Hi everyone,
I can’t put my finger on it but I’ve really tailed off at the end of Me Made May. It’s the end of another busy half term, I wasn’t too well at weekend (my most hated online moan but it’s true!) and I think I’m just in need of a little online switch off.
I have used that time to get stuck in with my sewing machine and I’ve been making lots of holiday makes (not the easiest to model). I thought I was losing my sewjo a little, which wasn’t helped by the most recent make I’m about to share but I think I’m back on my game!
Anyway, I’m not usually overly enamoured by Cocowawa patterns, I feel they are definitely made for a slimmer frame but I thought the tie sides of the most recent Honeycomb dress would flatter me so I wanted to give it a go. I will just have one more moan though (sorry, last one I promise) – I was really disappointed to find that most of the pattern testers for this were significantly smaller than the size 20 the pattern claims to go up to… which doesn’t seem very inclusive.
Anyway, undeterred, I carried on with it. I made a few changes, obviously I made the chest pieces bigger (possibly should have been even bigger and also longer as you will see), I also omitted the collar and created a bias binding instead and I lengthened it to create a maxi. Also, contrary to my instincts, I made it sleeveless, in acceptance that not all of my summer clothes can have sleeves.
I used the lovely birdy viscose from Adam Ross fabrics. Whilst, I’m really happy with the neat finish on my dress and I’m loving the self covered buttons, I’m just not sure it is quite me. What does everyone think? I’m wondering if it’s the sleeves, the fit on the chest or the colour. I may dye it. Any thoughts?
In the meantime, I’m making a very promising Datura hack dress which should be lovely.
I think it looks good on you!
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I think the fit in the chest is what makes me think it isn’t a full success–or rather is an ‘overfull’ success. The fabric is great, but it just looks too tight up top to me. Does tying it loosely help at all? It looks like you worked hard on this and the fabric is great, but if you can adjust the fit, I think that’d improve it, in my view. Good luck with it.
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I think you’re probably right, I’m used to sizing up but this would require even more it seems… There isn’t much I can do in terms of alternations, maybe it’s a case of live and learn. If I made it again I would definitely extend the bodice. A lessons for other garments too I think. Thanks for your feedback!
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No way to put panels down the side, open the armholes and add something on both sides…? It’s a really cute dress.
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I think I could but I’m going to have to put it to one side for now!!
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Oh well–and tying it looser doesn’t help?
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Not really, the tightness is already there to be honest. ☺
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Hmm, sounds like the size then. I am the laziest sewing person ever, so I can’t say to put panels down the side, but if I were not lazy etc. that’s what I might do. Or put it aside to fix someday…
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I think I can find a little wiggle room in the princess Seams. ☺
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I love the fabric. So cute! It seems a bit uncomfortable on the top though. But otherwise lovely for summer. I still love your hair at this length! 😍
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Thanks! Yes, I think you’re right. Ah well, we can’t win them all. ☺
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Yes, I’ve done the same thing before. If I can’t fix it or do something else with it, I donate it!
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Yes, it wouldn’t be the end of the world for this one to be a lesson learnt!
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I think the empire line and fit looks really good! I’m thinking you should play with the length; maybe just below the knee? The sleeveless look is good, too.
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Yes, that’s not a bad idea. I never thought that it might be the length I don’t like… ☺ Thanks!
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Firstly, I think you should be proud for making so many adjustments and succeeding with them all…! The fit may not be perfect for you but the dress is! It’s beautiful. I agree in that it looks a little tight on the top but it does look minimal. Is there any scope to move the buttons a little? You have the opposite problem to me! I have little beestrings for boobs so am constantly removing any bust shape from dresses! Haha!
I’d definitely have this as a keeper for your summer wardrobe 👍🏻
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Thanks. That’s really kind. I think I could move the buttons just a little B it, I’ll try that before I do anything else. This is a constant battle for me, I thought I was starting to get it right but we can but improve… ☺
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Hi Emma, I think this dress really suits you! It’s such a fab shape, I love the long skirt and it looks so good sleeveless because you have small arms. I reckon you’re better off with fitted bodice like this, nothing worse than big gaping bodice. Also, that’s some neat sewing there!
It must be so frustrating to be adjusting bust area every freaking time but I honestly think there’s something in the British waters because everyone seems to complain about bigger boobs in this country. What is it? In Slovakia everyone is flat chested with bigger hips and legs, you can’t buy a bra bigger than a C cup, unless you go to a special shop!
Anyways, this is one of my favourite dresses of yours, I’m surprised you’re not like “I LOVE THIS, IT’S MY FAVE”.
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😂 It’s not a bad thing having big boobs at all, they’re a massive (literally) part of my identity but I so get frustrated when I have to change it every time, but you’re right, it’s better than they are well fitted than gaping! Thanks so much for your lovely comments, it’s made me feel loads better about it! xz
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I like it and think it is very flattering. The sleeveless version is absolutely fine on you and it is a really pretty summer dress. I think the colour is throwing you, as you normally go for brighter colours , but think sunshine and a G&T and you have a perfect summer outfit! For your next version maybe a little more room in the upper bodice, but definitely this is a success.
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Thank you, yes I think you are right, about the colour and the fit. I’m sure it will feel much better in the summer. ☺ I’m aiming to make more sleeveless dresses as summer holidays get closer so wish me luck!
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This dress is lovely and it really suits you, the fitted bodice and sleeveless element looks great (agree that you could play with buttons a little to ease it off tightness wise a little but it isn’t major) I love the fabric choice too it’s so pretty!
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I think that’s what I’ll do and I think I’ll be able to extend the seam allowance on the princess seam too!
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Love the dress and the fabric it’s made from. If the changes to the bodice don’t work out, I’d try to salvage the skirt and hack it into a maxi skirt or a lovely pair of culottes. At least the material wouldn’t be wasted 🙂
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That’s not a bad idea at all. I tried to make some changes and dye it but it didn’t work. A maxi skirt might be the way I go! Thanks for your suggestion.
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