SPRINGTIME IN PARIS DRESS | NEW LOOK 6799
Project Sewn: If the Shoe Fits. This week’s theme, drawing inspiration from shoes, was waaayyyy too broad for lil ‘ol me, a slightly obsessed shoeaholic with a myriad of footwear to choose from. Not only that, but I seriously considering going shoe shopping. I mean, it was practically an invitation to buy new shoes, says I. Yeppers…with absolutely no restriction on fabric or design lines, this week’s parameter was a recipe for overwhelm and indecision. The good news is I didn’t say disaster. Okay, first up; pick the shoe. I let my blue and white spectator shoes get some love this week. Purchased at a local consignment shop, I’ve had them since last spring. They’re Naturalizers, super comfortable, and they simply desire to inspiration. Step one done, I pulled out my stash of thrifted fabric and quickly settled on this red, white, and blue print. I reminded myself that I want to add some fun and flirty spring clothing to my wardrobe, and so I chose New Look Pattern 6799, a simple summer dress. Ready to begin, I panicked slightly thinking I might never again sew anything as delicious as my Pink Paisley Coat. To be honest, I didn’t even start my project until Friday, unless you count Thursday’s pattern fitting and fabric laundering. The irony of it all? The themes were announced January 9th. Uh huh…for whatever strange and inexplicable reason, I have chosen to create my Project Sewn outfits, from conception to completion, during the sew-along week.
Fortunately, I kept my project pretty simple this weekend. I only did one tiny tweak to the pattern…my personal fav…adding inseam pockets. This pattern is only lined in the bodice and waistband. I would describe it as being more of a combination sleeve facing and an interlining, rather than a lining lining. So me? I did a regular full dress lining. Very little fit alterations were required. I shortened the bodice an inch, shortened the skirt a mile 3 inches, and nipped in the side seams at the underarm a tad. It’s not a difficult pattern, but if you’re a complete newbie at sewing, you will probably be challenged by the invisible zipper. The neckline takes some patience too…not difficult, but a bit picky.
Sewing Tip: Do you ever struggle with making those skinny fabric loop closures? You know, the ones that are designed to wrap around a button. In theory, they can add a unique look to a garment. In reality, they can shred when you turn them right side out, and end up looking bulky and awkward. Here’s what I sometimes do. I buy hair elastics from the dollar store, and sew them on instead of tearing my hair out trying to make loops. They come in a gazillion colours, as well as some cute patterns, have a nice little bit of stretch, and they totally do the job!
Up next. The final week of Project Sewn. It’s the Signature Style week, and I have no set agenda as of yet. I do have a few ideas. Do you have any requests? I can’t promise I’ll fulfill any of your wishes, but I always love to hear your feedback and ideas! One thing I do know…if the weather is uncooperative, I am taking photos indoors. Last week, it felt like snow. Today, I was battling against both gale force winds and rain. Sheesh…it’s a tough gig sometimes! And alas, I have no plans to travel to Paris this spring. Also, a very big thank you to the many that voted my paisley jacket as their favourite in last week’s sew-along. It’s always the greatest compliment to be acknowledged by fellow sewers!
70 Comments
Gorgeous!! Love it all, you out did yourself again!
Wow! Seems you can create anything your little heart desires. The fabric pattern is perfect for you. Also that neckline is so pretty. Very flattering.
It really fits you perfectly and looks like…wait for it…it was made for you! ha ha!
Here I thought we might bump into each other in France later this year. Ah well. You look the part at least. And those shoes! What a score.
bisous
Suzanne
How cute! Those shoes are wonderful too. I think now that you've done this the hubby needs to take you to Paris. It's the least he could do since you made him that wonderful shirt a few months back!
I've not used the hair elastic in a clothing piece but did use it in a case I made for my e-reader. Very clever use for something so simple, don't know why I didn't think of it.
Ooh la la! Tres chic! What's French for super cute?
Sue this is so adorable and ready for spring! And the shoes, FABULOUS. Again you have shown us your many talents. Such a wonderful and inspiring post. I like everything about this outfit.
blue hue wonderland
Oh, that's just lovely! Makes me want to book and flight and head for the sun! the fabric, the shape and everything is just wonderful. You are so clever! x
I'm packing my luggage, I'm leaving with you! I'll be so honor to travel next to such stylish lady like you Sue. Dang! You are looking awesome! And your work is fantastic.
Xo
Carelia
Mysmallwardrobe.com
Omgosh. I love the styling for your photos, the picture of your buttons and bits, the elastic loop tip…and the dress! I know no girl would be upset to hear this either: your dress is so flattering and makes your waist look tiny! Impeccable work Sue!
I love that dress…Details. So fabulous. You make me yearn for spring. And these photos. Were you outside freezing without your coat???? You brave, brave woman! I am struggling with a wool cape at the moment. I had to lay it aside, so discouraged was I!
