Ceylon (work in progress)

4:12 pm

I've been wanting to try this Colette pattern for a while, and with my brother's wedding approaching, I had the perfect excuse for a new dress.
I'd heard the Colette patterns were good for us curvier ladies, and that certainly seems to be true of this design.
I cut out the size 14 (US) , and it fits really well across the bust, unlike most patterns which require a full bust adjustment if you are over a c cup.
I did have to take in about a cm in the side seams of the upper bodice, and about 4 cms off the waist and hips, but that was simple.
I also switched the gathered sleeves for a simple cap sleeve because I really don't like gathered sleeves on me, I think coupled with my boobage and my fat upper arms, gathered sleeves just make me look butch.
I wahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs really concerned about making 16 buttonholes down the front opening of this dress,but using my automatic buttonhole foot saved me much swearing. Why on earth I've not used it before, I can't think. I didn't even think to use it when I was making Heather's wedding dress.
Ordinarily, I don't think I would've chosen this fabric, but I think it works pretty well. I wanted something darker and with a softer drape, but this was in my stash and in the interests of saving money,I thought I'd give it a go.
I think I should've gone with my first plan of using brown piping along the midriff seams, and possibly the yoke seams, but I didn't have any, and wanted to get on...
I'm probably going to finish the hem with some brown velvet or grossgrain ribbon.
The buttons are covered, and I'm planning to sew those on tonight.
Hopefully I can get some better piccies in a few days when it's completely finished. Meanwhile these self taken ones will have to do. I did ask Woody to take some, but he focused in rather too much on the boob area...
All in all though, a great pattern, I'll probably make it again, and will definately be trying some of the others, I've got "Crepe" to try out next.

wip

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19 comments

  1. What a lovely dress-really suits your hourglass figure :-)

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  2. That looks fabulous!

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  3. It looks amazing! You are looking great!

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  4. it's fabulous :~)

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  5. Looks lovely!!! You look lovely in it :)

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  6. oooo now that is stunning! :D

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  7. You look amazing - the fabric really suits the dress. All in all very flattering!
    Nicky
    x

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  8. That is amazing. Sewing is like magic to me. Transform this fabric into a stunning dress. Snip. Snip. Tuck, Pin. Sew. Eh, voila! It is gorgeous and you look gorgeous in it.

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  9. That's gorgeous! And yes, a bit of piping would set it off even better, but it's fabulous the way it is :)

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  10. SWOON!!!!! OMG your talent amazes me and makes me feel very inadequate... ;o)

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  11. Gorgeous and I'm loving the fabric (and also a wee bit jealous of your super sewing skills). Looks perfect for summer. You just need a nice Pimms to go with it!
    xo

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  12. Wowza! You look great and I love it when you can just adjust a pattern (such as the sleeves) and it's no big thing :) look forward to seeing more of your creations!

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  13. Love the dress Jeanette and Woody's oggling made me smile!!

    san xx

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  14. LOve love love this dress Jeanette, and it so suits you! Absolutely gorgeous.

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  15. really lovely Jeanette- what a flattering fit, you look great!
    xx

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  16. The dress suits you so much and the fabric is lovely!

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  17. Hi Jeanette, gorgeous dress, I think it suits you perfectly!! I haven't popped in on your blog for a while but it's great to see what you've been up to, sending hugs as always sue x

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