16 Nov Metallic Party Dress
More fabric to die for……. I was sold upon reading Mood Fabrics’ narrative of this silk/viscose blend and placed it in my online cart.
‘The drape on this silk and viscose blend fabric is just so perfect, and then when you combine it with the glazed metallic sheen…well, you have a fabric that’s to die for. Lightweight and softly pliable. Perfect for tops, dresses, unconstructed jackets and more.’
Seriously, how could I resist?
The fabric didn’t disappoint ~ actually I want more!
Slippery, you think? Nope.
Flimsy, you suspect? Nope.
The backing on the fabric produces the perfect texture for machine sewing.
I’m devoted to sewing holiday attire for the next few weeks and couldn’t pass up the giant bow on Butterick 5850!
The silk/viscose worked beautifully with the pattern in every aspect. The gathered skirt is attached to a fitted back.
I typically shy away from gathered waistlines, but I wanted that bow! The sash cinches the waist, helping camouflage the bulk that gathers can produce, and I found the fitted back flattering.
I was forced to move the photos to indoor light. Look at the difference.
However, I sacrificed the high resolution in order the capture the sheen of the fabric.
Fitting issues plagued my sewing which I’ll review in detail on the Pattern Review website. In short they included the enormous armscye. I removed three inches from each arm which affected the dart……. The shoulders are not cut in as they appear on the pattern illustration.
The effect is created by the pleat at the back of the neck. The ties are designed as a single layer with the wrong side showing when bowed. I folded the fabric in half, sewed right sides together and turned to avoid the showing the wrong side. I also removed 10 inches from the length of each tie. Being left-handed I placed the zipper on left side rather than the right – one of the joys of sewing!
At any rate, I made the pattern work and am ready for the first holiday party or maybe the last on New Year’s Eve 😉
Except…….. I think this dress needs a fur.
Faux fur sewing tips, anyone?
Until soon 🙂
Carolina'sCallin'
Posted at 11:12h, 16 NovemberLove this one, Sarah! You’re right, the fabric is just amazing! The indoor shots really let you appreciate the subtle beauty of the ‘shimmer’! Love this pattern, too – especially the fitted back. Too bad about the shoulders, though – that’s such a pretty look.
Your dress turned out lovely and is certain to be a big hit at your holiday parties!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 17 NovemberThank you, Cheryl! How is your sewing going?
Kathy T
Posted at 11:18h, 16 NovemberVery nice. That champagne color, it is very flattering on you. I actually made a dress like this one years ago out of silk satin only mine had long sleeves and a self covered belt.
Also wanted to let you know that I enjoy your posts and that you are a “real life” pattern inspiration for me. I have purchased several patterns after seeing what you have done with them. Haven’t sewed on faux fur, but I think it is like sewing on sequined fabric, you carefully take the sequins or fur away from the seam allowances before construction.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 17 NovemberThank you so much for your nice comment, Kathy! Someone came up with a better idea than fur, so I think I’m OK for now 🙂 🙂
Becky
Posted at 11:24h, 16 NovemberGreat dress, and it looks so “you”. You know your style and what looks good on you. The fabric is really gorgeous. Where do you want fur? Jacket?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:33h, 17 NovemberThank you, Becky! I was thinking about a jacket, but another commenter suggested a black cocktail coat and I do love this idea!
Vivian
Posted at 11:25h, 16 NovemberWow, what a nicely tailored, sparkly but not tacky party dress. The bow is so nice also and it looks perfect on you. What fun.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:34h, 17 NovemberThank you, Vivian! I’ve always wanted a metallic garment but felt the same way in that it could end up tacky. I’m glad this one turned out ok 🙂
Amy G
Posted at 11:28h, 16 NovemberBeautiful. Everything you do is exceptional. I have made a few faux fur coats over the years. Simple lines work best. Cut single layer and have a vacuum handy. Use a zig zag stitch and a knit needle. Some trim the fur where the seams are I haven’t done that because I use a large needle to pick out the fur caught in-between the zig zag stitches on the right side and it covers the seams very nicely.
I back collars with velvet to cut down on the bulk. If your machine does embroidery – don’t forget to monogram the lining always an elegant touch.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:35h, 17 NovemberThank you, Amy and what fabulous advice on sewing with fur!! 🙂
Sarah Jo
Posted at 11:33h, 16 NovemberBeautiful and fun holiday dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 17 NovemberThank you, Sarah Jo!
