17 July 2009

Simplicity 7990 Again

Pattern: Simplicity 7990 (vintage)

Size: 8

Fabric: Tan scallop-edged eyelet from Timmel Fabrics & Jade handkerchief linen from Fabric Mart.


Project Photo
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Comments:
Have you ever been just going about your business and then inspiration hits? Without warning an all-consuming passion engulfs you - you're unable to focus on anything but your vision. The world slides away and the creative drive kicks into high gear. Ever been there? I have and this dress is the result of one of those episodes.

One day as I was rearranging some of my stash, I came across the tan eyelet fabric and opened it up to get a better look. It just happened to fall on top of the jade linen and the combination of the two colours was entrancing. At first, I was just going to underline the eyelet with the linen and let the jade peek through the eyelet holes, but that didn't show off the scalloped edges to the best advantage. Having just finished another S7990 dress that had a border print at the hem, I decided to use the scallops at the hem in much the same way. Then I mused about where else the scallops could be used to advantage and the bodice you see here was born. This bodice is the same one I drafted for this version of S7990, except the front neckline slit was sewn shut.

The bodice is underlined and the midriff panel and skirt are lined in the jade fabric. The lining for the skirt is not fully loose however - it is attached at the side seams all the way down, but it hangs free in between. I think it makes the interior of the dress almost as pretty as the exterior. All the facings were hand stitched to the underlining and it gives the dress a nice clean appearance, inside and out. It also gives the dress a nice heft.

When the dress was finished, it still needed one more dash of jade fabric. So, the belt was created and I think it added the perfect finishing touch.

Conclusion:
I love this dress. The combination of colours. The placement of the eyelet "stripes" horizontally on the skirt, vertically on the bodice and diagonally on the midriff. The location of the scallops. The fit. The cute little belt tied in a bow. I know I sound like a big ole braggart, but I can't help it - I love it all!

50 comments:

Nancy K said...

Wow! This is a terrific dress with those details that really make it a standout! I love how you handled the scallops and the belt just adds the right touch. Did you appliques the scallops on the dress, or lay the edges on the scallops?

Sheila said...

Gorgeous dress.

Lisa said...

You look so good. What a neat color combination.

Gertie said...

Wonderful! Thanks for showing the inside too. I love how neat and finished it looks!

Unknown said...

Wow, this dress is fantastic! Great combination of colors and textures!!! My favorite thing I've seen you make so far!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE that dress. And it fits and suits you perfectly.

Sara said...

I love this dress!! Really wonderful work!

Mary Beth said...

Beautiful combinations!

Joyce in NC said...

I love the details. A very flattering look for you.

Lisette M said...

If I were you I would be bragging too! It is fantastic, love, love, love it!

Anonymous said...

This dress needs MORE bragging. Maybe a full page ad in the Globe and Mail.

I'm so glad your vision turned into reality!

Claudine said...

Breathtakingly beautiful.

Jen said...

Beautiful, you've inspred me to get in front of my machine. I'll be following your summer sewing with interest.

Sewellen said...

*GASP* Fabulous!!! You should be bragging, it's a gorgeous dress.

Lisa Laree said...

What a great interpretation!!!

All the more reason to go play with the stash... ;)

Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Love it!!! Pure genius!

Marsha said...

Beautifully done, Shannon! I love this dress!

Linda said...

The dress is fabulous. I think you should submit it to be included in a Threads Reader Submissions article.

BConky said...

Pertection. It's so pretty. Love the fabric combo/contrast.

Toby Wollin said...

OH, Shannon - what a gorgeous dress. I got a little confused there with the shot of the dress on the hanger - in my mind, I was thinking, "Oh, that Shannon - she's made it reversible - how very clever!! Except, it was just another one of your gorgeous interiors! Wonderful dress. Just great. Now, of course, I'll have to see if I can find some teal colored fabric to make an under dress for my black eyelet dress..hmmmmmm

Linda T said...

Shannon, you outdid yourself on this one. OUTSTANDING!

Chris said...

Wow! What a great dress. You really captured a vintage look with the fabric and color combos, I love it. And it almost does look like it's reversable.
Great job.

Uta said...

Outstandingly pretty. Your summer sewing is so inspirational - I'm glad you have the time to give us a peek of your wonderful eye candy!

Mardel said...

Gorgeous dress. I think the best things just somehow come together that way, as if they want to be made.

Andrea said...

Love the dress, the details, and it fits you perfectly.

Rachel said...

I LOVE that dress. It is GORGEOUS!!!

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

"Have you ever been just going about your business and then inspiration hits? Without warning an all-consuming passion engulfs you - you're unable to focus on anything but your vision."

This is why I sew...and why I long for inspiration!!! But can I just say that you have yours, mine and a few others "inspiration" when you were creating this amazingly wonderful dress!

What is this dress number 4? And NONE of them look the same! What a fantastic use of a TNT pattern...AWESOME just AWESOME!!!

Debbie Cook said...

Brag away! It's gorgeous. Great colors and style for you.

Anonymous said...

A very ladylike dress and a beautiful color combination on you. Very becoming! Linda

Lori said...

Amazing, simply amazing dress.

Meg said...

Very nice dress! It looks like a Shoshanna RTW. Love the extra attention to detail.

Anonymous said...

You did a fabulous job and deserve to brag about it. Love it. g

gwensews said...

You SHOULD most definitely brag! That is a beautiful dress, worthy of all sorts of bragging!

Carol said...

Stunning, gorgeous and so perfect! I've had that kind of inspiration hit before and it's wonderful. I really love your shoes, too!

AllisonC said...

Brag away, the dress is gorgeous!

kiltsnquilts said...

I don't blame you for bragging either! Great colour combination and perfect use of the scallops on the lace. I love using a fabric like eyelet and then using another colour underneath for it to peek through - made a black eyelet skirt once with a red lining, you could only see the red when I walked or sat down......hmmm, might look our for more eyelet, you have inspired and reminded me - thanks :-)

Sew Shy said...

Fabulous!

Sue said...

So cute!

Tany said...

Stunning! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

thornberry said...

No wonder there are so many appreciate comments about this dress - it is absolutely superb in every way! Keep on bragging!

Trudy said...

The dress is very beautiful. And yes, that has happened to me, when I can't focus, and I have to create.

~ Kimberlee B ~ said...

Wow, very pretty!

Vicki said...

How cute is that dress! Gorgeous combination of colours.

Diana said...

My grandson is visiting and monopolizing the computer so I missed this till now. Wow. I really love this creation! Looks stunning on you!

Cennetta said...

This is pattern is gold. You have made several beautiful dresses from it. Every single one of them unique. You look amazingly gorgeous in each one.

Maggie said...

This one is too much. You really hit a winner here. I am not creative so I'm in awe of you and how you have worked this pattern. Each dress is a masterpiece. One is better than the other. I can even see a long sleeve version for the winter.

elizabethe said...

Late to the party, but I had to say this is gorgeous!

Karen said...

Not sure what I love more - the color combination or what you did with the scallops. This is fabulous.

angie.a said...

Gorgeous!!

Keiler said...

brag on! I love the inside too.