Monday 1 April 2013

Sew For Victory - The Reveal!

Well, it's finally time to show you the finished Sew For Victory Blackmore 5755 dress, which I have been busily working on to finish in time for today's deadline.  I must say that Sewing for Victory has been a lot of fun, I have learnt so much, simply by slowing down my sewing and paying attention to the little details I feel I have created something that's made to last and that I will enjoy wearing for years to come.  Also seeing the wonderful creations from the other participants has been endlessly inspirational and motivational, just see for yourselves on the Flikr group.


 I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that I totally love this dress! Being able to put some serious time into getting the fit and fabric just right, and then not rushing myself just to get it finished (ok well the belt was last minute, but that's just a little thing), was a revelation to me,  I don't honestly think I have ever spent so much time on one single garment before, (not counting the abandoned to UFO status items, of which there are many!) so for the first time I can say that there is no slapdash stitching here! 

 I changed a few things in the bodice section from the muslin version (see it here) the button band I folded over about 1/2 an inch over the neckline (rather than it finishing at the V)  and rather than sewing the band down with a row of stitches I used four mother of pearl buttons to hold it in place. I also added a cream/white lace frill around the neck, I was rather hesitant about adding this feature, but I am so glad I did as I really like the contrast!

It'ss also taught me new methods of contortion, as getting into it is a breeze getting out is a little more...lets say ingenious, due to the way the sleeves taper in slightly at the cuff making them stick to your arm as you try to get free, something I could have remedied by adding a smidgen more width to the sleeves, but its a small problem, which must be quite hilarious to watch so I am happy to overlook it!

To celebrate my finishing on time, I though a trip out, to get some well-lit photographs of me in my new dress, so we trundled off on Easter Sunday to Wimpole Hall.


This was not my smartest move, the house and grounds were breathtaking, but unfortunately so was the weather. Being Easter, the grounds were packed with tourist, and children running about rummaging in the bushes on Easter egg hunts (I'm too old for that lark...apparently), all of the above were wrapped up toasty and warm in their welly boots, hats scarves, gloves and not forgetting their super thick coats.

I, on the other hand, much to the amusement of the said tourists, had removed my scarf coat and gloves and was parading about the gardens in just my dress, desperately trying to think warm thoughts clutching my 1930s copy of Julius Caesar, in an attempt to copy the poise and snooty elegance of the lady on the pattern envelope.

I would like to say, I managed to keep my composure, that I acted like a pro, and that you can't tell how cold I am feeling from my posture or my face, but we all know I would be lying :)
Even though it was cold, and my pasty skin was turning purple, it was a bit of a laugh. I can at least say that I have done my national duty in making a few tourists holidays complete by letting them witness first hand, the behaviour of a typically eccentric English woman!.
So as I wander off into the gardens in search of my gloves, scarf, coat, and a flask of whiskey, all that's left to say is a huge THANK YOU to Rochelle and of course Lucille, for taking the time to organise such a wonderful sew along, it has been a blast!
Wendy x

37 comments:

  1. My my that dress is gorgeous. It really suits you.
    Julie xxxxxxx

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  2. This is so pretty. I think you, by far, have the best dress in that group! I was actually noticing your dress (and thought the same) before I realized it was you, and saw your post.

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  3. What a beautiful dress!! Can't wait to try something like this out!
    Jo :-)

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  4. Wow that dress is just straight up luxurious looking! :) I love that you posed like the pattern model, and I can definitely relate to freezing and pretending not to. It was SO cold the day I took my photos too. The sun can be so deceiving! I'm thrilled to hear you love your dress and learned knew things along the way. That makes Sew For Victory a huge success for me, more than you know. Thank you for participating and making such a beautiful dress <3

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    1. Thank you! Honestly it was so much fun, I would do it all again in a heartbeat! xx

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  5. Ooh it's gorgeous, I love the fabric! :)

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  6. Oh my! You look so lovely! Its gorgeous! :)

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  7. Oo what a lovely dress, great work!

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  8. Oh my, I love this! It's so glamorous and lovely, the fit is fantastic and I just want to touch it! So sad I live in the States!

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

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  9. Your dress is beautiful and you look just lovely!

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  10. It is a lovely dress - Victory achieved!

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  11. You are so clever, that dress is drop-dead gorgeous and you look fab in it! Amazing, I'm in awe of your skill!

    P x

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  12. You have done a marvellous job and you look so beautiful, I love seeing pictures of you and your ensembles! xxx

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  13. It really came out beautifully- and I bet the tourists were staring at your beautiful dress ;)

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  14. Beautiful dress! I love the contrast of the lace and the buttons. I can't believe you tool outside photo's of a shortsleeved dress at this time of the year, it must have been freezing! I'll admit to being a chicken regarding that, I tend to take indoor photo's during the cold season =)
    Well done on finishing the dress in time!

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    1. Thank you Erika, much more sensible to go for indoor photographing, I agree:)xx

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  15. The dress is absolutely perfect and I can't see any rushed stitches at all...beautiful work my dear!! You must have been freezing though as it has been really cold for spring lately...and well done...the photos are lovely!
    May xx
    *Walking In May is currently running a GIVEAWAY...one SIGNED copy of Belinda Hay’s lovely book ‘Style Me Vintage’, please drop by to enter if you have time!*

    www.walkinginmay.com

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    1. Thank you May:) xx Oooh I will pop over and check it out! xx

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  16. Well done Wendy!! Such a GORGEOUS dress:) You can tell you really spent your time on it and its such a special dress that you will always be proud of!
    Jess x

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  17. Wow! It's a masterpiece! It's utterly gorgeous, congrats on making such a tricky looking dress and even better than that! It looks lovely on you... I hope you get loads of wear out of it! xxx

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  18. My goodness, that's a gorgeous dress! You look fab in it (and not too purple, bravo for braving the cold like that!). You've done an amazing job on it and it shows!

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  19. Wow! It is such a lovely dress and you look so elegant and pretty in it :) xx

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  20. Your dress is FABULOUS!! You must be so proud of yourself. Love the backdrop too. Wimpole is one of my favourite National Trust places to visit. Their 1940s day in September is brilliant with lots of living history stuff going on :-)

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