Lauren
Posted at 11:39h, 16 NovemberVery pretty fabric. Love the color. As long as you are happy with the dress that is great! One of those looks once again, better in a longer length, on a tall skinny person. The bow is to fru fru for me, it appears overwhelming on such a petit person. You do look like a lovely Xmas pesent! Perfect for the season!
Mrs K
Posted at 11:39h, 16 NovemberBeautiful dress – you’ll be the hit of the holiday parties.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 17 NovemberThanks, Mrs. K! I look forward to the holidays!
Art Attack
Posted at 11:42h, 16 NovemberVery ooh, la, la! I can see how you fell in love with that fabric. It’s stunning in its simplicity…the whole look is dynamite. I envision a little black cocktail coat over this with jeweled buttons down the front, ala Jackie Kennedy. But if baby wants fur, baby can have fur! ;D
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:37h, 17 NovemberOh no, no, no!!! Your suggestion of a black cocktail dress is far better…… far more elegant and sophisticated. Thank you, Dorcas!
pam
Posted at 11:49h, 16 NovemberI’m headed to Mood today — what a great dress and wonderful fabric — you made it work! Unfortunately, I’m getting tweed for Jonathan and I — I’m in a tweedy phase! Again, congratulations — I love the result. Fur on!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:38h, 17 NovemberThank you, Pam! Mood has some b e a u t i f u l tweed. Hope you found just what you were looking for!
Donna
Posted at 12:15h, 16 NovemberGorgeous, as always! Was curious which of the online classes you’ve taken have been the most helpful to you? Fitting issues have almost driven me out of my sewing space!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:41h, 17 NovemberMany thanks, Donna!
I’ve taken, Diana Rupp’s Sewing Studio, Susan Khalje’s Couture Dress, Lynda Maynard’s Sew the Perfect Fit, and Kenneth King’s Copy Your Favorite Ready-to-Wear. I loved all of them and wrote posts about each one. Fitting drove me insane as well but I’m finally learning what to do. Good luck!
didyoumakethat
Posted at 12:26h, 16 NovemberYou are just TOO glamorous. Love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:42h, 17 NovemberYa’ think? It is rather glam, but surely I’ll have somewhere to wear it next month 🙂 Many thanks, Karen!
Cherie
Posted at 12:37h, 16 NovemberYour design eye is so sharp – the right fabric for the right pattern, just lovely on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:43h, 17 NovemberThank you so much, Cherie!
Shirley
Posted at 12:47h, 16 NovemberNice fabric. Good fit. Drop the bow. It is too much for your petite frame.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:45h, 17 NovemberHmm…… many thanks for your suggestion, Shirley. I’ll keep the bow on this one but I do plan to try a dress with a different waistline treatment in the near future. 😉
Judi
Posted at 13:34h, 16 NovemberGorgeous dress!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:45h, 17 NovemberThanks, Judi!
Elena
Posted at 13:46h, 16 NovemberSuch a youthful, pretty look! Shimmer, gold, and the bow suit you so. I’d love a pretty blouse with sleeves out of that material for the holidays too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:46h, 17 NovemberThank you, Elena! This fabric would make a beautiful blouse!
Angela
Posted at 14:48h, 16 NovemberLove the fabric, love the pattern, love the bow! Have fun wearing it:)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:46h, 17 NovemberMany thanks, Angela!
Wendy
Posted at 15:28h, 16 NovemberI love the fabric. I may just order some of this fabric for a simple cowl neck long sleeve shirt. Will certainly dress up some black pants. Great job once again!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:47h, 17 NovemberThank you, Wendy! By all means order this fabric – you will not be disappointed. 🙂
Vicki
Posted at 15:30h, 16 NovemberWhat a fabulous dress! You made it work despite the pattern issues.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:48h, 17 NovemberThank you, Vicki! I made it work as best as I could and hope to enjoy it during the holidays 😉
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 15:32h, 16 NovemberYou amaze me! I want this dress, too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:48h, 17 NovemberWell, you would be smashing in this dress, Becky! Many thanks for the comment 🙂
Frances Patricia Danylishin (I use my second name day to day)
Posted at 15:36h, 16 NovemberLovely dress, and the colour is gorgeous on you. I love the frills and bows that you wear so well. I have gravitated to them all my life in RTW and sewing patterns. Sometimes I feel that I am too frou-frou, but when I see you favouring them on so many of the clothes you wear, and they look so gorgeous on you, I think why am I fighting it. I have one comment that I hope you realize is being made out of admiration for the beautiful work you do, and I have noticed others have also mentioned it. In my humble opinion, I think you should lengthen some of your skirts, not too much, maybe an inch and a half. Short sun dresses are fine, but I feel that dresses like the one in this post and skirts like your Shanel skirt, would look even more smashing if they skimmed the top of your knee. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings because your sense of style is fabulous, but I know that I appreciate it when a good friend will go out on a limb to tell me something that isn’t always comfortable and I may not realize.. Sometimes we just don’t see ourselves as others do, and small suggestions made in the right spirit are only said to help one improve near perfection. On that note, thank you for the inspiration you have given me as I enjoy your sewing adventures so much.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:57h, 17 NovemberHi Patricia,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and my feelings are not hurt. I agree that I don’t always get all of the details right in my sewing including the length on some garments, but having said that I do try to sew what suits my taste and lifestyle. Many thanks for your kind suggestions and I will keep them in mind. 😉
Alexandra
Posted at 15:54h, 16 NovemberAnother gorgeous creation! I love the sheen of that fabric. I am confused about the zipper – you said you put yours on the left instead of the right, but the pattern photo shows it clearly on the left side. Am I just having a dense moment?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:59h, 17 NovemberLOL! I bet I did confuse you…… I put it on the right side to zip with my left hand. Thanks for pointing this out and for your nice comment, Alexandra!
