Here’s one of the items from my Fall wardrobe – a sheath dress! This pattern is New Look 6123 which comes with TONS of variations; so it’s great pattern to have on hand!
And here is my verion – view D. I had some wonky issues with the back – you can see there is still some wierd puffiness in the mid back, in hindsight I probably needed a sway back adjustment as the back is so fitted.
I had lengthened this at the waist but added too much, then because I had already set in the zipper, I took up the extra length at the shoulders (the easy way out!). So the bust dart is a bit high. What I should have done was to:
Cut a 14 in the top, grading to a 16 at the waist. Do a Full bust adjustment. Add 3/4″ to the waist length. Do a sway back adjustment. Add darts to the shoulders for a rounded back.
This is made in a stretch woven rayon poly lycra (RPL to use the cool, fancy sewing term) in a really dark eggplant purple that I’ve had in my stash for ever. It’s part of my plan to cut down on my fabric aquisitions.
Front – cute. Back wonky. I also had to trim off about 1 1/2″ at the centre back at the shoulders because apparently I’m shaped like igor the hunchback at my shoulders. But it looks good there now. Which is a good thing, because before my hair covered the top of the zipper.
As you see now with my new haircut it is pretty exposed. I think I will call this my ‘sheath hair’ cause its so sleek and swingy!!
Don’t you just love the necklace – it’s from H&M a couple of years back.
My
Hi Sue: Meant to write before to tell you how much I like your new hairstyle — it is sleek and lovely! And I think you’re way too hard on yourself. (You’re a long way from Igor!) I think the colour and the fabric for the dress is perfect, and I think the back (the zipper and the vent, particularly) look very professional. I’m debating a sheath pattern now for some St. Johns wool-rayon doubleknit, and I’ve almost decided to opt instead for a fitted cap-sleeve top and short skirt. It will allow me more options for adjustments, and more flexibility in wearing, and should still look very clean and tailored. I rarely sew with knits, so this will be new ground.
Holly, I think the idea of a two piece knit skirt suit is fab! As you can see I love sewing with knits – I highly recommend it. It may have solved my fit issues with this dress!
- Igor
I love it! The shape is great, and I love the look of the front. I’ve got the same puffiness going on with a dress for Leah. I guess I should look into swayback adjustments too! Adore the haircut!!
Great colour on you, Looks great with your hair. Love the style.
The shape really is great and the H&M necklace is fabulous!
love the hair, love the colour on you, love the hip swag detail!
The colour is beautiful on you, I like the side draping too.
Lovely dress, the fabric and pattern go together beautifully! Now I have another pattern that will have to wait until my self- imposed no buying period is over ( I’m trying to reduce my fabric stash too). Thanks for your review on this!