Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Solstice Dress

Just in time for the solstice, I sewed myself a fiery sundress in "Pompeian Red" linen.


I was just winging it: I traced out an A-line skirt, adjusted the back darts, added a bodice panel, sewed in a zipper down the back seam, and then fashioned triangles for the top.


The triangles turned out a little more risque than I intended. Also, the back darts are uneven. And it's unlined. And the zipper's a bit off. But I'm going to wear it anyways.


I'm trying to think about my sewn garments as learning pieces at this point rather than stress about their imperfections. It's hard, though. I'm used to being a perfectionist with my knitting, and it's tough learning to be a beginner again.


But I do genuinely want to get good at this, so I am working on keeping my perfectionist mind at bay. And in this case, I'm pretty damn pleased with what I worked out!

12 comments:

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

WOW! Stunning!

Julie said...

so gorgeous!! looks like the perfect summer dress, in the perfect shade of red!! Greta job.

Kirsten said...

You look beautiful in your new dress! I love the design. If these are your "learning" sewing projects, I can't even imagine how good your "skilled" projects are going to look. Enjoy your new red dress!

Anonymous said...

Lovely color dress. There are lots of very good sewing books - think Vogue and Singer - at the library on garment construction. There are things to think about before cutting. I find the trickiest part of sewing is the cutting, in knitting, mostly, I can just frog, sewing doesn't work that way.

Liza the blogless

Abigail said...

I love it! It's super CUTE!

Aidan said...

Whoooo! Fiery is right! Very flattering, too. I love the way it hugs your torso just right.

Sheryl said...

Great Job!... and as for imperfections.. my mother always told me it wouldn't be noticed on a galloping horse! And I finally learned to really love sewing! I love your dress..

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful dress. And to make it up yourself. That is an accomplishment. I didn't see the imperfections. A cute knitted something around the shoulders would probably be nice too.

Rachel said...

Wow, I'm seriously impressed! While there may be imperfections apparent to you, all I see is a beautiful dress that fits absolutely perfect. And I'd agree with Kirsten...if this is novice, I can't wait to see what you do once a master at sewing!

Turtle said...

great dress, love the shape and lol, very hot as well! Nice job!

Vicki Boster said...

How wonderful to find a fabulous knitting blog! Yea!!! I love your beautiful blog - and your knitted designs. I am especially fond of the sprout blanket - will have to make that purchase! Love seeing your travels and love that - like me - youknit everywhere you go!

We are planning a trip out west next year - going to Zion and Grand Canyon - would love to hear your stories and suggestions!

I am so very glad I found your blog - I will e your newest follower!

vicki

Unknown said...

Beautiful job! I love how you made it your own. It looks great on you and you know just how to make designs to flatter you. Now that's skill! I'm sure you'll please the perfectionist in your (or quiet it, as need be) in your next projects to come, I say it's a hit!