Velosewer
Posted at 15:56h, 16 NovemberWhat a gorgeous dress. You look amazing and ready for the festive season ahead.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:59h, 17 NovemberMany thanks, Maria!
Cindy symes
Posted at 16:21h, 16 NovemberWow, this dress is a show stopper!! I have this pattern and was looking for the perfect fabric – and then this email arrived!! I’m not so happy to hear about those fitting woes (for myself) though you’d never know it by the spectacular end product you achieved! I’ll await your pattern review for details, but honestly, if I can achieve even half as nice a dress in the end, I’d be over the moon! Congratulations on a fab looking dress – as for a faux fur, The Selfish Seamstress did a lovely one, check out her website, if you do t already.
cindy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:00h, 17 NovemberMany thanks for your nice comment, Cindy! I’ll check out The Selfish Seamstress’s website 😉
Julie
Posted at 17:02h, 16 NovemberOh, this is lovely! I can see it as a full length dress (gown) as well in the same fabric family. How about a wrap (less crushing of the bow) in silver faux fox? Keep inspiring me with your wonderful creations!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:01h, 17 NovemberThank you, Julie! Ooh I love the thought of silver faux fox…… 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 17:09h, 16 NovemberGorgeous fabric and stunning dress, and a fur coat how wonderful.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:02h, 17 NovemberThank you, Sharon! I don’t know if I’ll get around to a fur coat….. but would that be nice!
Kathie Bennett
Posted at 17:27h, 16 NovemberBeautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:03h, 17 NovemberThank you, Kathie!
blare
Posted at 17:36h, 16 NovemberThis dress is amazing and you look like MONEY in it. Style it in a casual updo and a slim leather clutch to break the shine. A dark leather bangle and some sexy black stiletto pumps ala-Katie Couric. Amazeballs!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:03h, 17 NovemberI like the way you think, Blare! Great advice and many thanks!
Debbie Cook
Posted at 17:56h, 16 NovemberBeautiful dress and appropriately festive for the upcoming season! Hope you get to mix up party guests so you can wear it more than once. 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:05h, 17 NovemberThank you, Debbie! Actually I think I will have a chance to wear it more than once thank goodness! 🙂
SHARON KANE
Posted at 18:33h, 16 NovemberGreat dress. I truly enjoy your work and your “projects” don’t appear to be homemade. How have you managed to get your garments to fit so well. And that is the success to good sewing is that the fashions fit. I’m going on a 2 week cruise in 2014 and would like to make my cruise wear but lack some of the fitting techniques. Any suggestions? Thanks. and keep on blogging. Sharon
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:07h, 17 NovemberThank you, Sharon! I made many clothes for a cruise in 2012 and it was a fun wardrobe to create. All I can say about fitting is to make muslins and take Craftsy courses – before you know it you’ll know exactly what to do with a pattern. Good luck! 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 21:24h, 16 NovemberThis is absolutely gorgeous! I love it so much– it’s incredibly chic!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:07h, 17 NovemberMany thanks, Ginger!
Cindy C.
