WELCOME

Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

A simple pink lace dress

This is one of those projects where you want the simplest pattern available so you can let the fabric stand out. This super cool strechy pink lace with swirling flower patterns (what on earth is the name for this kind of stuff?) called for a simple, easy-to-wear pattern to keep me from looking like a Barbie birthday cake or 80's  bridesmaid dress.

I used (modified) Simplicity 2584, a simple sheath dress with bust darts at the side seams. It's out of print but other basic sheath dress patterns would also work - I preferred this one over something with vertical waist darts, for this lace project. Darts in lace can get a little messy!

I modified the pattern by not giving it the slit down the front, and by cutting the sleeves shorter. I also gave it an interlining of the pink cotton, so at the neck I made a neck facing using this technique.

The lace up close. (Seriously, what's it called?!)

I used this lace c/o WholePort over a plain 100% cotton (quilting cotton) lining. I wasn't sure about my lining choice (I looked at a slinkier poly as an option, and couldn't find a stretchy light pink cotton blend) but it worked out really well and is definitely more comfortable than a poly, and a little more substantial than a stretch. (Speaking of top Sewing Circle questions... you can read more about how to sew on lace,
lining fabrics vs. interlinings, and what to make with lace that isn't too bridal!)

I guess it's kind of inspired by these simple sheath lacy dresses!
Source
Source
Source

I like the length and fit on my version! The joys of making your own clothes.

12 comments

  1. Such a cute dress, the fabric is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh that blush color is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is beautiful! I love the detail on the lace.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pretty dress and that's a very flattering length on you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I might be wrong but I think what that fabric is called is 'tape work'.

    Loving your sewing, as usual :) II'm a long time reader but not commenter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's very easy to over do lace, but I think you handled the fabric perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this! Perfect for Spring/Summer.

    ReplyDelete
  8. "Tape work" - new term, awesome!! Yes, that makes sense, thank you! And thanks for reading - and commenting! =)

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's really pretty! I have some lace-y fabric and a sheath pattern in my stash... might have to give something like this a go.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh that is lovely - very inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Could it be soutache? Almost all the Google images are of jewelry but I saw it on Project Runway once...https://www.google.com/search?q=soutache&es_sm=91&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=un11U7vyNYWDqga59IAo&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQsAQ&biw=1179&bih=679

    ReplyDelete
  12. don't know the name of the fabric, but it is gorgeous, and I love how you've used it. That is a stunning frock.
    Over here (UK), we have a TV show called The Great British Sewing Bee. If you've never seen it, you must google, see if you can. It's right up your street. Each week contestants have to make various items of clothing, someone is booted out for not doing as well . Great fun and so inspiring. Afterwards, many contestants end up writing for sewing magazines, or write sewing books, or open shops. It's a good stepping stone for them.
    If they ever take it over to the US (sure they will, it's a BBC thing), you must go in for it. You'd easily win.

    ReplyDelete

Search

© Create / Enjoy • Theme by Maira G.