I said a while ago that I'd get pictures of me wearing this at a wedding, but the lighting was yellow and warm, which made a cozy setting for the nuptials but the pictures on my point-and-shoot weren't so great. So instead you're getting the standard hallway pics.
Fabric
Wool jersey that I got last year in LA, at a fabulous little store called Fabrics Fabrics (or Fabric Fabric, I couldn't really tell). I think there is some spandex in there too because if you stretch it you can see tiny little shiny fibers. It really was a dream to work with.
Notes on construction/alterations
Marfy patterns don't come with instructions but the patterns pieces are printed with relevant information like letters indicating match points and stitch lines for pleats (see this post). Seam and hem allowances are not included, which I don't mind as it gave me a chance to use my new Olfa rotary cutter extension guide.
I made two alterations after my muslin - (1) a swayback adjustment, and (2) I scooped out the neckline a bit to open it up more, I somehow lost my photograph showing my altered pattern piece, but I didn't slice off more than an inch at the widest point, and I still have pretty good coverage.
I finished the neckline with a strip of the fashion fabric - I folded it in half, stitched it to the right side of the neckline, turned it to the wrong side, and topstitched in place.
I interfaced the hem, including the fold line, with Pro-Tricot fusible interfacing from Sew Exciting. This gives such a nice, durable hem. Using a file folder, I cut a template 1.5" wide, the depth of the hem, and used it to press the allowance up before stitching. I sewed 2 parallel rows of straight stitches just so I wouldn't have to worry about any tunneling that can happen with a twin needle.
Conclusion
I'm happy with how it turned out, but this dress will be something I wear only on certain occasions. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something about this dress makes me feel like I look 10 years older than I actually am. And I'm not quite ready for that. Still, it was a great style to get my feet wet with Marfy.
33 comments:
I think you look great in this dress. I have never put my hands on marfy patterns, although they have some great styles....you convinced me to give it a try!
The dress looks so good on you, what a good job. I love the fabric.
I think you did a beautiful job on the dress. I have one outfit that makes me feel the same way. I think I finally figured out what it was about it. Like the Marfy dress, it has batwing sleeves, and I think those make me look matronly. Something about adding width at the bust and upper arms is just not good on me. I love that fabric you used!
I get why you feel that way, but I'm so impressed with the techniques you used! I suspect the dress doesn't show quite how lithe you are!
What a beautiful dress.
Want to look younger: add some black boots and a jeans jacket.
I want to have that look!!
Great dress. I always wondered about Marfy.
Beautiful dress and I think the style is wonderful. I think the dress makes you feel old because you have high contrast coloring, beautiful dark hair, beautiful pale skin and clear dark eyes, but your dress is a very soft contrast print, pale greys and blues that blend softly with one another in a not very distinctive way -- it doesn't "go" with you and kind of fades you out. Just my humble two bits.
I started thinking about the importance of contrast recently reading my husband's book "Dressing the Man." which is an interesting book on men's fashion.
The dress turned out wonderful!
Personally I love the dress on you and think you look marvelous in it! I am glad that your first experience with Marfy was good. Maybe you can find another garment that reflects your style more.
It is so pretty! You did a wonderful job.
I agree with Jacinthe: boots and a jacket can make it more youthful, though I think you look great as is. Nice job!
I really like the dress! I wish I was that talented that I could sew something like it!
You did a great job on the dress and it looks good on you. I recently saw a show showing a similar dress and they took it from office to night out by using different accessories. Punch it up like Jacinthe said with boots a different belt , kicky jewelry etc. Left as is ,it still looks great!
Oh, I like the dress too. I even like the color of it.
I love that dress! You did a fabulous job! I've been anxious to try a Marfy and I'm glad to find out they aren't difficult to construct.
I have total fabric envy and I think it looks great on you. Maybe play around with the footwear if something feels 'off'. That is one of my favorite neckline finishes! I love how neat and secure it is. Did you have to stretch the fabric strip as you applied to keep the neckline from gaping, or did the fabric behave?
That is just fabulous!!! It looks so good on you.
Very pretty dress - I don't think it ages you tho.
It is a grown up dress, but in a good way I think. I traced off some Marfy patterns from Cindy Lou ages ago and still haven't attempted them. Hmm....
Great job done. Some fabrics should only have a simple, but elegant pattern, like you did. What do you think about a red belt? Maybe you like to visit my blog, i am also sewing and mix my clothes with selfmade pieces.
Congratulations on your first Marfy! Great dress, however I am inclined to agree that it looks a bit conservative for you. Maybe some more funky accessories?
I never thought of trying Marfy patterns but this dress looks really good! Like many said before me, changing the accessories would change the look. Maybe a wider colored belt...
You did a great job on the dress Christina! I agree it's not totally like your usual style, but I guess it's always good to have something a little different in our wardrobes.
I think I agree with whoever said that the color is what makes it a little old. It's a conservative style and then a conservative color. Very "office." But some kickass boots or accessories or belt might young it up.
What a fabulous project! Great techniques--thanks for sharing. As others have said, I think you great.
Nice dress. You did a wonderful job. It even looks like it feels great.
The dress is great and looks like it's very easy to wear in many different settings. But I can see what you mean about the age thing though, I got a bit more conscious of that too a couple of years ago when I hit my 30's. Sometimes I think girls in their late teens/early 20's can pull off that grown up look better than I do! But as others have said, accessories make a huge difference. And the hem Pro-Tricot fusible thing sounds great, I need to try that.
My daughter says: colored tights, big clunky necklace and bracelet will get rid of the grownup vibe. I second the belt idea too. I love the dress on you.
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This has an elegance and timelessness all its own girl. It's not your usual cutting edge biker jacket stye but you look so pretty in it! Great job.
I understand that this dress is not your usual style but it's a beautiful dress and it's very well made. You look great in it!
(I'm still a Marfy virgin, LOL!)
This turned out really well and I love the fabric. It looks good on you.
Still a gorgeous dress! You can wear anything and it looks superb!
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