Time for documenting one last sewing project from 2019! I actually made this dress back in October for a wedding, but it was also the perfect holiday dress for Christmas Eve this year as well.
I had a roll of this lovely silver embroidered taffeta, and since I wanted the fabric to take center stage, I was looking for a simple 1950s dress pattern that would work with it. I settled on an asymmetrical coat dress pattern, since one of the sketches showed a more formal view, and taffeta was listed as a suggested fabric.
It was a little challenging to cut out, since I can never figure out with this type of pattern which pieces need cut only once. I had plenty of fabric and it was very wide, however, so I didn't stress about it and if I had an extra piece, no worries.
It was easy to put together, though hard to press because of its delicate nature. At one point, I panicked because I thought it was looking just like one of those fancy 1940s lounge robes...which is fine, but not for a formal-style wedding! I decided to top stitch a waist band to avoid the need for a belt, and that helped a lot. I cut it from the selvedge edge so it had no embroidery on it.
My deadline to have it done was right around the corner when I realized I had no buttons in my extensive collection that would work. Amazing how often that happens. Anyway, I went on Amazon and ordered something I hoped would work - I had no chance for another option if they didn't! Thankfully they worked just fine with the dress style and I was able to finish it in time.
Sweat guards were very necessary with this fabric, so I added them to the inside. Otherwise, I made no changes and it was quite quick and easy - especially for a formal dress that uses more difficult fabric.
I wore it with a similar set of accessories for the wedding, but got no photos of it that day. So it was nice to give it another airing for Christmas this year when we dress up formally for our family's fancy Christmas Eve dinner.
I'm not a huge fan of the neckline...another time I would cut it wider. It doesn't look quite like it does on the pattern sketch. I like the notches, but they are so high on the neck that you can hardly see them, and there's no chance to show off a necklace.
I did pair it with 3 sparkly rhinestone vintage brooches from my husband's grandmother. I like how low maintenance this is, especially for a formal dress. Just button up and go. Much more practical than a floor length gown, too, to wrangle little children in.
A black fancy cocktail vintage hat, long beaded black gloves, silver and black velvet clutch, and my black satin Zella shoes from Royal Vintage finished the look.
We were racing against the light for these photos, so they are a bit dim. The dress did show up well in candlelight, however. Last year I was feeling sick with the beginning of baby #2 over Christmas, so it's a delight to have her in the family photos this year - and not affecting my consumption of chocolate! :-)
It was nice to have this made ahead of time, so there was no last-minute rushing to get a Christmas Eve dress done. I do wash it (in cold water) so I don't know how long the embroidery will hold up, but even if it's not as long lasting as ideal, I'm glad to have the experience of making it. And I bet I'll get more wear out of something like this than out of my Grace Kelly inspired gown from last year. It's still formal, but more versatile.
I still prefer sewing with cotton, or some other fibers, but I'm glad I found a way to add this lovely silver taffeta to my closet.
And now it's a new year! I look forward to my 2019 sewing recap, and to seeing what new skills I learn and what fun projects come to life in 2020.
Oh this turned out beautifully! I have a pattern really similar to this that I'm hoping to make soon. Happy New Year!
xo
Kristina
eyreeffect.com
Posted by: Kristina Suko | 01/02/2020 at 03:30 PM