Thank you all for your birthday wishes to Violette. She's been getting plenty of cuddles today, including yours. 
But then she does get a whole lot of cuddles every day! She loves cuddles, I love cuddles - so everybody's happy! 
But then she does get a whole lot of cuddles every day! She loves cuddles, I love cuddles - so everybody's happy! I am currently alone at home, so it was not too easy finding someone to photograph me... But I finally found a photographer.
Before I show you my dress, however, let me explain where the design comes from:
I ordered that book at the very end of December, and received it with great excitement last week. I'd seen it referenced on Crafting Japanese, and it was all that I was hoping for - and even more. (I also ordered another of those fantastic Japanese sewing books - I'll tell you more about it when I start sewing from it, as it's Spring clothes). For those of you who may be interested, I bought it from www.yesasia.com and its ISBN is 4579109619.
There are several patterns that I fell in love with; I especially had to sew that dress:
So last Friday morning, a little depressed after a sleepless night, I decided to hop to one of my favourite fabric stores and check out their sales, hoping to find some woolen fabric to make that dress. I did find some blue tweed at 50% off! And there's at least one advantage to being so small - I need 50 cms less than the pattern requires, which is quite economical
After scratching my head a few times at all the Japanese instructions, and not-so-clear pattern sheets, and thinking extra carefully, as this was the first time I made a lined winter dress - I finally figured it out.
Here's the result:
I'm a bit bummed, as I realized while wearing it tonight that I need to take in a couple of inches at the waist, in the back... It looked fine when I did the last fitting!
Ah well, adding two more darts to the back should do the trick. Way less tricky than if it'd proved too tight and I had to "invent" some fabric! LOL. I'll try to show you when I've done the final fitting...I do love the dress though. Love the colour, the ruffle, and the ribbon at the neckline!
But what do you think, friends? Do you like it? Honestly?
But what do you think, friends? Do you like it? Honestly?
32 comments:
I think you look gorgeous! It's a wonderful dress and you should be very proud.
And Happy Birthday to Violette!
Isabelle, you look absolutely adorable in that dress!! Great job!
Dear Isabelle,
You look lovely and the dress is just beautiful so very chic. Mmmm I wish I could sew like you. Great dress.
Ooooh, Isabelle - I love that dress! Of course the colour I adore LOL, but I really love the little flounce at the bottom and the ribbon detail - very very pretty :) You did a great job of working out the instructions! Way to go :)
It's a beautiful dress and a very lovely color :-) You should be proud of yourself, girl! :-D
Also, happy birthday to Violette. She is very pretty and fluffy :-)
You look lovely Isabelle! It's a beautiful fabric and a great pattern. You might inspire me to try my hand at dressmaking one day soon too :)
I love it!!!!
I need a new dress! Time to talk to my mommy ;o)
It's beautiful, like you. Love the feminine flounce at the hem, and the sleeves that length. It's hard to see the neckline up close on my computer, but the cut is really great on you. What does Seb think of it?
The colour is lovely on you. As for my personal take on it...I love it except for the flouncy bit, never been much for those, I'm more a straight hemmed girl. (when you can force me into a dress that is) Though I see nothing wrong when you wear it, the flounce looks very good on you.
i am increadibly impressed with your sewing talent, Isabelle. Your dress is lovely and suits you perfectly.
Cooper and Zoe wish Violette a Happy Birthday!!
I'm totally amazed at your talent for sewing! Your dress looks great. Belated birthday wishes to Violette!
What a cute dress Isabelle. It sure does suit you well :-)
The style DOES suit you; for sure! The fabric looks very beautiful! And I think you're right about the waist: when you have the chance to have a beautiful waist to show, then do!
Of course, I am very impressed with your talents. Can you imagine that I just can't sew anything without yelling and mistaking and finally throwing it all away, even with French instructions...lol
Hugs!
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment in my blog.
Isabelle,I love your taste in dresses. I am planning on getting a black sundress for an event this summer, and I keep thinking that if I were as talented as you, I could just whip one up for myself!
The dress is beautiful, Isabelle! I am reminded of the chic 60's look - Jackie Onnassis. Very feminine and very lovely! Nice job!
It's wonderfully feminine & modern & chic while still maintaining a sort of old-world charm. I love it! I would love to have the problem of needing to take my waistlines in, too!!!
Of course I love it! It suits you perfectly! The color is gorgeous and the ruffle is wonderful. It's a great dress, you did a fantastic job as always. It looks like you could've gotten it at a high end boutique. :D
Oh, Barbara's comment made me laugh! I can so identify with wishing I had the good problem of needing to take in a dress at the waist (or anywhere). You buy fabric by the meter; I buy it by the bolt. No, actually, I don't. The last bolt I bought was for slipcovers. They're big enough for me, but I bought them for the sofa :)-.
The dress is all YOU. It's lovely and I think it wouldn't be me. But it's perfect for you. You did a great job! Especially with the Japanese instructions....
Enjoy your new dress!
Isabelle, you are beautiful! I love your dress pattern...the ruffled skirt adds such a special touch! And to think you lined it....I am impressed. I'm glad you were able to post a picture. = ) You did a wonderful job!!
oh Isabelle.. you look gorgeous with that dress on! I love the ruffle especially.. only that I can;t carry ruffles quite well.. seeing that my body has its own 'ruffles' already LOL... You did a great job!
I think it looks beautiful Isabelle! You've done a wonderful job and it looks lovely on you :)
You look lovely! The dress is gorgeous.
Oh my gosh! I totally forgot to say... Happy Birthday Violette!!! She sure is a stunning cat!
I'm jealous of your sewing ability. Truly. I have a sewing machine and do sometimes get it out, but only for simple things. The dress is really cute! Looks great on you. Why though do you use Japanese patters? Perhaps you said that in one of your earlier posts and I missed it. Shoot I'd be hard pressed to make something from a pattern in my own language!!
To the yarn I must go now, trying to meet a deadline to get this last group of scarfs done and mailed. Will have a few more pics up tomorrow probably of the remaining ones.
And perhaps I could join you in some tea later this afternoon, no doubt I'll need a break.
TTFN
Thanks for your kind remarks about my crocheting.
the dress is absolutely gorgeous! Is there any english in the book or just japanese???
you are very talented my friend :)
Its a lovely dress, you are making a wonderful job of stitching it.
I like it very much!!! Compliments!!! You are very clever!!!! I would like to be able to creata such beautiful things!!!
cheers and hugs
Ees-a-belle, what a beautiful girl in a beautiful dress with a beautiful cat (Happy Birthday, Violette! you gorgeous baby critter). You are as sweet as you are gorgeous and as talented as you are sweet and gorgeous. Now how's that for making your day, dear little one?
Oh, I meant YOU, Isabelle, though Violette is beautiful too, though I have no idea about the talented part, LOL!
It's beautiful, Isabelle! And it looks great on you. I envy you making your own clothes. I need to learn how to make my own pants, so I don't have to constantly worry about getting them in the right size and long enough for my legs! :) Great job, girlfriend!
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