I scoped out some fabrics at my local shop and decided on a gray suiting fabric for the main base, and a light blue plaid for the accent pieces. I wanted something that I would be able to wear into the office and that wasn't my standard boring black office-wear.
As Sarai mentioned in one of her recent posts, one way to save time in your sewing is to reuse patterns. Having all of the pieces already cut out, and familiarity with the instructions, definitely saved time with this project. I remember the first time I made Rooibos, I probably spent 30 minutes just reading and re-reading the instructions on sewing the armholes. The technique she used was so new to me, but pretty ingenious. This time, it was a breeze! That whole step was done within minutes and I was moving on to the bottom half of the dress.
The rest of the dress was easy, and this time I had so much more experience with finishing seams and the other required but tedious tasks, that I was able to crank out this dress in a short evening. The only hiccup? I really wanted to include a belt made out of the plaid fabric! I have yet to find a belt kit, though I swear I've seen one in my craft shopping trips. Do you know where I can get one? In the meantime, I'll keep looking and I still think the dress looks great without it.
Fabric: Grey suiting. Blue plaid seems to be a similar fabric.
Pattern: Colette Rooibos
Notions: For now, just the zipper, but I'm hoping to add a belt kit to that soon.
This post will be participating in the following Linky parties:
Turquoise Lovin' * Tatertots & Jello * Think Pink Sundays * Sundae Scoop * Sunday Showcase Party *Watcha Got Weekend * Family Ever After * Nifty Thrifty Sunday * Making the World Cuter * Home Savvy * Just Something I Whipped Up * Made by You Mondays *Sew Cute Tuesday * Talent Tuesday * We Did It Wednesday * Hoo’s Got Talent * Look What I Made * The Trendy Treehouse * Thrilling Thursday * It’s a Hodgepodge
You are so talented! I don't have much patience for sewing at this time, but I did when I was younger and had younger children. Maybe I'll get the bug again when I have grandchildren to do for. Lovely dress!
ReplyDeleteHi there - I found your blog through the Colette forum. Beautiful rooibos! Another sewing blog I follow is actually doing a beltmaking series right now, and she sells supplies in her online shop! Good luck! http://www.afashionablestitch.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies! And Lynn, perfect! I knew I had seen the kit somewhere but I couldn't remember if it was online or in a shop. It's exactly what I was looking for. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous, such a fab shape! It looks really well made too, well done! x
ReplyDeleteIt turned out gorgeous! I also have a Rooibos on my to-sew list... :) The aforementioned Fashionable Stitch also has a shop with beltmaking kits. I haven't used one (International shipping...) but they're supposed to be very good!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! Would LOVE it if you would link this up to my turquoise lovin' party going on right now!! ;) http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks beautiful. If you get a chance I would love you to link your dress up to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to stop by. See you there. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteLove love love your Rooibos. The grey and blue looks so classy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job! I love that you made it out of suiting to make it work appropriate. I just bought a belt kit from A Fashionable Stitch, but haven't used it yet. If you make one, please post about it.
ReplyDeleteThis dress looks great on you! The fit is great. That is one of my favorite (and at the same time the most frustrating) parts of sewing.
ReplyDeleteWell done!