Colorblocking
I think one of my first purchases from banana republic was a colorblocked sweater. I remember walking by the store and my eye immediately being drawn to two thick striped sweaters in different shades hanging faced out. I saved for one, wore it proudly longer than I should have, and since have had a love for anything with a stripe wider than three inches.
For this dress, I was mainly inspired by a dress I bought this winter at a Bird clearance sale. Clu makes really great colorblock dresses from different knits, I only wish I could make my own versions, so I mainly look at them for inspiration, or when they are 75% off.
For the bodice, I used very easy vogue pattern # 7871. The same pattern from the floral dress in this post. I changed it slightly, making the neck a little less boatnecky, and a little bigger (the floral one doesn't fit as well as it used to). The waist and skirt were trial and error. After a couple of attempts, I ended up using the simple skirt pattern in the sew u book giving it an extra inch and a half for gathers and a slightly less a-line shape. A patterning class would sure be helpful when I take on projects like these.
My favorite parts about this dress are actually the pockets and zipper. I love the trend of the exposed zipper and have wanted to try using one for awhile now. Lucky for me, they are much easier to put in than a lapped or invisible zipper, I usually avoid putting any form of them in if I can. And pockets, who doesn't love 'em?
And in other sewing news, I am thinking of opening up an etsy shop soon. No dresses yet, my 2009 goal, but most likely baby and toddler ties, and little dresses. You knew there must be a reason I post all of my makings, I'm trying to hook you in.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 1:04AM
Reader Comments (22)
if you're trying to hook us in, it worked. can't wait for the etsy shop. beautiful dress. really cool.
hey my birthday is in about a month....
Ugh Alysha- you are so good!!! (That ugh was meant in a good way) Amazing. Seriously you would do so well with your own shop. I'm going to have to commission some maternity stuff. I need more style in my life.
great dress! I am eagerly awaiting your etsy shop. I have been intending to open my own for a while now. doing mostly aprons which I have been making a selling for a little while now. Maybe when you get your shop open it will inspire me to get my bum in gear and do the same! good luck!
what is "etsy"
THANK AGAIN FOR THE PICS!!!
that dress is incredible. i am excited to see what you put in your etsy shop. i think i am going to have to buy something from you.
oh my gosh it's gorgeous. and i think your etsy shop will be so successful and make you so happy!
even better than i imagined when you told me (and i knew it would be cute then). it's the exposed zipper. without fail, i always love an exposed zipper on a dress.
that dress is rad. I am very impressed, and quite inspired. I am sad you moved to Utah, I feel you could have been a mentor to me for doing what my mom calls "crazy sewing". Basically anything not completely following the pattern instructions. I have always been inclined to mix and match and sewing "improv" but without support from my mom, it has been a lonely and difficult road to travel. I am very impressed with you. I hope I can be as good and bold as you. And you should definitely do an etsy shop. Great job!
ooh, nice job! i love the colors, and the exposed zipper looks so clean and modern against the white and blue.
looking forward to your etsy shop, even if there are only baby/toddler things. there seem to be babies everywhere, anyway!
you better do it fast, the quicker you do it the quicker you can make boat loads of money. I LOVE your work! I would even buy girl clothing from you and I don't even have a girl. you rock girlfriend. It's awesome you have this new hobby (sewing) blended with you passion and expertise(clothes, fashion). This is a formula for success.
you look awesome and nice job on the dress!
so this is why you haven't called... good reason i guess
Oh love it! Great colors and love the exposed zipper! -kb
I'm hooked. The dress looks fabulous. Although I have to say the pictures don't do it justice, it is even better in real life. You looked absolutely gorgeous on Sunday in that little number, and I totally agree on the exposed zipper, I love love love it. Gorgeous dress for a gorgeous girl/woman.
oh that is so cute! i would buy this.
DO IT ALYSHA.. JUST DO IT!
I would love to buy a little girl dress for dot!
Very cool. Very retro 80s. LOVE.
Once again you have made such a great dress!!! How do you do it? ANd I love the exposed zipper. It's perfect mix of the 60's color block and 80's quirk.
i am hooked!! please, please, start an esty shop!!!
Totally hip dress, wow!
I thought I left a comment on here already, but I guess not. You look so great in this dress! It turned out really well and I love it. (I'm just showing one of my fashion conscious Mia Maids and she's loving it too and in awe that you made it all by yourself!)