The weather was nicer today than two days ago. It was still chilly, but thankfully was not raining so I snapped some photos of my recent creation. The other day I wrote about experimenting with fabric weaving. Here is the finished version!
The purse is my recent purchase from ASOS. I love the mint color!! This was my first purchase at ASOS, and I was very pleased:) Free international shipping was a big plus. Now I want these pumps from ASOS!
Although each of the strips I used for weaving were not cut on bias, the entire bodice was kind of on bias because of how I placed the pattern. The weaving the fabric itself was very time-consuming, but the other portions of the piece came off without a hitch. Since the bodice was kind of on bias and the weaving created some stretch, I eliminated the gather in the bodice pattern, and treated the fabric as I do with jersey fabrics. I used the bodice pattern I drafted recently for another project. I added a gather at the waistline to replace darts. or For this dress, I even went so far as to take out the gather ease.
I had this blue fabric sitting in my stash for a while. I bought it on wholesale, but since the fabric is such a light weight, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. The weaving was a perfect fit for the fabric. It didn’t become too bulky but added some structure to the fabric, making it easier the rest of the sewing.
I lined the dress with the same fabric, as it is a bit sheer. Also added side pockets, and a matching fabric belt. The buckle is from this online shop I wrote about in the past.
Overall, I LOVE the result, and it was very satisfying to make. If you were to ask whether I’ll do it again, I don’t know…it really was time consuming, so I’m not sure.
While I was sewing this dress, I thought I had more to write about it, but I forgot most of what I wanted to say!
Fabric: light weight cotton
Lining: same as the fashion fabric
Pattern: self drafted bodice pattern, skirt is two big squares. Pocket patterns are borrowed and modified from BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook coat pattern.
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Joanne says
That is just superb. Amazing use of fabric and a beautiful result. Really wonderful 🙂
Chie says
Thank you Joanne! It was worth the time I put into. I love it!!
AnaJan says
Chie, your dress is absolutely gorgeous! I really like the unusual ides you’ve used with the fabric waving. Well done, girl!
Chie says
Hi AnaJan, when I think of fabric weaving, I think of home sewing – like pillow cases? But it is a great way to add some structure to light weight fabric I think! Now I’m thinking of the ways to incorporate it in wedding dress design..:)
Emily says
This is really, really, REALLY cute! I love it! Chie, you are so talented! 😀
Chie says
aw so nice of you to say! 🙂
AI says
this would really be a hit on the runway chie! fabulous..absolutelyl pretty!
Chie says
Thanks Ai. I gotta try the drape skirt you showed me the other day!
Juebejue says
omg, this is soooo lovely!!! when i have time i have to make a copy 😉
Chie says
Yay! Please do!! I’d love to see<3
Laurel says
Hello – this is my first time commenting on your blog – though I have been following it for a while, I just wanted to say how much I love this dress! That weaving is something else and you really managed to still have the bodice beautifully shaped which I find really impressive! Such good work, not to be repetitive but its amazing!
Chie says
Thank you for your comment! The actual sewing the dress part wasn’t bad, exp. because you can treat the weaved fabric as stretch knit and omit all the darts!
Lisa says
LOVE this dress!!!!
Chie says
Thanks Lisa!
Sarah says
The weave detail is gorgeous love the colour too! Well done Chie you make the loveliest of things!!
Chie says
Thank you Sarah! I seem to gravitate towards blue color,,, I keep making them in blue. Do you have a color that you end up choosing all the time?
mcloud says
such lovely dress!!! so impressive~ hope to wear it!
Chie says
Thank you!
kristin says
love it, chie!! the weaving effect is really stunning, and it balances nicely with the lightweight skirt. beautiful!
Chie says
Yea the lightweight fabric worked out well for this project! I’m thinking of making it in organza next, perhaps as a wedding dress!
Paunnet says
WOW! I must admit that when I saw your work in progress I was a bit skeptical, but the result is gorgeous! great job!
Chie says
Haha you are funny Anna! I was a bit afraid that it might end up looking like a grandma’s pillow case, but it worked out alright! 🙂 xo
Kelerabeus says
Wow! This dress is pure awesomeness, I like it so much! Love everything about it, it’s really cute how the skirt is semi sheer, looks so feminine and delicate. And the color is spot on perfect. And the fabric belt is cherry on the cake. Perfect dress, congrats!
Chie says
wow thank you for the compliment! I’m flattered:)
Paulina says
omg this dress is beautiful ! respect 🙂
fiona says
hi chie, this dress with the weaving really looks nice n of cos, u look gorgeous in it. I hope I can try to do something like this with the weaving in near future.
Chie says
Thank you Fiona! I would love to see your version!
Mariló says
I love it! And the colour is really beautiful!
Ginger says
Wow, this really is gorgeous! Totally worth all the time and effort you put into making it! As usual, you look lovely! Great job!
Janelle says
Hi Chie! I fell in love with this idea as soon as I saw it on your blog! I went ahead and made my own version in black. Please visit my blog to see it if you’re interested. Thank you for always being so inspiring! You always do such beautiful work 🙂