's what I had on hand! But I'm so pleased with the way it turned out!

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  6. so i'm convinced that i super need this pattern. great work! i'm guessing you could go down a size, though sometimes it's nice to have the casual roomier fit. one of my most-worn dresses (pre blog) is too big, i just hide it by wearing a belt. i adore how you styled this also, totally envious of your shoes!

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    1. You super-duper need this pattern! I think this is just your style!

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  7. It and you are just gorgous! I really wish you would just move south so I could raid your closet!
    And I want your shoes!

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  8. This really does look perfect on you! It's absolutely gorgeous, and you look beautiful (as always)! Can't wait to see a version in Liberty lawn!

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    1. Thanks, Ginger! As of now, I'm planning on doing one more muslin in the smaller size, and then I'll make my decision about the Liberty. Don't want to mess that one up!

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  9. What a great dress! The pattern is very feminine and the fabric print is so lovely. You look really gorgeous in it, excellent work!

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  10. You look beautiful, but that's usual. Your fabric chose compliments you so well. I love it paired with the cardi and shoes. Those shoes! They are so cute.

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  11. Oh yes! That dress looks so "right" on you - the fabric, the shape, the colour, the fit - it hits you in all the right places! :)

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    1. Thank you! It's very interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I know you prefer slightly looser clothing, so you think this is the right fit. And those who prefer more fitted things think I should go smaller!

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  12. I love it! And I totally have that fabric in my stash, too. :)

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    1. No way? Really? Maybe you should make your next Cambie out of it? ;-)

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  13. Absolutely lovely!!!

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  14. Gorgeous fabric and an absolutely gorgeous dress, you look wonderful Gail. I LOVE your shoes, they're a perfect match for the dress, as is the adorable cardigan! x

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  15. Oh my GOD! Love your Cambie! I can't see any of the fit issues/drag lines you are talking about so that "soft focus" is really working. Question: was this a quilting cotton you used or more like a poplin? Once my mom leaves I realy must get my act together and get some of my to do list makes, like the Cambie, off my list. You look awesome.

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    1. Thank you! I would say this is a lawn or voile - it's quite lightweight and drapey, and slightly looser woven than the Liberty you gave me or than an AMH voile. I would think that a quilting cotton might be a little too heavy for this, unless it was one of those very high-quality, lighter-weight ones.

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  16. Omg this is sooo lovely! :)
    I'm so jealous at how great the fit is straight out of the envelope! :)
    It looks awesome with the Miette too!
    Very very nice!

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  17. It looks great! Especially considering this is a muslin :) I love this dress too, I think with a little tweaks it can be a great basic to work from!

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    1. Thank you, Sophie! I did take my time on this to practice techniques, and I'm very pleased with my work!

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  18. I love it ! I sooo love this pattern and you did it like a corker ! Awesome ! And you says its a muslin ? hmmmm if only my 'muslins' ever looked this great. I love the shoes too btw ! xxx

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