Posted at 21:35h, 16 NovemberOh, what a fun dress! The shimmery fabric looks like it will swish alluringly in a candle lit room for an evening party. Add a little shaping from a push-up bra and it’ll drop men right to their knees. I do agree with the other posters who suggest a slightly longer hem, perhaps mid-knee or more for an evening dress. The pattern companies are starting to seriously push 1990’s-style longer hems and mid-thigh dress lengths (booooo!), so we gave an opportunity to get ahead of the curve and extend the lives of our creations rather than risk seeing the length become abruptly outdated.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:12h, 17 NovemberThank you for your comment, Cindy! I had to go back and look at the pics…. I’ll try a pushup LOL! The top is quite blousy. more so than I thought it would be so I hope the bra makes a difference 🙂
As far as the length……. I’m sure I’ll eventually adjust to the new trend as much as I don’t want to. Ugh……. there is a certain longer length that chops my legs in half and another one that dwarfs me.
I might be a 90 year old granny in short skirts 🙂
Cindy C.
Posted at 10:05h, 17 NovemberAt each stage of hemline changes, I’ve tried to find a length that doesn’t look cheesy, frumpy, or idiotic on me. The way I do it is to stand in front of a mirror with a length of black fabric (no colors or prints to distract from the task), and lower it slowly until the “new perfect length” becomes evident. Amazingly, there is only one place it will suddenly pop and look good. Then a little above and a little below several times just to make sure, and then barefooted and with heels. Works every time. Right now, my new golden line is at mid-knee. Then for prints, check with each fabric before you start cutting, in case the scale of the fabric’s print suggests slightly higher or lower line to achieve that perfect kapow impact unique to that particular fabric.
Eileen
Posted at 21:37h, 16 NovemberYour hubby is sure to LOVE this one! Very pretty on you. You are off to a great start on your holiday sewing. Love your blog – very inspirational. I have some home dec sewing to do for my granddaughter’s room and then I just may try to make something for myself. I think matching fabrics to an appropriate pattern seems the most challenging. Keep up the good work… I need more inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:13h, 17 NovemberThank you, Eileen! Hubby does like this one very much 🙂 I hope you start sewing for yourself after you finish your granddaughther’s room. Good luck!
Elena
Posted at 23:10h, 16 NovemberSome of the thoughtful comments on this thread — primarily about trends in length — make me wish I knew more about how to alter photos visually. I’m trying to imagine it longer and wish I could just color it in. (You know — like they do on HGTV when they are renovating a place.) This dress reminds me so much of the “ice cream social dress” you made which had ruffles, sheen, and a bow and looked fabulous on you too. I liked the spirit in which those comments were made which was sort of like shopping with your BFF.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:23h, 17 NovemberHi Elena – I appreciate constructive criticism and do consider many of my readers as dear friends! They have cheered me on through my sewing journey and their comments are important.
I too, thought about the Ice Cream Social dress because there are similarities for sure. The ICS dress is a wrap with ruffles out of dupioni. I doubt I would ever wear it during the holidays and I doubt I’d ever wear my new dress in the spring. Something about the fabric has holidays written all over it. Many thanks for writing 🙂 🙂
Ro
Posted at 03:19h, 17 NovemberLove this dress, the material is beautiful and perfect for this. Happy Holidays !!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:23h, 17 NovemberMany thanks, Ro!
Jean
Posted at 05:33h, 17 NovemberVery glamorous dress. Beautiful sheen on the fabric and the style suits you very well.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:24h, 17 NovemberThank you so much, Jean!
Robyn bolam
Posted at 06:33h, 17 NovemberAbsolutely fabulous! I would love to wear this style dress to my sons wedding in January, in the Australian summer, but, I need to cover my upper arms, would a sheer (organza perhaps) shrug or jacket be too much over such a style? I would love to hear anyone’s suggestions.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:28h, 17 NovemberThank you, Robyn! I don’t know if you’ve checked out this Burda pattern, but I found it to be a great pattern and it offers a version with sheer arms. https://goodbyevalentino.com/2013/05/17/3135/
Good luck!
Urbanite
Posted at 08:00h, 17 NovemberLove the dress.
Faux chinchilla would be so fabulous, even if just a wrap. The Selfish Seamstress has a wonderful version, but it is probably a bit to casual. Link below:
http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:30h, 17 NovemberThanks, Urbanite! Faux chinchilla would be fab! I checked out the SS website and her fur is lovely – unfortunately it is a pullover.
Urbanite
Posted at 08:00h, 18 NovemberI know! I just couldn’t help it. It was just so adorable.
