Well, the name of this dress pattern is making me hungry! I have ham and bean soup cooking on the stove, which is more appropriate for our -13 windchill (-25 C), but still not quite the same. I think my nose is red in the photo, since this area of the house is drafty, and I'm not appropriately dressed even for the indoor temperature.
It's become clear to me, upon looking at other versions of this dress, not to mention the pattern envelope, that I cut all the pieces wrong as the stripes are going a "different" direction. I did recut the waistband and binding pieces so the stretch would be correct, but left the main dress pieces. Not really being a perfectionist, I think it looks fine.
The Tiramisu Dress is, of course, from Cake Patterns. I was really intrigued to try out Steph's novel approach to pattern sizing. You select different sizes for the individual pattern pieces according to your bodice, bust (cup), waist, and hip sizes, and when you sew them together, they are supposed to match up.
Would it work? By golly it did. The pieces matched up and I didn't have to do any sort of grading. In fact, I didn't muslin or adjust anything (except the stripe arrangement of course).
I chose a thinnish jersey from Girl Charlee. The air here is sooooo dry right now that the fabric is clinging to itself and the pockets are a crumpled mess when my hands aren't in them. A sturdier jersey would no doubt mean nicer pockets, but I think this one'll improve in the summer humidity.
So, I'm not liking how the static-y pockets are sitting in this version, BUT some features I do like are:
1. the unique midriff band (as opposed to a waist band)
2. amazingly, there is no gaping from that wrap bodice
3. the high comfort factor which doesn't yield any frump
Also, the instruction sheet is just what I like:
1. it's all on one smallish page (not too big to sit on my table)
2. the order-of-construction steps are clear to see at a glance - If I wanted more details, I could look further, but what I really want is the basic steps to keep me on track.
My husband, who I can assure you does not read sewing blogs, thought it looked "vintage" and "straight from the 1940's".
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Very nice! I'm tempted to try this pattern after seeing your version...
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was of course inspired by others' versions - I've enjoyed seeing it in different fabrics, both solids and prints.
DeleteWow. Joy. You look great in this dress and it does have a 40's feel to it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I like a 40's feel with a modern twist.
DeleteI love the stripes! I think they look great!
ReplyDeleteI'm over here on the "other side of the big river" in WI and it is darn cold out tonight! I bet it was nice to think of summer while you sewed this! :)
I never tire of stripes!
DeleteI'm thankful it's starting to warm up a bit now!
What a cool pattern. And you look great. The whole dress is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it is a fun, unique pattern.
DeleteLovely dress! I think the stripes look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI like the way you have the stripes going. I dob't understand the bit about picking different sizes for different parts though?
ReplyDeleteHmmm...that was a hard one to explain. I'll try better:
DeleteChoose a different size for each piece.
Choose the bodice size according to both your bust circumference and cup size. (So each bodice size is offered in different cup sizes.)
Choose the midriff piece size according to your waist circumference.
And choose the skirt size according to your hip measurement.
Very pretty! I like your stripes, and your husband's fashion sense :-) !
ReplyDeleteThanks! I don't normally put much weight on my husband's fashion sense, but I agree with him here (:
DeleteThis looks fantastic on you! Such a nice fit, and it looks comfy too. You did a great job with the stripes.
ReplyDeleteIt is comfy - that is a high priority for me!
DeleteThis looks lovely! The stripes are fabulous for this style- well done :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the pattern was made with stripes in mind. It's certainly fun to play with stripes (except the matching part, hehe).
DeleteThe dress looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy!
DeleteLove this! I like the subtle angle of the stripes on the bodice. It looks entirely intentional. I am definitely making this pattern up after baby.
ReplyDeleteI could see it working for your last 9 weeks, too, and for the post-baby transition- it's very forgiving.
DeleteI love the stripes! Such a pretty dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leslie1
DeleteIt really is pretty and looks great. It's interesting reading your review of the tiramisu also...I have this pattern, and REALLY love it every time I see it made up. I must plan it in!! Yours looks fab, all ready for the weather to improve !!
ReplyDeleteI actually thought about doing a long-sleeve version since it won't warm up for a while!
DeleteYay! Looks gorgeous, and I'm so glad the fit worked out. Here's hopin for better weather soon!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was pleased I didn't have to tweak the fit (that's pretty amazing!). Send me some nice weather!
DeleteNow that, I LOVE. If you hadn't said anything I actually don't think I'd have noticed the stripes not matching but you know something, that is one fabulous dress. Swoon.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's comfort factor makes it even better.
DeleteHow lovely on you! The stripes direction looks done on purpose to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This is not the first time I've changed stripe direction on a garment, so it must be my fate, hehe.
DeleteThis is really adorable! I love your use of the stripes. I'm so impressed that there's no bodice gaping on that crossover.
ReplyDeleteI was extremely surprised at the no-gape feature. Wraps gape on me even when they're fine for other people. It's a fairly deep wrap, which is secured to the midriff band, but the neckline binding (being slightly shorter) helps pull it in as well.
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