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Thursday, 7 April 2011

You Shall Go To The Ball

Well the great news is that yesterday I was invited to a black tie ball which is a good excuse to make a new fancy dress. The less great news is that it is in 2 weeks time which does not give me a lot of time, but is doable in theory.

I had a rummage through my ever growing pile of Vogue-patterns-in-waiting and found this one - V1108 by Bellville Sassoon that I planned to make last year. I'm thinking about making it full length, though that is a decision I can make down the road and I will buy enough fabric so that I can. I may cut it down later to make it more practical for future occasions.

I know the bow is not to everyone's taste but I think I'm going to go with it!



I made a muslin of the main dress pieces (this pattern has a separate foundation and lining too), a 12 at the neck and a 14 everywhere else, and apart from a bit of gaping at the back neck it's a good enough fit for me to dive into the real fabric. That I still need to buy. I hope I can find something tomorrow, I really want a heavy crepe back satin, but beggars can't be choosers so I will report back soon!



26 comments:

  1. Gorgeous pattern! Definitely with the bow.
    as for this off the shoulder neckline, I am a bit apprehensive about it. Will you be using some sort of stabilizer to prevent gaping? Do share.
    Whenever I work with heavy satin all my necklines gape :-( I probably don't stabilize enough.

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  2. Love it love it love it!! Definitely go with the bow and full length... and sewing this is definitely doable. I just sewed my first boned dress with separate foundation in a week (still not sure how I managed that). Can't wait to see your progress.

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  3. This dress is gorgeos. Good luck finding the perfect fabric.

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  4. Definately yes! Love the bow too. Good luck with the fabric hunt.

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  5. Looking very promising! But below hip length foundation means you're not supposed to sit in this dress, doesn't it?

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  6. I have this pattern.
    I lOVE this pattern.
    I don't know where I will ever wear this pattern to, but I had to have it.
    I will live vicariously through you.
    (Maybe a linen?)
    Joanne

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  7. Wait, I was thinking out loud- a linen for a casual dress, but a duchesse or shantung for you?

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  8. So looking forward to seeing this made up. I have this pattern too, and really like the bow, especially for a ball gown.

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  9. I really like this pattern - and I think the bow will look fabulous on a full length gown. What colour do you think you'll go for?

    I can't wait to see it! And 2 weeks? - masses of time!

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  10. Yay for a black tie event! I just love the pattern, along with the bow - it adds drama.
    Good luck on finding just the right fabric.

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  11. I've admired this pattern (though don't have the confidence to try it out myself!) so I can't wait to see your progress. (I love the bow!)

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  12. I think this dress is so pretty and unique. I can't wait to see what it looks like!

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  13. Wow, you already have a muslin done! I love the bow. I am sure you will look gorgeous. Good luck finding the right fabric!

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  14. Love this look and you must do the bow. I think it'll be stunning at either length.

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  15. I absolutely HATE when sewers change the elements of a style that really made the pattern "unique". I know that's the reason to sew... to make it how you like. BUT, if you had removed the bow, I would have thought, wow! You could have just picked another "plain" pattern!

    Good luck! I can't wait to see this one finished. This pattern has been in my stash since it's release.

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  16. bow and full length! it would look so chic. i'm really excited to see how this turns out. and i think two weeks is just enough time.

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  17. Love this pattern, the bow really does it. you will be the belle of the ball.

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  18. loved this pattern from the first time I saw it and I cant wait to see your finished version of it.

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  19. Go for the bow! muslin is looking good, can't wait to see what color you choose.

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  20. Love the dress and the muslin looks good.
    On your marks, get set, GO!

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  21. This is one of my "when I lose a stone" dresses - I am completely in love with its feminine line and I like the bow.
    Your toil looks fab and I can't wait to see what fabric you decide upon.
    I'll be waiting with baited breath!

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  22. This pattern is fabulous and, personally, I love the bow. It's going to be wondeful. How nice to have an invitation to a glamorous occasion!

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  23. I am sure your finished version is going to be amazing an uniquely you! Hope you find the fabric you want!

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  24. Ok so the bow isn't very practical - but perfect for a black tie event. Good luck with the fabric hunt!

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  25. I'm looking for a ball gown pattern so will be looking out for your finished garment. Fortunately, my event is in November.

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  26. Oh, I love the bow! I'm glad you're sticking with it.

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