A few weeks ago, I heard about the Marbella Dress pattern from Itch to Stitch and went to take a look. I thought it might be a good pattern for a dress for Political Wifery, but didn’t really do anything about it.
This past week I realized that I have three weeks to get my clothes, shoes and accessories in order for Grand Parlor. I will definitely be able to wear one of the dresses from last year, but another one I have worn several times so it is out. Two others are now too big and I don’t have time to get them altered, though that is on my list.
I turned my attention to the Marbella Dress pattern window that was still open in my browser. Since I had last looked at it, they had added a large format file that comes with the pattern. That means no cutting and pasting of pattern pieces together. Also, it took only 2 yards and I have some quilting fabric that could be used to try it out with before buying some super nice fabric to make the actual dresses for Grand Parlor.
I had a plan.
I knew I needed to buy lining (I prefer my dresses lined) but knew I had enough fabric for a test run. I started plowing through my ‘backings’ fabric stash to find some larger pieces. We all know that they will be Philip Jacobs or dots. Philip Jacobs won, because I want to make a bold statement. I don’t want to look like a crazy person, but I want to look different and more elegant than the other ladies. Also, I may not even be wearing these test dresses to the event.
One fabric is called Floating Mums Taupe. Taupe, I know. I don’t know why I bought it except that I really liked it and thought it had the elegant feel of a NYC Park Avenue living room.
The other one is daffodils on light blue (tending towards turquoise) scattered over the fabric. It seems to be part of a group of fabric of which I did take a photo.
So I got the pattern printed at a ‘copy store’ and took it to my seamstress. I know you are disappointed that I am not making it myself. I still plan to make that skirt. I just don’t have the time right now.
She took the measurements and will do a test run. It should be, sans lining and zipper ready to be tried on next week.
Congratulations on being too small for some of your dresses! Also, I’m thrilled that you are not making them yourself because that would detract from the fun stuff.
Thanks! More weight to go but I am pleased. It would take me too much time to get the dresses altered and I just don’t have it now. I wasn’t very organized this year.
That will be a perfect dress type for you, can’t wait to see it done up. And is the mum fabric the dress fabric or the lining fabric. I kinda hope it’s the dress fabric, because that awesome pattern shouldn’t be hidden away. Since it’s pink you could always wear the dress to PhiMu events…
The mum fabric is the dress fabric! I am sure I will be able to wear it.
Can’t wait to see this. I can imagine that style looking good in a lot of different fabrics!
Yes, that is what I thought as well. I prefer to find something that looks good and get it in a lot of colors. As you know.
Every time I think about garment sewing for myself, I have to remind myself that I stress out and no longer like doing it. Can’t wait to see the finished dress.
I know I can do it but these dresses have to look great.