Sue, that is just the loveliest dress! So fresh and pretty, and it works a treat with the beautiful (and inspirational!) shoes. The fit is fantastic, love the waistband and neckline, and you look wonderful.
Right – Paris here we come, n'est pas? xxxx
What a gorgeous dress, and so perfect with the shoes! I am so happy you added pockets! Why aren't all dresses/skirts pocketed?
to quote moulin rogue, SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR.
Absolutely cool, from head to toe!!!
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
Facebook Page Bonjourchiara
Bloglovin Bonjourchiara
You should immediately take the plane and fly to Paris! You look so French chic and so springlike.
Your fun pictures are marvellous.
Sabine xxx
You are funny and you are fun! Such a joy to read your posts ALWAYS! I love your dress, and you look so fresh and flirty in it – I agree, you have to go to Paris!! Immediately! 🙂 The shoes are adorable, I want to find a pair like this one so so badly! 🙂
I loved the tip with elastics – clever! Great job on your sewing project and this post – very inspiring!
I LURVE you! /burbles madly
And I ADORE the dress! And the shoes. And, bien sur, your 1000-watt smile!
I swear, if we didn't live so far away, I'd be hounding you to be my personal stylist and paying you a generous portion of my paycheck each month to sew me a Sue original. Don't care that you use patterns – your eye for detail and fabric make them all one-of-a-kind. Egads, I really wish I knew how to sew…
M @ http://www.myclosetcatalogue.com
P.S. I don't think I've mentioned before how much I also love your copy/commentary. Perhaps you'd like to consider gracing us with your presence and words at the T3 launch this Thursday?
http://myclosetcatalogue.com/invitation/t3/
Hourra for the dress pour le printemps! We are so over winter!
The shoes are exquisite Sue!
Arianexo
I am ALWAYS drawn to your projects! lol… I was browsing around project sewn… and Your shoes, your dress just stands out! Amazing job as always!!! love the shoes.. wish you really could goto Paris.
Paris should be so lucky to have YOU wandering down the Champs Elysees. I just love absolutely everything about this outfit! Et Zut Alors if that isn't brilliant about the hair elastics. Genius! Chic!
Cute! Cute! Cute! You look absolutely cute!! It is amazing to watch you create one masterpiece after another.. what a talent!
Mrs Jack Of All Trades
Dubai UAE
Another resounding success! I'm very impressed… the colors look great on you and so does the style. Now just sew up some good weather for those of us in the PNW. We had a wind storm and 6 hours of power failure last night. The tragedy is in missing an episode of Downton Abbey. Waaaa!
Fun, flirty, springtime – definitely! And the shoes are definitely inspirational. With the Europe brochure, you look ready to hop on a plane. I love the magic of invisible zippers too. You are a wizard.
You are so friggin' cute! I love the shoes, the dress, the whole scenario, your smile and look of excitement and optimism. Your photo shots are always so much fun! And your sewing skills are enviable.
tres chic, and you even have matching luggage! Paris is always a good idea!
Vive le francais,
Shirl
Paris? Don' t forget a cute umbrella to match your adorable outfit!
So fun! Great tip about the elastic loops — I will file that away for future use!
What a great talent you are! Sue, I love this dress. This particular cut and style dress always looks great on us shorties. By the way, I so love the spectators too!
Beautiful!!! I love it.
I LOVE this dress. And your great accessories with it … to include those inspiration shoes.
Wow, I love it, very nice work!
Love the dress, love the shoes, and that hair elastic to is a thing of brilliance!
What a terribly fun dress. So springtime, so good with the shoes and all the accessories. Clever idea to do the loops this way. Must remember that.
You always alter the pattern to make it more difficult haha. Better, but more difficult.
I wish you were coming over to Paris this spring. You could pop over to Amsterdam then.
Greetje
Hi! I was directed to your blog from someone who knew I was also interested in Dressing Your Truth. I love your outfit and spunk and goodness, you're such a Type 1! I'm still figuring out what I am… thought I was a Type 2 but the colors made me sad, ha! Anyway, looking forward to reading more of your blog as you look like great fun!
xoxo
-Sonia
I'm so glad you wrote about the process. I learn something every time you do this! Wish I could remember what my grandmother used to do about makind piping … had something to do with a very thin crochet hook and a thread attached at one end to draw it back and inside out. Rats.
You look beautiful! Such a lovely outcome. And look at it all with your SHOOOEEESSS! So cute, and I'm sorry you didn't get to Paris. You're wearing heels, and a respectable height! The whole thing a fabulous success!
You look gorgeous from head to toe! I love the colours and the photos and well: what´s not to love?
You are an invitation to the Spring!
Is spring already arrived there? 🙂 Your delightful dress seems to answer YES!! Very nice post, and a trip to Paris would be wonderful in spring… you look very beautiful and happy! (and are wearing soooo cute shoes!!)
you are so extremely talented…and beautiful, i might add. i adore this dress!!
