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Cherry Blossom Dress
comments (4) August 17th, 2009 in sewing, garment construction, fabric, fitting, reader's closet
Couturegirl, member
15 users recommend
Dress Front
I wanted to make a linen dress that was classy, yet fun & flirty as well. I found the perfect vintage-inspired design from Marfy patterns, style # 1659. Marfy patterns do not come with instructions nor seam allowances, so it was a nice challenge to sew this garment (I used the Marfy catalogue illustration as a guideline).
The fabric is a loose-weave, 100% linen. I fit the pattern to my figure, and adjusted the design slightly to create a blouson top, and created an open pleat at the sleeves. Instead of using self-fabric at sleeve cuff & belt, I used a vintage "cherry" woven trim that I found at an estate sale.
Since the fabric is a neutral color, I wanted to give it a "pop" of color, so I used red bias taping as faux piping along the edges of the Collar, Waist Belt and Sleeve Cuff that matched the red in the cherry trim.
The Collar is sewn entirely by hand, as I found that machine sewing did not give me the control I wanted for the bias trim, especially at the corners.
I used leather that mimicked the texture of the linen for the Waist Belt. I found red eyelets in my stash and thought that would add a nice extra touch of color.
I used flat-felled seams for the main joining seams, not only to enclose the loose- weave fabric edge, but to add weight to the lightweight fabric. I hand sewed organza strips to the inner Sleeve Cuffs & Waist to add lightweight structure. I finished the interior Collar seam and Hem with bias tape and hand sewed the hem.
Pattern or design used: Marfy
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Comments (4)
Posted: 7:00 pm on September 23rd
The blouson top is also fabulous. I rarely sew for myself (mostly for my kidlets, and others) but I would love to create that neckline.
Wonderful job!
Posted: 8:33 pm on August 18th
Posted: 2:09 pm on August 18th
Posted: 10:09 pm on August 17th
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