Lisa's cotton dress with piping...
Hi there!
Wow it feels like forever since I was last here. I hope you are all well and managing to stay safe in these weird, unexpected times and are finding happiness and relaxation in your sewing adventures. I know for me, it’s a bit up and down and sometimes I’m struggling to even think about sewing. Partly because I’d over indulged during lockdown and gained a bit of the old weight so I didn’t feel like making pretty clothes for myself and partly due to the stresses of owning a business that isn’t yet allowed to open.
However when Sammy gave us the go ahead to start blogging again I knew I needed to get my act together and start making for me again. I’d already started the healthy eating and lost almost a stone so felt a new dress would definitely be a celebration.
When I saw the Ruby Star Alma Faces fabric I almost immediately fell in love. I was torn between the mustard and the one I chose. Sammy had also posted over on Instagram the red button lips that I chose to use and I thought they’d be perfect as this month’s theme was fastenings.
I initially thought it was black and white from the pictures so figured a pop of red with the buttons would work well with it and opted to make a fabric belt in red to accompany the buttons, however it is in fact navy blue and off white. Not to worry though as I think it works pretty well with the navy and cream too.
I had a bit of a think and decided that I’d make myself the Penny Dress by Sew Over It London. Now, if you follow me over on Instagram (you can find me on @sewlastminutelisa if you fancy a look) you’ll know that I’ve made 3 of these previously for my mum but not actually made any for myself.
The fabric is only 43” (about 110 cm) wide and the pattern called for 140cm wide so I knew that I would have to take some of the volume out of the skirt. I knew this wouldn’t necessarily be a problem so decided to go for it. It has taken quite a bit out of the bottom of the skirt and made it more of an A line looking skirt rather than the fullness of a circle skirt. However I really like it.
I felt like the belt might be a bit on the plain side so opted to have a play with the ribbon stitches on my Pfaff Performance Icon and jazz the red fabric belt up a little. Now, if you’ve not seen these stitches before they are amazing. It’s like plaiting ribbon. You have the option to use 1, 2 or 3 ribbons with a combination of different stitches to hold them in place. This is the first time I’ve had a project that I could really use it on and I have to say I’m really happy with how it turned out. My only tip is to make sure you use stabiliser underneath the decorative stitches on your machine!
I managed to find a bit of red piping in my stash so decided to add this to the shoulder epaulettes to give a pop of colour in that area and add a bit of interest. I simply pinned it as instructed in the pattern but wedged the piping in between the seam allowances and it was sewn together using my zipper foot and by moving the needle right across to the left of the zipper foot it enable me to get up close to the piping.
Again, my Pfaff always performs when it comes to doing buttonholes (except when its user error lol J) and it didn’t disappoint this time either. I was a bit concerned with the shape of the buttons however, once they’d been pushed through the holes a couple of times they were fine. I always make sure to use Fray Check whenever I’m doing buttonholes just to make sure there’s no fraying once I’m done.
Now, the hubby never really comments on the stuff I make unless I specifically ask his opinion (which, let’s be honest with 2 girls living at home, does his opinion really count? Lol!) However, he was quite taken with this little number and made sure to tell me how much he liked it and that it looked so professional so I’m taking this one as a definite win! 🙂
I wore this dress almost as soon as it was finished and have to say it was so so comfortable. The fabric felt lovely against my skin (certain fabrics irritate my skin nowadays) and it was a dream to wash and press. Overall I’m giving this one 10/10 – can you tell I’m gushing now :). I’ve had so many compliments about the dress and the fabric when I’ve been out and about in it, it makes me feel great to wear it.
Let me know what projects you’ve been working on using this fabric! I’d love to see them! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and looking forward to seeing you again next month!
Take care, until next time
Lisa x
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