Monday, March 5, 2012

Oh, Chloe!


I guess it's only fair that I start this post by apologizing for the photo overload. I finally managed to use the camera remote I bought a couple weeks ago, so I finally have photos where I'm actually in focus against a blurry background! I'm so happy about it that I had some trouble editing down.
The fact that I'm quite in love with the dress I'm wearing didn't help either. Did you recognize the pattern? It's the Chloe dress from Victory Patterns, which I've been dying to make ever since seeing Lizz's version.


I used some gabardine in this gorgeous shade of purple that really compliments my super pale skin. I had never worked with gabardine and this bastard was such a pain to press. It just won't lie flat (as you can see from the bumpy binding at the neckline and armholes) and press marks seem to magically appear everywhere, even using a press cloth.
I even managed to find purple flower shaped buttons. Aren't they adorable? I initially wanted black and white contrasting buttons, but when I saw these ones, I couldn't resist.


The fit of the pattern was... well, strange. I didn't make a muslin, so I fitted the dress before sewing the lining. For the second time in a row, I had issues with armscyes. They were so low! Luckily the problem was easily solved by shortening the shoulder seam. I also took the waist in a little, in order to make the dress more form-fitting.


Finally, a few detail shots: the welt pockets have a snap to keep them closed. And yes, the fabric I used for the pockets is not the same I used for the lining. The horror! My OCD self couldn't sleep at the thought, but I came to terms with that.
As you might have noticed, I opted for a lapped zipper at the center back. It's my favorite technique, I think it looks so elegant! And instead of an hook and eye at the top, I put a button with a thread button loop.

I had the confirmation this dress looks good on me when my mother, who is usually very supportive but hyper-critical about my sewing, told me that I should wear it at my graduation. Great! I still have to write my dissertation, but at least I already know what to wear at the ceremony!

58 comments:

  1. Gorgeous, gorgeous color! And the buttons are just perfect.

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  2. This looks amazing! I can't wait to make up this pattern myself.

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  3. oh i looove that color.. beautiful.. and i love the dress too.. lapped zipper looks nice too (i always use invisible zipper, that's the first type of zipper that i learned to sew onto garment, and i never rally tried any other technique)

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    1. I'm converted to lapped zipper because I love how they look and normal zippers seem more durable to me. With invisible zippers, I almost always get a bump when sewing the seam close to the end of the zipper (hope that makes sense), maybe beause I try to get too close to the zipper. Either way, I cowardly try to avoid them ^_^

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  4. This is lovely! Your version totally shows the potential of this pattern. A real dress-up or down piece.

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    1. Yes! That's a beautiful aspect of this pattern!

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  5. Very lovely! It's classic yet looks modern on you and it's very flattering too. I love the shape of the seams at the front. x

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  6. What a beauty! I love the colour and the photos are great!
    I'd love it if you'd pop over to my little corner of the blogosphere sometime!
    www.thepinandthimble.blogspot.com

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  7. Its so beautiful! The color is wonderful on you, and I love the lines and details of the Chloe dress. Its super flattering.

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  8. This dress looks amazing on you! the fit is perfect and the color, in fact compliments your skin. Great job!!

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  9. Whoa, I'm really impressed by your version! I have to confess that I'd written off most of the patterns in the Victory Patterns line as not my style, but seeing your version I love it! Solid color, no sleeves is the key for me here, since it's the vertical lines and the pockets that are the best part. I also thought at first that the neckline would be too high for me, but it looks manageable on you. Just goes to show that the power of the internet in showing people many more samples of a pattern than the pattern designer could make up herself, I suppose!

    Also, that color purple is indeed lovely against your skin tone.

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    1. The beauty of sewing blogs! I'm constantly discovering new patterns I want to make up.
      As for the Victory Patterns line, I think most patterns are very versatile, for example the Madeleine, the Ava and the Lola. You just need a little imagination!

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  10. I love it! It looks so good in a solid with no contrasting details. I've been itching to make another and now I really want to!

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    1. Yes, please! Your first version was so beautiful, I'm so curious to see another one!

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  11. I love it too! It is an awesome colour and shape on you!

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  12. This is absolutely gorgeous! You look great! I'm dying to make this... gave up fabric buying for Lent and I'm not sure I have anything in my stash, but this is first on my list!

