Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Joanie in Black dress


Finished! Vogue 8413 in black double knit.


This was the first time I've sewn with knitted fabrics and the first time I've sewn with a serger. Nonetheless, the hardest aspect of this project by far was the colour! Sewing black is so frustrating - it's really difficult to see where the stitches are going, so intricate parts like pleats or even just pulling out basting stitches are a nightmare. In fact, I felt like I was in one of my recurring dreams where my eyes go all foggy and I can't see what I'm doing.

But it's done now, and I'm pleased with it. A random stranger came up to me in the V&A today and told me I looked nice, proof that this dress is the business! On a more practical note, it's reeeeally comfortable. The stretchiness meant that I could forego inserting a zipper - it slips on quite easily.

By the way, I checked and found at least two instances of Joan Holloway wearing black:




But enough of that old frump, back to meee...


I've adjusted the exposure setting on this one so you can (hopefully) see the cowl neck.


I'm now contemplating making one of these in every colour!

[Soundtrack: 'I Just Don't Understand' by Ann-Margret]
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Posted by Tilly at 10:23 pm
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55 comments:

  1. This is rockin! Love this sooo much! The shoulder is really interesting! You could make this one up a few times and it would look like a different dress every time! Nice work, Tilly!

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  2. Gorgeous dress - so classy - and love the retro touch of yellow belt and brooch.

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  3. It looks super-fabulous! There's nothing like a cool black dress, but it will be awesome in colours too. I really like your mustard and plum accessories with it!

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  4. Oh, I love the asymmetrical neckline. Such a classy dress, and you look lovely in it!

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  5. Gorgeous dress it looks great!
    Hayley x

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  6. WOW! What a fantastic dress! I LOVE the cowl neck! How was working with the serger?

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  8. Verrrry nice Tilly! The cowl neck looks great - especially the way you've arranged it. I think you should definitely make more.

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  10. Wow - v. sexy!
    Lurve the neckline - was it tricky to fit/get right please?

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  11. Yay, I can't wait to work with a double knit. Where did you buy your fabric from? I've found double knit tricky to get hold of. The dress looks gorgeous. And so do you! Love that red lippie.I saw somewhere a tip on getting those draped necklines to sit in a full drape, rather than tipping to one side or the other - sadly, I can't remember where I saw this or what the tip was. Helpful, I know!

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  12. Debi - once I'd got it threaded properly, using the serger was mega easy.

    Claire - the dress was easy to fit, although I did have to adjust the skirt a few times (a problem I always have with pencil skirts). The cowl neck part was surprisingly easy - just some extra fabric that flops over.

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  13. Gorgeous dress! Especially love the sleeves and the neck, really cool.

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  14. Gorgeous dress! Love it with the yellow belt. Extra bonus that it's comfortable, too! You should totally make one in every colour, just think of opening up your closet to a rainbow of sexy, comfy dresses - delightful!

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  15. First knit, first serged product = a great accomplishment. Your LBD made me hustle over to my well organized Vogue pattern drawer to see if per chance I had that pattern stashed. Now I want to make it in black too.

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  16. So lovely!

    And foggy eye dreams? Those are the worst! Glad to know it's not just me.

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  17. Lord, it's great! I spent a minute thinking: I have got to make this! and then I realized that i have made it!! Hilarious.

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  18. That's a fab dress, it really suits you. I'd love to know what pattern it's from.

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  19. I love it. It's so classic but I love it with your purple tights and yellow belt. Very nice!

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  20. Wow, Tilly! That is a beautiful dress and it looks great on you! :) I love the belt and your tights!

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  21. Look at that neckline! Stunning! I've never even noticed this pattern before - til now!

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  22. What was the fabric Tilly? It's hard to photograph black and red, I reckon, to see the fabric properly!

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  23. Same question as Veronica. I will be honest and sat that I don't know what a double knit is, but it looks great! Particularly with those tights.

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  24. There is nothing like a slightly clingy double knit sewn up into a sleek little black dress. I have some that I have earmarked for a LBD, but haven't found the right pattern yet.

    Great work! Your outfits are always so stylish!

    Jacki

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  25. Absolutely gorgeous - you look fab!

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  26. beautiful! so elegant and classy, but still comfy! i really like this dress and love that brooch of yours! wonderful work tilly!

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  27. That dress is GORGEOUS. Amazing work!

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  28. Absolutely gorgeous - Joanie eat your heart out! Please make lots more in different colours. x

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  29. You look awesome on this very successful dress. The one I did from the same pattern also never fails to give me nice comments everytime I go out in it.

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  30. Oh Tilly, this is gorgeous and I'm now desperate to make one for myself. You look absolutely stunning and the mustard belt is perfect with it.

    Can I ask which view you made and what the sizing was like? Did it come up large or small?

    Florence x

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  31. Lovely dress and I love your whole outfit! I finally can say I love to sew jersey fabric now. It takes time to feel really comfortable, but you will:)
    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful piece!

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  32. Absolutely stunning! The 2nd picture of Joanie that you posted is the one I had in mind too ;o)

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  33. Great dress Tilly!!! I love the collar detail and the way you accessorised it with the brooch, tights and belt.

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  34. Love it! So classic and elegant and you accessorized perfectly. Congrats, you did a great job on this one!

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  35. Absolutely stunning! I love the cowl neck; it's quite a nice detail on the traditional little black dress. Really flattering and classy!

    ♥ Casey

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  36. So great! I want to make this too! Thanks for inspiring me :)

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  37. It's beautiful! I love how you paired it with the mustard belt and purple tights.

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  38. Absolute perfection! Definitely worth the wrinkle lines from all the squinting ;)

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  39. This looks lovely - and one of every colour would be great, as you would never have to worry about what to wear ever again!

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  40. Oh goodness that is GORGEOUS!!!! And I love how you wore it, too! You totally need it in more colours - and so do I!!!

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  41. Bee-yoo-tiful! Such a classy dress. It looks fantastic the way you've accessorised it too, love the belt, brooch and tights. x

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  42. I'm with everyone else, and the lady in the V&A, this dress is really gorgeous! I couldn't think what this pattern was so I googled it and I can't believe it's the same dress - your's is a 100 times classier than the envelope image. I do love the way you style your outfits too. Gorgeous.

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  43. fab! really like this dress. it looks lovely on you!!

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  44. You look absolutely stunning! This dress really suits you, well done :)

    xxx

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  45. Well done! You should definitely make another one at least. I tend to make one of every color for every season if I find a pattern fits me well also.

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  46. Pretteeeee! The cowl neck is lovely. Also, great shoes! :)

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  47. What a fabulous dress! And even better to discover it's cute cowl neck detailing! xxx

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  48. That's a very pretty and elegant dress, you can be proud of your work!

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  50. Total Hottie Mc Tottie!

    xxx

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  52. That looks fabulous - I absolutely love it with the yellow belt! It looks so much better than the envelope illustration. Gorgeous!
    Where did you find your double knit? I've been trying to find a nice feeling one in London without success so far.

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  53. Gorgeous dress and great fit! You look fab! And keeping the comfy aspect is the best, isn't it..?

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  54. Wow! Gorgeous dress! Especially love the neck, very original!

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  55. I love this dress! I've always been worried about sewing jersey but you have inspired me (again!)Not sure where I could get good enough quality fabric though.

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