Sunday, June 16, 2013

Hazel Pix, now with more outfits!

I decided to go ahead and grey wall it after all.  We're not going out today as Hubby has lots of work to do and I want to get started on my PJs.  But the sun came out for a little bit so I wanted to take advantage of it!

Speaking of Hubby:  he hadn't seen this dress yet, either on the hanger or on me.  When I put it on today to take pictures, he said, "WOW!  That's a great dress!  I really like the V thing in front.  You did a really professional job!"   Awwwww!!  His contract is up for renewal next week (a.k.a. our anniversary!); I think I'll sign him on for another year, don't you think? 

When I first put the dress on the other day, I was a little disappointed because it seemed like I might have to do a sway-back adjustment - I even lamented about it to a few friends.  (My reluctance to admit I need said adjustment is a topic for another day.)  But today when I put the dress on, it sat in the right place!  I have no idea what the deal is.  Anyway, here's how it looks on my body:


And here are some shots from the side and back to show the fit - pretty darn good if I do say so myself!  Although you can see that my right shoulder and shoulder blade are lower than the left.  Afraid I can't do anything about that!


And here's a closer-up shot of the bodice, again, to give a better look at the fit:


One thing I forgot to mention in my post about the SBA is that I was surprised that doing the adjustment also took care of the poofiness that was happening under the bust in the center of my stomach.  That's a problem I was having on the Peony dress before I gave up on it, so I do plan to revisit that pattern.

Before I move on to the outfits, I want to mention a few more things about the fit, just because these are things I would have loved to read about from other sewers before making the dress - but it seems that more people had to do a FBA on this one than needed the SBA.

Because Colette Patterns are designed for a very different body shape than mine, I have a hard time figuring out what size to make.  I also find that the size numbers are less in line with what I'm used to:  for instance, in Sewaholic Patterns I use a size 6, and in RTW I often need a size 4 or 6 on top.   For this pattern, my bust measurement falls under size 0, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe that was the right size for me.  I did my first muslin in a size 4, and it was too big.  Size 2 with the SBA ended up being almost right - I did have to take in a little at the side seams.  So for reference:

My measurements are:  33" bust, 28" waist, 40" low hip (my widest point)
Size 2 Colette body measurements:  34" bust, 26" waist, 37" hip
Hazel size 2 finished measurements:  35.25" bust, 26.5" waist, 42.25" hem

The skirt is straight; my hip measurement puts me in a size 10 on the envelope.  I wanted my skirt to be slightly full but not too much, so I cut a size 8 skirt with a finished hem of 45.25", giving me about 4.5" of positive ease in the low hip/high thigh.

I have not taken any measurements of my finished dress (though perhaps I ought to), but you can see that I have a nice, close fit at the bust without being constricted and the waist is not too tight - I even have some wiggle room there.  I could easily eat a nice big meal in this dress and still feel comfortable.

Also of note is the fact that I made this dress specifically to fit my most padded bra, which I've always thought takes my B-cup up to a C and which adds about an inch in circumference. 

And finally:  I really think the drawing on the envelope is misleading.  It makes the bodice look much longer in comparison to the skirt than it actually is - I say this after having looked at gazillions of finished Hazels on Flickr.  So this would be one of those patterns that you'd have to say, "No, it did not look like the envelope picture" if you were doing a Pattern Review.


OK, enough analyzing.  Now some outfits!

While I was working on the dress, I kept thinking how well it would go with my beloved Miette sweater, so I'll show you that one first.  I paired it with two different pairs of shoes:

Hazel with Miette sweater and old Boden sandals.

I like that look a lot, but here's the same thing with yellow sandals:

Hazel with Miette sweater and Frye Wanda T-Straps in Lemon.

Then I remembered I had an old Boden sweater and matching sandals that have both turquoise and yellow, in addition to purple and brown:

Hazel with Boden sweater and sandals.  And CHEVRONS!

I think I bought that sweater around 2005 or so - I remember wearing this while I was substitute teaching for a colleague who was on maternity leave.  Who knew I was so far ahead of my time?!

And finally - this surprised me by being my favorite look.  Although since I've always loved turquoise and red together, I shouldn't have been so surprised:

Hazel with Boden sweater and Frye Wanda Ankle Straps in Poppy.