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    1. That's a great resolution! I'm not religious, but as a chils I always used to give up sweets during Lent. I think I'd miss fabric shopping more!

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  13. there is something about this pattern, your choice of fabric and the color that makes me want to say... i want such dress! *wink
    the simplicity of the style makes it elegant and chic. i love your choice of the zipper as well.

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    1. Thanks, Ai! Your comments are always the sweetest! :)

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  14. Wow lovely and beautifully made.

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  15. Looks gorgeous! I love the colour and the details like the buttons and pockets

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  16. It's beautiful! I really like the style lines on this dress - they're flattering without being too showy, if that makes sense. Think I gotta make this now!

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    1. Thank you, Tilly! Yes, the style lines are very flattering, I'm looking forward to seeing your version!

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  17. Oh what a gorgeous dress! Great colour and lovely shape - think it's the first one of these I have seen too.

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  18. Beautiful dress. I really like this pattern, and the color you chose is really great. I did my first lapped zipper in December, and I really like the look of it.

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  19. Oh.My.Holy.Purpleness.

    Please pass me some ice, I just fell of my chair in a stupor!

    I am in LOVE with this dress! I think it's my favourite! Oh boy, I need to make this pattern STAT!

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    1. Oh, you're a sweety! <3
      And it would look amazing on you, since you have some dangerous curves like me :)
      Can't wait to see your version!

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  20. You sew beautiful things so fast! Yes, you are a "winter" so purple looks amazing on you. I bought this pattern awhile ago but haven't decided what fabric to use. I think solid color is the way to go, though I do like the stripes on the pattern model, too.

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    1. I loved the striped version on the pattern instruction! But I didn't have any fabric suitable for it... Thank you so much, Andrea! ^_^

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  21. Niice. Your best one yet. That colour really suits you.

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  22. It looks so great on you. And the color is amazing.
    www.truebias.com

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  23. So amazing. I love this color, it's so bright and vibrant but also classic, in an amazing way. You have the chicness of Milan and the color of Rome with the comfort and grace of Turin. You are basically all of Italy in one dress. That's impressive.

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

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    1. What a sweet comment! Thank you so much! (Although I'll take Turin a hundred times over Milan and Rome :D)

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  24. This dress is really lovely. I love the fit too:) and the colour is scrumptious! It will look great at your graduation! BTW loving your photos.

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    1. Thank you! I hope my photos will get better now that I'm going to be properly focused!

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  25. Pfft, this is the most non-heavy photo post ever. In fact, if you're going to post such beautiful things I want more! It's gorgeous and purple REALLY suits you! xx

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    1. Thank you so much! Yeah, when I posted this it seemed a bit photo-heavy, but it's actually not... Next time I'll go crazy :)

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  26. Lovely dress. The color is great. I never seam to buy color and when I see it on others wonder why. The details really make the dress. I am really fond of the multiple seam lines.

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    1. Thank you! I'm usually more attracted to prints, but this purple screamed at me from across the shop, I HAD to have it. And now I also now that jewel tones look good on me.

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  27. This dress is wonderful on you!! Good choice on everything! And you can wear it with pride! I want to do the same!! Hahaha will do some day =)

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  28. This dress is really beautiful!

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  29. You've done it again- you've made Such a cute version of a style id previously discounted. It looks amazing.

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm glad it made you rethink about this pattern!

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  30. This is my first visit to your blog... So won't be the last!! Love the simplicity and colour!

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  31. beautiful dress !
    http://up-de.blogspot.com/

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  32. Beautiful! You look stunning in this dress- the color is gorgeous and it looks so beautifully made. So inspiring!

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  33. I faint say anything that hasn't been said about this, but I had to share how lovely I think this is!

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  34. Such a lovely colour on you! Also a quick note to let you know that I've nominated you for a blog award! No need to participate but you can check out my blog if you're interested! :)

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  35. Love it. The buttons are fab.

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  36. Hi
    How is the length like for this dress? Saw it is a tad short on the Victory models but seem right on you! Nice work! I am 160cm only and would love the length to hit just before my knee. thanks

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  37. Veronika KostrouchovaAugust 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    You look lovely and the dress is amazing. Good work!

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  38. This is superb ! Love your color and button choice.

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