Thursday, July 11, 2013

Denim Belladone

Belladone

My 4th version of Deer & Doe's Belladone Robe had been sitting in my UFO pile for a few months when I decided recently to reduce the size of the pile (it's still big unfortunately!!). Plus, as we were going away for a week I really wanted something new to wear and knew it would be much quicker to finish this rather than start something new with limited time available.

Belladone

All those months ago I set out to make a simple denim version of the Belladone to wear as a plain base - I often find myself sewing with prints and bright colours which can be nice but I end up lacking some basics. Still, I couldn't resist embellishing it by adding some colourful piping to the waistband. I made the piping using leftover pieces from this belladone.

Adjustments I made to the patterns were to take out the pleats at the front (I think overall I prefer a flat front to my dresses) and I just turned up the hem rather than using the hem band from the pattern (laziness). I also used a metal exposed zip at the back (see 1st pic, and BTW I'm wearing the dress here with a short sleeved t-shirt underneath, though it looks a bit like the sleeves are part of the dress here).

And can you see the glaring error I made on this one? The back is crossed the wrong way - the shoulder pieces should go over the pieces below. I realised the mistake as I was about to hem the dress and just laughed... no way was I going back to correct it!

Belladone

Well I'm not sure if I achieved what I set out to do with this dress, and I'm not even sure if I like it but I think I'll keep wearing it and see if it grows on me. I have no idea how to style it at the moment (not great in these pics), but maybe it will come to me, or maybe it will be a better warm weather dress sans t-shirts, tights and boots.

Hmm, I'm going to pack this pattern away now unless I get a sudden urge to use it again - there are things that frustrate me about it, like never quite getting the fit right (my fault for not persevering) and I don't think the armhole and neckline cut really suits me (I keep thinking about adding cap sleeves to see if the balance is better). OK, I am getting picky now... I think it's just a case of 'the honeymoon is over' for me and this pattern ;-)

How about you - do you fall in and out of love with patterns or are you loyal til the end?

6 comments:

  1. I think it looks fantastic on you! But I do think this will be a more useful dress in the summer when you can wear it sleeveless, with flats. Very flattering and basic, but with great embellishments!

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  2. Oh, I love this one! And the fit looks fab from here. I hadn't contemplated this pattern until I saw your pics of this one on Flickr - now it's on my wish list... :-)

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  3. I really like this version. I have it on my list of patterns to procure (along with a coat and those stinkin' culottes).

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  4. Well I like it! It will look great in the warmer weather too.

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  5. so beautiful - love the piping! and didn't notice the mistake until you pointed it out

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  6. I LOVE this version, the piping is inspired. I'm just finishing of version #2 in thrifted tiger print fabric with pink trim A little OTT perhaps but it is intended as a party dress !

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