Sunday, July 17, 2016

My Reunion Dinner/Dance Dress V1348




Before I talk about the dress I made for my 50th Reunion , I want to answer  Anne Scanapcio 's      question about the changes I made to the Silhouette Patterns yoga pant pattern when I made my jumpsuit.
.She asked how I joined the bottom to the bodice. I eliminated the waistband itself but added the amount to the pant plus 1 inch. I also added an extra inch to the bodice because I wanted it to blouson. As to what I did to the yoga pant pattern, I have a post here at Diana's Sewing Lessons on how I made the yoga pant into palazzo pants. I used the ensuing pattern and added 1 inch to the side seam all the way down. I hope that's clear Anne.

Now for my dress.

I decided that I wanted a colourful, comfortable and worry free dress for this important occasion. I call this my " Last Hoorah " dress!


 The pattern I used was  V1348. My fabric is cotton sateen bought at Fabricville.



Isn't it pretty ? It reminds me of a Monet garden with its splashes of colour.




The pattern fit really quite well and I had no problems at all in that regard. When I compared the bodice pieces to the  Princess seamed version of my Surefit Designs sloper I was happy to find it was very similar. I didn't even have to do an FBA but I did make a muslin to be sure. I cut the size 10 above the bust and 14 below that and it worked great.

I of course made a couple of changes. This is a designer pattern and it had you underlining the bodice which I didn't do. That was a mistake because I have nothing to attach the pleats to as a result. They seem fine and I'm not going to attach them the actual dress.


 Now for the big mistake I made. As I was cutting my dress out, I decided to not include the side seam pleats thinking it would just be too flared. Well I've ended up regretting that but there's nothing I can do now. I do love having the pockets though.

                                               
                                            


                                       
I sewed the facings in the traditional way and the understitching works well to keep them to the inside.




I decided to add an exposed zipper  and I love that look.


I decided to not line my dress. I don't enjoy wearing lined dresses in the heat of the summer the hang of the dress wasn't affected at all.


                              

But see what I did do  to make it extra special!




The bias trim is in a highly contrasting colour but I had it on hand and it works, I think.

 Now you think that I'll be the only one to know it's there don't you and that it must have been a lot of work and it was  but I'll probably show it discreetly to some people because it's just too pretty to keep it to myself,  don't you agree?

I used a matching lace  tape  for the hem.



My pics didn't turn out very well but here they are anyway. i just can't seem to find the right setting for my camera lately !




I'm undecided about what shoes to wear. These black ones are not very dressy but would be very dance friendly and I do so love to dance.



These nude ones are better and are also very comfortable but I'm not likely to last as long on the dance floor with them as with the black ones



. What do you think? Should I go for comfort or looks ?


So my reunion sewing is finished and I still have tow weeks to go. That is a real accomplishment for me.
I've also almost finished four  matching (more or less ) little girl dresses for our four little grand-daughters . The real cahllenge is going to be the hpoto shoot and that may take some doing so I don't know what I'll show you next week but do check in to see.

thanks so much for having a look at my Last Hoorah dress.

More later from



24 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

What a pretty dress and I love a pretty floral dress! Hope you had a good time at the reunion!

Linda T said...

So very pretty! Take both pair of shoes and change to the black ones if you want to dance longer. I'll bet no one even notices if you change!

Vicki said...

I agree with Linda on the shoes! The dress is lovely and very Monet.

EVESEWCOOL said...

The black shoes balance with the necklace. Go for it, looks fab!

Coco said...

Pretty woman! and go for comfort - the black shoes look lovely, and you'll be so happy you did, when you're out there on the dance floor. Have a wonderful time!

shams said...

Beautiful dress, impeccably made! Describing that print as a Monet is perfect, indeed!

Joyree said...

I'm SO GLAD you asked, lol. The black shoes chop your legs off at the ankle. Your legs are longer in the other shoes. I choose #2. Gorgeous dress and I love the fabric. Gonna look for some.
Hugs, Joy

Summer Flies said...

It's a gorgeous looking dress on you. I don't like lined dresses when it's hot either so good call. I think you should get some hot pink shoes to match that colour in the dress. I don't like the black , not because they are low, but I think they take all the attention away from the dress.

Dara said...

Very pretty dress! You look awesome!!

Unknown said...

Thank you for your explanation. I do appreciate it. I have to agree Joyree, I think the black shoes make you look shorter, wear the nude.

Anonymous said...

Girl, you knocked that one out of the park! VERY nicely done. Can I ask why you think omitting the side pleat was a mistake? I'm a pattern size 18 and I have several dresses that depending on the fabric drape, the side pleat doesn't make me look "hippy" at all. Not any more than I already am, LOL. The shoes...can I say neither? It's summer and that gorgeous dress begs for white shoes! I went looking at Zappos since they have the best search feature and found these. http://www.zappos.com/comfortiva-neima-soft-spots-white-velvet-sheep-nappa Something like these would be perfect IMO.

Have a great time! You'll knock 'em dead!

SewCraftyChemist said...

Oh this is just perfect!!!!!

Judith said...

The dress is great and, unlike myself, you actually have a trim waist! As for the shoes, my trick is to start out with the really great shoes, then change them as the evening wears on. I'm sure hubby wouldn't mind retrieving them from the car lol.

Amanda S. said...

It's gorgeous! I love the print and the fit. AWESOME zipper on the back.

dollsntpartys said...

This dress is so pretty on you. You couldn't have chosen anything more perfect. My vote is for the nude pump. I think the black are a bit heavy looking with it even though I love the shoe itself. Bring a second pair to change into. I do that all the time. I bring them in a little shoe bag and tuck them under my chair or table. Everyone will remember the first impression with the pumps and not even notice the change halfway through the evening. I bet you won't be the only one doing this ! Have fun !

Sarah Liz said...

I have to admit that I like the slimmer line - after your reunion and dancing, this dress will be suitable for dinner events, or anything dressy, without looking so bouffant - much more classic in line. IT's very pretty, Diana, love the zip, and I would take both pairs of shoes - nude for entry, and then a strategic change when the dancing starts or your feet hurt!

Gail said...

I like the slimmer line, but really if you are not comfortable you won't look good! Beautifully made dress and the floral print is just lovely.

Sew, Jean Margaret said...

This print is absolutely gorgeous and your dress looks fabulous.

Unknown said...

That's adorable.. HugsThe LookBook

Jenny said...

Very pretty dress! Love that floral.

Judith said...

First, the bright yellow top and palazzo pants are sensational. You did a great job. The Monet dress is well done, and it appears that you look great in anything you try. The little girls' dresses are sweet and it is apparent that Addison is going to be the creative one who colours outside the lines - just look at her pose (feet). I love your sewing projects - very motivating!

Judith said...

PS Start the evening in the nude heels, then change to the lower shoes for dancing. Always keep an extra pair of shoes in the car.

Sharon said...

Wow your dress looks so lovey on you, the fit and colours are perfect. I hope you had a wonderful evening.

Jane M said...

I'm doing the nude heel thing for a party this coming October...even though I haven't even decided on the dress yet:-) Yours is as cheerful and lovely as you are and I bet people were remarking all evening on how gorgeous you looked