Yeah, I love my Fryes!  I'm cracking myself up in that picture because I was thinking of Rachel's recent fantastic post with modeling tips, but realizing that I only have two poses:  one hand on the hip, or both hands at my sides!  Seriously, no matter what I was doing, as soon as the beeper for the camera timer starts to go off, the hand goes to the hip!  So I tried a different pose for fun:


So, after making these outfits, I'm loving the dress more.  I'm thinking of one more outfit which will involve a lovely vintage necklace and bracelet and my finished Cameo sweater - I'm so close to being done!

54 comments:

  1. Wow, that dress really does look fantastic! The fit is perfect and the colour suits you beautifully.

    I love it styled with both the yellow cardigan (I'm knitting a yellow cardigan right now) and shoes, and the red cardigan and shoes.

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  2. you know, i've pretty much written off CP because the sizing is just so crazy on me, but i love this dress so much that i may eventually re-consider! your version is definitely in the top of my list of favorite hazel's--it's just beautiful! and it looks great on you, the color is so bright and fun! and i don't know how on earth you will decide which cardi/shoe combo to wear, they're all so awesome. i'm seriously jealous of your shoe collection. ohmygosh, i love your ending pic. i have the exact same "two pose" problem!

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    1. Aww, thank you!

      I admit I have a bit of a shoe problem . . . and I keep them forever, so I've got quite a collection!

      I'm kind of surprised to hear you say that about CP, because your Eclair dress was so gorgeous. The "fix" on this one ended up being pretty easy for me, so it would be a piece of cake for you!

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    2. i went through at least four or five different fittings to get that bodice to fit me! i've learned a lot about fitting since then so i suspect it would be less of a challenge now. i just have to go into it knowing it will take some time!

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  3. So glad we got to see some action grey wall shots. The red and turquoise is my favourite too although you have so many options!!! Such a great collection. Did you try your chevron cardi on with your bright yellow shoes? Ha, I was thinking about that video of Rachel's too. Your poses work well so I wouldn't worry - although your hammed up shot is hilarious :)

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    1. Oooh, I did not try the chevron cardi with the yellow shoes! I ought to though, as those strappy sandals that go with it are not at all comfortable for walking.

      I've also noticed that it's ALWAYS my left knee that gets bent, but I know the reason for that: that leg is longer!

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  4. Wow! Beautiful! I'm with you - I love the red and turquoise color combo. It's such a great, versatile dress (and I'm definitely ordering this pattern today :) )

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    1. Hehehe - Chicago colors, amirite? I couldn't stop thinking that!

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  5. Looks great! In every combination too. I have the same problems with CPs and sizing. I like the Hazel but that high waist just doesn't work for me. Since I've gotten older I need my skirts to sit at the smallest point on my torso not my ribs. Otherwise, I feel I look thick.

    I so envy your shoes, every pair!

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    1. I have seen some folks lengthen the bodice significantly, so that it looks more like the envelope. But for my shape, I decided I didn't want those gathers too close to my hips!

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  6. Wonderful dress all around. Love the color, love the fit, wouldn't have noticed the one "flaw" you pointed out and I'm loving all your pairings. Great shoes too!! You are sure inspiring me to get back into sewing. I haven't touched any of the fabric we bought!!

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    1. Thanks, Eileen! I can't believe you haven't gotten into that fabric! You have been pretty busy though!

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  7. Very, very nice! You will get a lot of wear out it!

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  8. Gail... this dress is fantastic! And the various otufits... the shoes... love!

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  9. Definitely renew your hubby's contract. Those were great compliments and for good reason! The fit looks absolutely perfect and you have such great pieces to pair with it! Just lovely! You've set a precedent - we're all going to expect action shots to end your posts from now on!

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    1. Oh, his contract is life-long. I just don't want him to get too complacent ;-)

      I used to always include a silly pose with each set. I guess I'll have to keep doing it - it seems to be everyone's favorite!

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  10. Gail, I LOVE it... You got such a great fit, it's a fabulous fabric, and YES to all of those stylings! Gorgeous! And hey, apparently turquoise is pretty damn neutral! :D

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    1. Aww, thank you, Susan! Turquoise IS pretty damn neutral! I didn't even get to the pairings with white or CORAL!! Or dark olive green . . .

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  11. I too love the red and turquoise combo :)

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  12. Such a perfect fit and all of the outfits are so pretty. This is one gorgeous dress, good for you, Gail!