I am always impressed with your style and your talent. The way that you whip up an outfit at the drop of a hat! The shoes are amazing, and love the polka dot bows. Spring time in Paris with you as the star!
That is a beautiful dress and love your fun pictures. Well done, all! Those shoes are so fun with the polka dots. I am a slight shoeaholic, too. Unfortunately I didn't get what I really wanted done and fell back on something else I had already made. I had new shoes, too, and fabric to match. *sigh* Time is just to sparse lately.
Once again you made me smile! Your photo shoot is amazing but it's only half the story. What a happy dress and those shoes are to die for!
Tres belle!
Visiting from I feel Pretty and that is such a Pretty dress on you. You made that fabric shine!
Amazing!
So glad you entered the Project Sewn competition, that's how I found your wonderful sewing blog! Love it!
Wow, wow, wow. I'm blown away by the outstanding quality of your sewing and the styling of your photoshoots is fab. Who takes the pictures? They are good too.
Beautiful dress Sue & you don't look freezing at all 😉
DeniseAngela
I love your attitude and flair in your photos. This outfit is so lovely (and it matches your smile!), and I was blown out of the water impressed when I read that you made the dress yourself! I am full of admiration.
I love the dress:) You look gorgeous :))))))
Kisses Beata
I am so impressed with all of your sewing projects! And to do them in one week? Kudos to you! But they are making me feel guilty–I just cant bring myself to get to my sewing room. Just lazy.
Love your idea to use elastics for the button loops–genius. And I am contemplating not easing sleeves in the next time I sew….
Oh and I love your graphic with the 4 pics and the circle in the middle–is that from an app?
Have I gushed enough? xoxox
Wow, I clicked across from Patty's as you really caught my eye Sue! That is a gorgeous dress and a how clever you are to have sewn it- it fits you beautifully and these photos are beautiful !!! They really do fit the shoe! Tis lovely to have come over and seen it!x
That's a totally gorgeous dress and you look like April in Paris. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday! xo
Hi Paula, thanks for stopping by! I made the graphic on Pinterest! And no, you are not lazy. You truly have to be in the mood to be creative in the sewing room. Your time will come!
Tis lovely that stopped by and said Hi Kezzie! Always nice to see you!
I love everything about this dress!! The wide waistline, the neckline and the pattern. It is practically perfect in every way! 😉 And if all it took was a pair of shoes to inspire this dress, then you are downright magical.
xo~ kim
Love the dress…the thrifted fabric is so fun. The shoes were the perfect starting place. May spring come quickly, so you can enjoy wearing it all without chilly breezes. You do look convincingly springy though. Also thanks for your button loop idea…I don't think that would have ever occurred to me. I will look at hairbands with a new eye now. If I HAVE to have button loops of coordinating fabric, I simply fold and refold the raw edges inside, and stitch on top of the tightly folded strip/loop. No turning. That would be insanity (I've tried) I don't think it's possible to turn strips that small inside out.
Signature Style suggestion….Do something in that fabulous pink/orange combination! Of your recent pink paisley coat! You do saturated playful color so well. Seems signature Colourful Canvas to me..vivacious and pretty..
Beautiful outfit from head to toe, love it 🙂
'Twas a a bit windy in Paris last week but oh, Sue, you do look jaunty and wonderful. What a stellar dress, and the shoes, well, every little detail, is just perfect. Xox
Talk about the most creative, talented, entertaining blogger I know! Plus one that I can guarantee will put a smile on my face as soon as I click on her post. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your gifts and talents with us.
These cute shoes are so dang darling! And …your dress is so wonderful and sharp and crisp. I love it!!!!
You look fantastic.I was searching for fashion blog and came across your website.Please visit our website, http://www.shoedaca.com .We are famous for our huge collection of salt water sandals.We are
an authorized retailer of Hoy Shoes!!!!!Have you tried one?I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Sue!! This fabric.. this dress.. and you saved my life with that hair tie trick! Love this post!
wow….how sweet
Hello gorgeous! I love this look! First off the shoes DO fit! They are show stoppers- as is the dress (in my favorite color combo for spring) and that smile! Whooo-hooot-hoot! Wonderful you! Thank you for linking this look to the first #secondhandfirst!
And…I think I used up my daily quota of exclamation points in this post.
I know my photographs are dark….so hard to find a willing photographer 😉
I have to bribe mini-me with candy now! Have a good weekend Sue!
Love everything about this, especially those shoes! So Cute! 🙂
I LOVE your shoes & I adore that dress! So absolutely perfect!!
¡Qué bonito! BESICOS.
I soooooo want that dress!!! 😀 I love red white and blue together! Haven't visited your LOVELY blog in a long time but just coveting one outfit after the other again. I think you need to send me all the stuff you don't want anymore…. 😀
Fellow Type 1,
Iris♥
The Blue Birdhouse
Hi Iris!!! So nice to see you! Yes, this dress is one of my favourites. The colours just never get boring to me!