Thursday, March 1, 2012

Darling Ranges, take two

Ever since my first version of this dress, I've wanted to make another one, but I didn't have a fabric I liked. Then my eye was caught by this printed cotton that reminds me of something baroque. I don't know why, I just see it.
Anyway, went and cut the dress exactly like last time (size M with an FBA), but surprise! The sleeves were pulling like crazy, resulting in a gaping neckline and, overall, in a very uncomfortable dress. What the heck? I guess the stiffer, heavier fabric I used accentuated some fit issues, although I couldn't exactly figure out what the problem was. I'm still a beginner at perfectioning fit, so please help me: could it simply be that the sleeves didn't have enough ease?
Anyway, I didn't have any fabric left, so I just unpicked the sleeves, made some bias tape out of them and finishes the armholes with it. VoilĂ .





I LOVE this dress in its sleeveless form! I think more Darling Ranges will follow (maybe in one of the fabrics from my previous post, as more than one of you suggested...). I think I will wear it a lot this summer, although this fabric starts creasing the moment you wear it and the skirt part looks a bit stiff.

Oh, and speaking of Megan Nielsen's patterns, I'm anxiously waiting for my Banksia pattern to arrive. After seeing this, my hands are itchy!


38 comments:

  1. It looks amazing. I have made this dress twice as well. It's such a great pattern. Yours looks awesome.

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    1. Thank you so much, Kelli! I recently found your beautiful blog thanks to your black dress, but I'm a big fan of both your versions.

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  2. The dress is darling! Ha! So cute and I love the fabric choice. I actually just traced off the pattern for this dress and re-fit everything from my sloper bodice and can I just say - way off from my sloper. This pattern would never have fit me if I had gone with my size and just out of the envelope. I had to add in about 2 inches in the upper back bodice and the same amount for the sleeve. I also found that the armscye is much deeper than on traditional patterns. The sleeve might require more ease for you, but the you might also need to extend the armscye too. Hopefully this helps! I love this sleeveless! I'm very tempted to do the same!
    xoxo, Sunni

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    1. Thank you so much, Sunni!
      I think the depth of the armscye might contribute to the problem, it is indeed very deep...

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  3. You are just lovely. And I love the close-up of the print.

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  4. Gorgeous as always! I want a sleeveless one, too. I've always admired the scenery of your photo shoots, so I have to ask, is that beautiful mountain view from your backyard??

    Thanks for linking to my Banksia dress ;)

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    1. Thank you!
      It is my backyard, we are lucky enough to live on top of a hill with a breathtaking view of the Alps. The mountain in the background is called Bisalta and I really miss it when I'm in the city.

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  5. this is a kick off for spring/summer :-D lovely!

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  6. Gorgeous! I love it! The sleeveless version is way cute!

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  7. I think it's adorable, it looks lovely as a sleeveless dress! I'd venture a guess that ease is the issue with the sleeves. It looks like it's still pulling a bit over your bust, and the sleeves pulling in the other direction would only exaggerate that. But really? It's adorable. I'm always in awe of how nicely finished and composed your garments (and outfits!) look - you have some skillzz (---- sorry, couldn't help myself!) in pairing fabrics with patterns, and using patterned fabrics.. I still have a way to go there myself. Nice!

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    1. Aaaaw, thank you, you're so sweet!
      And thank you for the tips on the fit!

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  8. How lovely! It really looks fabulous as a sleeveless dress, what a great summer number!

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  9. I just love this sleeveless! And I also love how you're wearing your hair. Are you using barrettes or clips?

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    1. Thanks! I just twisted a section of hair on each side, pushed it forward a bit and secured with a bobby pin... Super easy faux victory rolls!

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    2. Fun! I'll have to give that a try. I never do anything remotely creative with my hair and this is so pretty!

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  10. The armscye could have stretched out while sewing. You could try stay-stitching the next one and see if that makes a difference.

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    1. I did stay-stitched them, so I'm thinking it's a combo of a too deep armscye and a sleeve with not enough ease...

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  11. stunning :) and i love how you look with vintage hair style.. and sleeveless is beautiful :)

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    1. Thanks, dear! I still haven't mastered the art of victory rolls the way you did!

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  12. Darling! Sleeveless is great and I love the fabric on you. Also, your hair looks beautiful!

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    1. Thanks, Lizz! I'm actually thinking of cutting it, cut I'll never have the courage!

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  13. This is fab. I'm making a muslin of this dress at the mo, really want to get cracking after seeing this.

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  14. Its beautiful! I love it on you - the sleeveless version works great!

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  15. You know, you've got me looking at that pattern completely differently - it's "darling" - I really like the sleevelessness & the tie back is what sold it to me I think. It's a spring dress =- woo hoo!!

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  16. Adorable dress, and those shoes! oh my where are they from?x

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    1. Thanks, Hannah! They're from French brand Pimkie, but from last year...

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  17. This version is so chic. Love the print that you used- it's such a stylish combination.

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  18. Ooh so pretty! Not sure what happened with the fit but at least you discovered that the dress looks good sleeveless too. LOVE your hairstyle, by the way.

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  19. oh, adorable without sleeves :) found you through burda too!

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  20. Such a gorgeous creation!!!! You look like Kate Hudson in the seonc pic :)

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    1. Thank you! Can't said I had heard that before! :D

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  21. This is a beautiful dress, love it!

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  22. This is such a beautiful dress and a lovely fabric choice!...but indeed I envy you for THESE SUPER CUTE SHOES!!! :D

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