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  13. I love it, it looks so cute! My fave is the red outfit too, closely followed by the first one of the lot. Perfect! By the way, I think you should maybe give your hubby a contract for a few years this time, rather that one, for good behaviour!

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    1. Thank you! Hehehe - his position is secure :-)

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  14. Wow! Yes, your husband got it so right! That is the cutest dress ever, and looks so cute with all the accessories!

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    1. Thanks, Kristen! His enthusiasm really does make me smile. I did the right thing by marrying the son of a seamstress!

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  15. Goodness - so many outfits from just one dress! Your shoe options made me smile so much :D
    Really lovely!
    I have pretty much given up on the idea of Colette dresses on myself - they are so completely the wrong shape for me.

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    1. Thanks, Roo. I think if this one hadn't worked out, I would have given up on CP too. But now my interest is piqued, so I'm planning on trying it out with the Lily and Chantilly, and having a second go at the Parfait. Parfait was the first dress I made when I started sewing again a couple years ago, and I've learned SO much since then that I know I could do it so much better, both in terms of fit and construction.

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  16. Gail this is so lovely! I loved seeing the construction details but the dress looks even better on you! And it's great that you have so many outfit options already (I love the yellow/blue combo).

    I have the exact same measurements as you, so I'm really grateful for your detailed explanation of how you went about adjusting the pattern. Colette Patterns don't work for me either for the same reasons, but I do have this pattern, and I'm glad to know that with a bit of effort, it can work!

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    1. Oh, thank you, Shivani! I'm really glad that the information was helpful! And the adjustment ended up being not that much work at all. I say go for it!

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  17. This looks lovely! I think your husband's comments speak volumes. This dress seems to flatter everyone who makes it!

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    1. Thank you, Katy! Yes, there sure are a lot of very lovely versions out there! I'm still looking through them to get inspired for future projects!

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  18. I love all of the outfits, especially the yellow. The Miette cardi was how I first found your blog. I'd love to try another one as my Miette was my first sweater ever and I didn't use nice yarn on it.

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    1. Thank you, Lindsay! Funny - I've been thinking about making another Miette too! I think this shorter length is just right for gathered skirts.

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  19. so many options!! :) very cute

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  20. Yup. The last pose is the one you must now use for all future fashion shoots.

    ;-D

    Another perfect, enviable and gorgeous dress. Sigh.

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    1. You'll get there! I felt like I would never "get it" and now after 2 years of non-stop sewing, I'm just starting to feel like I have a clue!

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  21. Well done! Love the styling possibilities of this dress. And yes, your shoe collection is very impressive:)

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  22. This fits so beautifully! I love it on you! Really, really cute! I love that it goes so well with so many different colors, too!

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    1. Thanks, Sonja! I can see myself making a few of these now that I've got a good fit. I'm definitely going to make one with stripes, to take advantage of the different directions in the bodice.

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  23. You do enjoy analyzing your work, I'm sure you learn a lot by doing so. You must also keep detailed notes, or just have fantastic memory. It does look perfect on you, obviously many people agree with me!

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    1. I think I analyze everything so much because I learn by doing, and it's the learning that is fun for me! Of course, having a cute dress to wear is a nice perk!

      And THIS is my notebook - this is pretty much where I keep my notes on projects, so that's another reason why I try to be thorough!

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  24. You look fantastic! Love how it can be accessorized in different ways depending upon your mood. It means a lot when the husband makes compliments like those! Yeah, sign him one for another year, LOL.

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    1. Thanks, Stef! Yes, I do so appreciate his compliments :-) Nice to know the spark is still there after almost 20 years together!

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  25. Guess what?? We are total measurement twins! Lol! That's so funny. I love seeing the Miette cardigan. Especially with the bright yellow shoes :) I envy your shoe collection. Well done on this dress! So many cute outfits!

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  26. Jo, for some reason Blogger won't let me reply to your comment! Stupid Blogger!

    Anyway, just wanted to say I think it's funny we're measurement twins! Although I know you're a couple inches taller than me, so we probably won't be able to share fitting solutions.

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  27. I just finished my first Hazel. Despite doing a FBA and fiddling with the fit, I'm dissapointed with the final result. Yours looks great - with and without the cardis. Thanks for inspiring me to take another look at mine.

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    1. Thank you, Emily! I was surprised by how much I loved this pattern. I hope you get a better fit on your next try :-)

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