I made this a little while ago, wore it to a wedding, and completely neglected to get photos – but I dug it back out to photograph with no occasion whatsoever, as I think it turned out so nice it needs sharing!
I used New Look 6499 with a few of my usual little tweaks. I think it’s one of those dresses that looks rather fancy but was actually delightfully simple and fun to make, however I did put a bit of effort into preparing the pattern before cutting my fabric. I pre-empted some neckline gaping by rotating out a dart, which I converted into making the whole dress more flared/full than the gentle A-line as patterned. Here’s a quick video that I made of this process which I posted on my Instagram stories:
(Click through if you’re reading in a reader and can’t see the video above.)
I also added some side slits, and made a simple waist tie to draw in the fullness. All the tweaking was worthwhile as the fit turned out great and it was super comfortable.
I did find the instructions given to add the little sleeve flounces disappointing. Firstly you are instructed to hem the highly curved edges using a 3/8″ hem allowance: LOL NO, not going to happen. I overlocked the edge and used that as a guide to turn in once and make a baby hem which only just worked out ok with a judicious use of steam. For a nicer finish I think it’d be a good idea to self-line the flounces, especially if the fabric has an obvious wrong side like this one does. Also the flounces are just tacked on by hand at the end of the sewing process; I think it’d be neater if the corners were extended a little and they were caught in the seam that joins the strap to the bodice. I’ll do that next time. However this does mean I could unpick the flounces if I get bored of them!
The fabric is my buy of the year so far: it was from a random little shack-shop (with a kitty!) on Ridley Road market in Dalston and was a ridiculous £2 a metre. I bought six metres in excitement and passed some on to Amy. It’s a heavy polyester crepe and I’m in love with the swishiness and print (which is not dissimilar to my Atelier Brunette Cassiopee!). Wedding season seems to be over for us now, but I’ll definitely dig this back out for future occasions.
Yeah it is great and the side slits are a lovely touch!
It’s stunning! The slits and the sleeves make it really elegant and special.
great dress and the dart pattern hack was great, not tried rotating a dart before.
I learnt it in a class a while ago, it’s a very useful technique that I use quite often!
Great print, but gotta say I want those shoes! 😍
They’re from Clarks, if you get them in Aus, very comfy!
Beautiful dress! I have trouble believing it was ALL that simple to make though :)
Oh, I totalt looove this dress <3 Beautiful fabric! (And indeed fantastis shoes btw)
Beautiful job on the dress and the side slits were a perfect touch.
Very cool watching your process tweaking the pattern. Turned out great!
Beautiful! I need a dress in this style in my life stat!
Beautiful dress, Katie with very nice design. Thanks for sharing.