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Wednesday, 24 February 2016

Dottie Angel Dress - the trial run

I had a day off from knitting and crocheting yesterday.  Well, when I say a day off, what I mean is, I spent slightly less hours in the day knitting and crocheting than I usually do.  For me, there is no such thing as "not knitting" - I tried it once and it was scary!

Anyway, yesterday I did some dressmaking.  I want to be good at dressmaking and enjoy the process, but I still find it very stressful and I don't feel very confident.  But it's like knitting, you see a cardigan or a dress in the shops and you think I could make that - you've just got to give it a go.

So yesterday was devoted to making the Dottie Angel dress.  I was given the pattern for Christmas by Grace.  And here is my first attempt.


It's a very simple dress with minimal pattern pieces so it shouldn't take too long to make but there's a lot of attention to neat edgings and seams so it took all morning and afternoon to make.  I'm pleased with the result.

The original pattern has pockets, which I omitted.


I would love to make a really colourful version, so I'm on the look out for suitable fabrics.

It's a simple tunic dress with ties to fasten at the back - no zips or buttons - very simple.



My version - because I was practising - is made from a single size bed sheet (£4 from Primark).  Now that I've had a trial run, I'll be quicker and more comfortable for the next version (fingers crossed) and I'll use nicer fabric.  But this one is nice enough for now.


All I need now is some warmer weather so I can wear the dress.
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16 comments:

  1. Amy at love made my home24 February 2016 at 21:20

    Very pretty Janet! I was going to say how lovely the fabric was - well, it is still lovely of course, you know what I mean! - I was just surprised that it came from a sheet as I can never find pretty sheets like that! I like your necklace too! xx

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    1. Janet25 February 2016 at 10:32

      Thank you Amy. Not only is the sheet fabric pretty but it was also cheap, very handy when you're doing a trial run.

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  2. linda24 February 2016 at 22:17

    What a great idea to use a sheet and it's very pretty fabric too. I'm like you when it comes to sewing I don't have much confidence but I enjoy the process once I get going, I hate the threading of needle it takes me ages! and I'm not much good at sewing a straight seam. I think your dress is lovely. :) xx

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    1. Janet25 February 2016 at 10:34

      Thank you Linda. It takes me forever to get started, I dread cutting into the fabric for the first time, but, like you, I'm ok once I get going.

      Delete
  3. Vicky25 February 2016 at 00:08

    I have this pattern and are yet to attempt it....maybe this winter :)

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    1. Janet25 February 2016 at 10:34

      It's certainly a popular pattern. I saw lots of people at Yarndale last year wearing it.

      Delete
  4. Meredith25 February 2016 at 20:23

    Janet, I have that pattern and the fabric to go with it but I fear I am not ready to jump in. My sewing skills are lacking and I am afraid it will look a mess. Yours is wonderful.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Janet26 February 2016 at 15:01

      Thank you Meredith. I hope you find the courage to give it a go one day.

      Delete
  5. Dr Christine Crawley25 February 2016 at 20:49

    So pretty.

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  6. Caz.P.25 February 2016 at 23:23

    You did this last year using a sheet and had very good results! I have some Liberty that I'm scared to cut...I'm off to Primark for a sheet. Your dress looks really pretty.

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    1. Janet26 February 2016 at 15:03

      Thanks Caz, I would certainly recommend a sheet version before cutting into nice fabric, especially if you're nervous like me.

      Delete
  7. Ginx Craft26 February 2016 at 09:49

    What a great pattern. I can also imagine it in a thicker fabric as a pinafore dress.

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    1. Janet26 February 2016 at 15:04

      Thank you Ginny. It would look good as a pinafore with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath I think.

      Delete
  8. mamasmercantile26 February 2016 at 15:45

    What an impressive make, I can't believe that it is made from a sheet it is such a pretty fabric.

    ReplyDelete

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