Sharon Nichols
Posted at 08:52h, 17 NovemberAwesome dress! The color looks fabulous with your hair. Recently I took a couple “color” classes at the Sewing Expo in Fort Worth, TX and they would applaud your color choice! Another thing both instructors reminded us of was that we mustn’t worry about following current fashion trends. That we must feel comfortable in what we wear. So as long as you feel comfortable with the length, go for it! That said, personally, I like the length! Call me rebellious, but I also don’t ‘color within the lines’ all the time. lol
black label
Posted at 11:37h, 17 November{ LOVE } this fabric, this pattern & the result is stunning on you. Thanks for the tips on the sizing around the armscye…i have this pattern in the queue somewhere so its good to know.
Meigan
Posted at 13:34h, 17 NovemberStunning party dress! The color, style, and fit are super!
foamofdays
Posted at 13:58h, 17 NovemberThat is seriously gorgeous! You look stunning! Perfect choice of fabric!
Laura Casey
Posted at 16:27h, 17 NovemberOh MY do I LOVE this! Just ordered the pattern, View B is very wearable….and that fabric is to die for…perfect in every way….wonder if it comes in any other colors……off i go to the Mood site.
Thanks for all that you do…you inspire, charm, and have a can do attitude …that’s why you are so attractive!
Laura @ Waechter’s
Gjeometry
Posted at 21:31h, 17 NovemberWow this is a very special dress! Looks great on you and the fabric just seems to glow from within. In the latest issue of Sew Stylish there is a pattern for faux fur collars one with rounded corners and another with pointed ends.
Gjeometry
Posted at 23:59h, 17 NovemberSorry, actually the magazine with the faux fur collar patterns is called “Sew News”. And, I found a faux fur bolero in a free ebook you can download. I posted it to my facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/Gjeometry
sewellen
Posted at 22:34h, 17 NovemberTotally flattering color on you! So pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:30h, 18 NovemberThank you! I could have an entire wardrobe of this color 🙂
Stephanie
Posted at 00:32h, 18 NovemberThis is GORGEOUS! What a perfect, classy party dress. I love the bow and proportions. You look beautiful.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 18 NovemberThank you so much for your comment, Stephanie!
Laura Mae
Posted at 02:29h, 18 NovemberLove the fabric, but the dress is fantastic! The perfect cocktail party dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 18 NovemberMany thanks, Laura Mae! I could see you in this pattern – Vintage Styled of course 😉
Valerie
Posted at 05:39h, 18 NovemberI love this dress. I have been looking for a pattern with a neckline treatment like this and had not seen this one. I have just ordered it. I have some silk and silk lining just waiting for it so thank you for this post.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 18 NovemberThank you, Valerie! Look forward to seeing your version 🙂
Valerie
Posted at 17:42h, 18 NovemberBTW My big faux fur project from last January is here http://www.valeriesownsewingblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/in-jungle-burda-09-2007-104.html#comment-form. My advice – get hubby to buy you one!
Myra
Posted at 10:34h, 18 NovemberThis dress leave me absolutely SPEECHLESS! Gorgeous work my friend!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 19 NovemberThank you oh so much, Myra! 🙂
Marnita Parry
Posted at 15:05h, 18 NovemberGorgeous; and you wear it like a “Rock Star”! Keep your hems where YOU like them.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:42h, 19 NovemberThanks a million, Marnita! I’ll try to rock it during the holidays 🙂
Mcdonna on PR
Posted at 20:31h, 18 NovemberSimply elegant! Thank you for sharing your inspirational sewing journey.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:40h, 19 NovemberMany thanks for the comment, Mcdonna and for following my sewing journey 🙂
Margie Tonkin
Posted at 22:57h, 18 NovemberLove the dress, fabric and colour, suit your colouring. I have this pattern, you have given me lots of ideas
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:40h, 19 NovemberOh wonderful, Margie! Hope to see your dress soon and thanks for writing 🙂
lisa g
Posted at 23:30h, 18 Novemberhitting it out of the park again! what a great dress, the sheen on the fabric looks divine!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:39h, 19 NovemberThank you so much, Lisa! I think it will be a fun party dress for sure 🙂
sewdooley
Posted at 19:24h, 19 NovemberPerfect for the holidays. I never thought about the right/left hand thing with zippers. It certainly makes sense to move it.
danvillegirl
Posted at 00:27h, 23 NovemberGreat looking dress, love the fabric.
{ BLOG-IVERSARY } Celebrations & Giveaway… | black label
Posted at 11:22h, 09 December[…] Butterick 5850 is uncut in size 8-16. You can see some examples of this pattern out in the wild here, here & here – all […]