Friday, April 12, 2013

prom dress no. one

Pattern: Vogue 1030

This dress almost makes me wish I was 17 again and going to prom. I think it is so sophisticated and classic. It's definitely not a dress that will be regretted in ten years time. It was so much fun to make, too, from the ruffled collar all the way down to the bound seams. The pattern was great to work with, and I'd make it again in a second. The only alteration I made was to close up the deep front opening.

Let me tell you something: If you are scared to sew, or you don't think you can do it, don't sell yourself short. Give it a try. Maybe don't start with a pattern like this one, start with something simple instead. If you can follow directions, then you can sew. I know it's sort of all the rage these days to wing it or to make something without using a pattern, but your results will always be better if you follow a pattern. I promise. With a pattern, the hard work has been done already, and all you have to do is follow the instructions (which also include pictures and diagrams). And you know what? There are some really great patterns out there these days.

For children's clothes, I love Oliver & S. For women, Lisette and Simplicity are a good place to start.

23 comments:

  1. The dress looks fabulous! You did an amazing job!

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous!

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  3. What a beautiful dress you have made!

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  4. Thanks for the tips! I would love to sew some summer dresses, but I'd need to wing the part of adding extra length. Maybe I should get brave and try it this year!

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  5. Can you tell me the type of fabric? I was thinking of making a dress for a wedding I am in but I've heard light, flowy, fabric is really hard to work with. Any tips?

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  6. I have to come out of lurkdom to comment on that beautiful dress! What a lucky girl, whoever she is! :)

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  7. oh that is beautiful!! There is going to be one lucky prom goer this year!!

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  8. beautiful color and i LOVE the ruffled neckline.
    the way the skirt falls is gorgeous!
    your work is lovely.
    please show us all the dresses you make!!

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  9. This is absolutely stunning!

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  10. I was going to say the same thing at *stephanie*. Beautiful work! What a great talent you have.

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  11. Fabulous! It's so dreamy! You are so right about not selling ourselves short. I was never a fantastic seamstress (I took a few college classes) but the more I sew and challenge myself, the better I have become. This dress is by far my favorite thing you have shown yet :)

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  12. This is a beautiful dress!
    I'd like to say that the patterns I used as a teenager were more detailed than the patterns I've bought recently. Some modern ones tend to leave out how to clip and trim a seam, for example, or when to cut notches and when to just clip.

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  13. Wow Stephanie, that last paragraph was one of the most motivating things I've read all week! Such practical and real advice from somebody who knows. Thank you so much for your words and of course, the dress you made is stunning.

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  14. WOW!!! You are amazing!

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  15. Thanks for this great post of encouraging us to sew. Just last week I ventured into JoAnn's and bought a pattern and fabric to make 2 little boys vests for my upcoming sister's wedding. The whole time while I was in line, I wondered why am I doing this? I haven't sewn in years.
    This post has encouraged me to try. Thank You, as always for your wonderful blog.

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  16. Thanks for the reassuring words about using a pattern. Sometimes I feel bad that winging it just isn't always my thing. I really do like using patterns, because like you said, "all the hard work is done for you." Now, there are times when I've drafted my own stuff, and it works, but not all the time! The prom dress is lovely and such a classic. :)

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  17. We'd love to see a photo of the client on her big night!

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Hello! Thank you for your comment. I'd love to respond, and it is much easier if your account is linked to your email address. Or, you could just email me at barefootstephanie@gmail.com. Thank you!