Friday, April 26, 2013

Challis Chalet: The Simplicity 1880 Shirtwaist


You know, I'm sure there's an awful lot about this dress I could say, but I really don't feel like doing a process post tonight.  This is Simplicity 1880, one of the project runway ones. I can see why they are so popular now, as they are extremely well drafted. Suffice it to say that this is my wearable muslin. For the first time ever I went ahead and didn't make a muslin first. I pretty much have these kind of bodices figured out and I was pretty darn confident that I didn't need to test it. I think my next two makes are going to have cap sleeves though.

Oh, before we go on, don't forget to vote for the Sewcialist emblem!


This was an accidental photo of me walking back to pose. I liked it so here it is.



I'm not sure what I'm doing here but, hey, its a good shot of my backside. Mostly.



Check out that fantastic collar.  This was, I think, the moment where doing a notched collar finally sank in and made sense in my brain. Now if only I could wrap my head around pants geometry, the world would be a better place.


Pretty flared skirt. I wish I could show you how the fabric sort of sparkles and a close up makes it look like peacock feathers and ferns. My belt is vintage, probably 80's, from Nashville when I went to see the Golden Age of Couture exhibit and met Gertie in person.


I might look like my paternal grandmother in this photo.


That's all folks. I have two more of theses dresses planned, they are all meant to be work appropriate. I'll do a post on what modifications I made and a bit about getting the invisible side zip to be, well, invisible.

As for photos, I think for now on i'm going to take them in the morning when I'm backlit, or maybe another how for the sun to be down further. We'll see.

Cheers!

15 comments:

  1. Beauty!! This is such a pretty dress!! And color on you. Great shoes, too.

    You know, now that I'm thinking about it, you were the one that got using challis for Darling Ranges in my mind!! I owe you dude. I love that dress!

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    1. I'm so glad I could inspire use of a new fabric!

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  2. This is so lovely! A perfect fabric/pattern pairing and it looks fantastic on you.

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  3. What a beautiful dress. The shoes and belt are awesome too.

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    1. I love the accessories, kind of had them in mind when I made the dress. So thank you!

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  4. Gorgeous! Totally fun and wearable. I think cap sleeves will be awesome, too. :)

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  5. Love your dress. It really suits you and the fabric is gorgeous.

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  6. Lovely dress? Great colour on you too!

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  7. As a matter of fact, you resemble my mother, your paternal grandmother, a great deal actually.

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    1. I need to scan a photo and post a side-by-side

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  8. hello curly awesome hair and swingy sexy dress! you look fabulous!!

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  9. Hell Yeah, that's one mighty fine looking dress. Need to move this to the top of the pattern queue right away.

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