Good day birdies!
I’ve been a sick parrot- some kind of stomach bug/possible food poisoning from Nice for a few days so I’m back on my feet, up early and have LOTS to catch up on. I have just been at the most amazing wedding and a few days holiday for my anniversary and I’m still overwhelmed by the whole thing – which was like a fairytale…
Anyway I’m here to share my latest, frankly bonkers, make… The Snow White Emery Dress, which is my last Indie Pattern Month challenge… New To Me! And NEWS FLASH – It’s in the final to win wonderful prizes so please VOTE FOR ME! There are so many stunning entries so you get to choose 3!!
I have loved being part of The Monthly Stitch’s Indie Pattern Month and have met so many lovely new sewers through it so can’t wait for next month’s challenge. Anyway… the dress:
The pattern…From the moment I started taking part in these challenges I knew the Emery Dress by Christine Haynes had to be in there- I’ve seen so many amazing renditions of this dress and love it’s classic shape and style. So the ‘new to me’ category was perfect, as I’ve never tried a Christine Haynes design and last week I bought and downloaded the PDF and got planning! The PDF was easy to build up, unlike some, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow throughout. I decided against the bow and collar of the chosen short sleeved view A, as I felt like the fabric was busy enough but I’d love to make a black emery with a white or lace collar. It’s such a cute dress and I will be making lots of these. Also it fits perfectly- I didn’t have to change a thing! Yay!
The fabric… Is an amazing Snow White & The Seven Dwarves Disney single duvet cover from yet another car boot sale! I spotted it as I was walking in and ran straight to it thinking I might have to fork out but when I asked the price the man said £1 and I felt like I stole it for that price. I was so happy!! It definitely needed the 3 washes I put it through as it is well loved kids duvet but I was determined to make it a dress. It’s quite a heavyweight cotton and has a brushed feel (maybe just worn down!) to it which makes it nice and soft. It cut and sewed up brilliantly – just like a new cotton and it’s my favourite fabric yet. I only had one side of the duvet with the full print on to work with so I have tried to match and be as clever as I could with it with what I had. The other side is a yellow and red chequered print with the occasional white outline dwarf head on it… It’s very cute and it makes a perfect lining for the bodice and pocket bags.
It’s darn cute and makes me very happy!
Techniques… I sewed up everything in straight stitch and overlocked the seams apart from the neckline where I graded it to reduce bulk. I didn’t actually have any problems apart from the matching caused quite an odd scene at the waist with Doc’s face looking like a Picasso (not in a good way) so I used a brilliant thick red cotton ribbon that I happily found in my stash and sewed on at the top and the bottom folding it in to stop before the zip either side at the back. I’m so pleased I found this ribbon because it goes brilliantly and ties it all together! 🙂
I’ve cheekily managed to get Snow White’s sleeve as the left sleeve and her hand as the right which I found very amusing (maybe I should get out more!) Im so pleased that I could have Snow White herself at the base of the skirt so she’s not gathered or distorted by darts and I LOVE the grass scene across the chest with Dopey on my back.
I really did try and get all the main features in the best places and the red edging to be a feature too but it really was hard with just one side of a single duvet cover. Anyway I really really love this dress and already wore it to perform my songs in Camden last night… These pictures where taken when I got home and I’m happily wearing an amazing headpiece by my friend and sometime stylist, Hippy Poppins. I think they go together rather well and I can’t wait to wear this get up on a festival stage soon!
So that’s all for me and Snow White – I’m off to celebrate feeling better with a spot of early morning sewing. Yay for sewing! 💃👗👰
Lots of love,
I nearly squeeled when I saw this on the monthly stitch the other day – I used to have this bedset when I was a kid! I LOVE this dress! I wish I had the guts to wear something like this, you look amazing! 🙂
No way – I wish I was that cool when I was younger – I think my duvet cover was a photo of a horse at some point!! 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comments- I love your blog!! Xox
Wow, it’s a truly impressive dress, Gabby! Love it! 🙂