Here we go again, another work dress! I hope you readers are not bored that I make mostly work dresses. My rationale is that since I wear work dresses more than casual wear as there are 5 working days in a week; so I would much prefer to dedicate limited sewing time into making outfits that I will wear frequently. And of course I prefer to sew dresses rather than separates (which have not appeared here yet!) and tend to lounge in a relaxed top (knit fabric) over the weekend. Well, that’s me!
I have made a few work dresses which have waist seams that rests on the natural waist so I was very interested to try out this pattern which has an empire waist. I think the high waist style is very flattering. What I love about this pattern other than the waist position are the double darts and pleats on each side of the front. The pleats create an illusion of slimness around the waist but there’s still plenty of room around the hips after that for comfort.
Fabric: 0.5 yard each of checked maroon and dark green poly fabric at RM16/USD5.30 a yard. Think you’ve seen this fabric in this blog before? I used it earlier for my Peplum Dress (Butterick B5520). There’s some left whichI think I can use to make a third dress as I bought 3 yards each.
![page1_thumb[4]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6yXa2fpg20Y/T5PTIFcSfsI/AAAAAAAABo4/o36CcM8xvtg/s1600-h/page1_thumb%25255B4%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "page1_thumb[4]")
Pattern: Simplicity 2550. I made View C.
Other Sewing Notions: A Basic Zipper & Some purple lining remnant to line the sleeves. Cover buttons.
Total Cost: RM17 / USD5
Back View.I really dig skirt vents, they look so professional.
Wear Again?: Totally! I love this dress! My husband asked if I am wearing this to work tomorrow. I was like, ‘What do you think?’
This pattern was pre-cut Size 10/12. I used Size 12 on all lines except for the shoulder line, a size 10. I was wondering if I needed to narrow and move up the darts for a SBA, but gladly it was not required. I sewed a 1cm allowance instead of the normal 1.5cm on the sides and took in about 1 cm on each side of the armscyes. The instructions only ask to line the sleeves, and I didn’t line the whole dress this time because the fabric was sturdy enough to hang well and look good without lining.
There’s a little mod retro feel to this dress, don’t you think?
Hi Sertyan - I love this two colour version, and I think it's my favourite creation of yours! (I have to ask though: how do you wear poly in the tropics?! I can't stand the feel once the temperature goes above 25C !)
ReplyDeleteHi! Thankfully I work in an Air conditioned office or else it is quite hot really to wear this outside. I guess we also adapted to the heat since it is like this all year round.
ReplyDeleteSo cute on you ! great color combo.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the shape of the skirt.
ReplyDeleteWow Sertyan, this is such a perfect dress. It looks professionally made, well it is, by you :). It looks great on you and yes of course you should wear it tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, I really love the maroon!
ReplyDeleteIf I had to give fitting advice, I would actually suggest cutting a smaller size and doing a full bust adjustment. You might think that's an unusual adjustment for you, but it seems like the front has drag lines towards your chest which are begging for more shaping in the darts. Just my two cents!
Hi Hannah Jean,
DeleteThank you for the useful tips. Generally I think I do need a Size 10 for my upper body (sometimes even a size 8) and sadly a size 12 for the bottom. The upper part of the dress is slightly big for me and so are the rest of the dress, it looks fitted here because of the silhouette that the high waist pattern gives. I like my dresses to be a bit relaxed so I won't 'suffocate' when I sit down and don't feel so constricted after a BIG meal. hehe.
I love seeing your work wear! I love seeing all the great dresses you come up with!
ReplyDeleteHullo Sertyan!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Zara from A Fabric Case. Just to let you know that I've presented you with an award - you can read about in on my blog. I have been reading your blog for a while now and I'm always looking forward to see what you're going to make next!
:-)
Wow Sertyan! You are developing a great work wardrobe. I bet you are one of the best dressed ones there!
ReplyDeletei really like this one sertyan!! looks very smart & stylish. how can we ever be bored. make more please!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis dress looks lovely on you. Very professional, perfect for work. If you're looking for another place to share your sewing projects check out the Make it Great party over at Etcetorize (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_29.html). Party is still on, hope to see you there~
ReplyDeleteAnother great dress! And I totally understand about sewing work dresses...I do the same thing!
ReplyDelete