Sunday, July 5, 2009

Eh.

There were no good pattern sales the other day, and I wanted something new, so I had a foray through the New Look book. I picked out number 6803, thinking I'd give another dress a try. Something easier and quicker than the last one! The one that caught my eye was view B, with the pleated neckline and cap sleeves. I also liked the look of the belt.

Of course, once I got home and read the reviews on Pattern Review, I started to have second thoughts, as people weren't exactly turning cartwheels over the fit. Oh well, what do you expect from a dress you pull on over your head? I decided to be inspired by Ec's review and give it a try.

Still proceeding cautiously, I pulled out some fabric I'd had second thoughts about to make a muslin. Originally, this fabric was meant for a Duro-style dress, which was all the rage on the Dress A Day blog a few years back. Problem was, I didn't know how to sew then, so I never made it. Then, by the time I could sew, I came to my senses and realized that would be a horrible mess! I used some of the fabric for a skirt, but the rest has been sitting here leering at me for years.

So, the dress. It's okay. Unlike most of the Pattern Reviewers, it isn't the fit that bothers me. Yeah, it's shapeless without the belt, but that's to be expected. My problem is with the sleeves. I think cap sleeves are the least flattering thing ever, and I knew that, but I went ahead with them anyway. Blech.

I asked my husband to take some pictures without the belt as well, and it was so funny--he kept saying, "You're not going to like these." He's right. I'll be a sport and show them to you anyway!




















I did like the idea of pockets, but I can't use them once I put on the belt. If I ever make this again, I'll either leave the pockets out or add a little length to the top. I also wonder about sewing the pleats at the neckline down. Would that look completely weird or might it help with the poufing? Hmm.

9 comments:

SongbirdSisters said...

Does it have belt loops? You could use them to tie the belt in the back and still have your pockets. Cute fabric!

karin said...

Good idea, those belt loops, Anne! I like dresses with a tie on the back, I think they look very feminine.

I don't think the pictures without the belt are that bad, by the way. But I understand that you like it more with the belt.

Indigo Blue said...

why not take the sleeves off altogether? I like the shape with or without the belt, looking at the photo.

dude said...

I really like that fabric.
That said, you could really go a few ways. Flatten the pouffy pleats, add some darts to shape the top, remove the sleeves, or even replace them with a traditional short sleeve.
Cap sleeves are gross. I don't know why they still aren't illegal. they make your armpit like the focal point of an outfit (not that you don't have lovely pits, susin).
ok, I guess I should go finish my own project I've been working on for--ever. :)

shojin said...

I vote for wearing it on really hot days without the belt, at home! I agree with dude about cap sleeves - they should be banned!

Christy said...

I agree with previous commenters...would you like it better without the sleeves? I am not very good at sewing clothes, but it seems like it would be relatively easy to make the cap sleeves sleeveless.

Rhonda said...

I think the dress is cute and I like the fabric choice. I really think it is fine, as is, and it looks like a very nice style for a breazy, summer dress.

Anonymous said...

Why not just *tack* down the pleats by hand, to see whether you would like it? Easy to take out, and also easy to sew in place by machine, if you decide you want to keep them...

Robyn

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of making this dress and thinking about inserting a shirring elastic at the waist to wear under a narrow belt may work?