I love the name of this fabric “Hot summer Roses”. I picked it up from Tessuti last year. I think they have sold out now. It is a cotton/spandex mix which is machine washable… bonus! I have a tendency to buy fabrics that need dry cleaning and tend not to wear them as I can’t be bothered with the cleaning process.
I had pinned a photo to my pinterest board last year thinking I would make the strapless top and skinny pants to match. I decided on a mini skirt instead as I didn’t have quite enough fabric. I used Burda pattern 01/2012 leather bustier #124 for the bodice and drafted my own peplum. For the skirt I used Burda Magazine 7/2012 120 skirt which I also made up in the RTW designer knock off competition. I really love this skirt pattern. It has a really high waist and curved darts which start at the side seam right at waist level. It’s a really good fit.
I boned and lined the bodice which I’ve never done before. I use a herringbone stitch to sew the boning tape in place and hand stitched the lining to the bodice. I also attached a grosgrain ribbon to the upper bodice to help with the fit. I picked up this technique from Gertie’s sew retro bombshell dress lesson which was a really handy tip. I haven’t sewn the bombshell dress yet but I have used a few techniques from this lesson and have found it really easy to follow. Gertie’s not your stereotypical sewing teacher which I love.
I have a very small bust so I had to take it in quite a bit. I adjusted it at the seam lines by shaving off about 1 cm. I also shortened the bodice.
I had a question on my last dress on how I get the bodice to fit so well on my small frame. Basically, I fit and fit and fit. I will fit to the dress form and pin where I see any bagginess at all. I then sew and re fit. If it needs adjusting still, I will undo and redo. I am not happy until the fit is good.
I could not live without my dress form. If you don’t have one, get one. I picked mine up form EBay for fifty bucks and its been worth every cent. Also boning does wonders for your bust! The bodice stays up really well.
I lined the skirt as I didn’t think the fabric was firm enough. The spandex in it is probably not the best choice for a bustier but it turned out OK. The fit feels great although I think the boning is pushing into the waistline a bit too much. I may have to unpick and shave off a few mm’s . I’ll wear it tonight to my friends house for dinner and see how comfy it is.
I have loved sewing this outfit. It came together really well and I love the mix of machine and couture techniques.
I highly recommend both of the patterns.
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| Construction of Bodice |
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| Burda Magazine 7/2012 120 skirt |
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| 01/2012 leather bustier #124 |
Meg
gorgeous! beautiful colors on you and i love the shape!
Pauline Guillet
Thanks for commenting on my blog, you now have a brand new reader! I have been looking at the amazing things you’ve made and this dress is so pretty and elegant I wish it was summer here as well. Love from Spain.
Claire Sews
Oh, this is too adorable! Great job!!
nine stitches
Thankyou Claire.
Megan R
Love, love LOVE this outfit! It is so hot! You did a really great job. Beautiful fabric.
nine stitches
Thankyou. The fabric is really beautiful to wear also.
Marjorie
I love this outfit and I think you have chosen the design of the outfit perfectly for the fabric. I wish I lived near a Tessuti shop as I am hesitant to buy their fabric online. i have done it a few times but there is nothing like touching and scrunching the fabric in your hands.
nine stitches
Thankyou Marjorie! There is nothing like feeling the fabric before you buy.