03 Apr Garment # 8 Butterick 6048
The photographer for Mimi’s wedding said she preferred cloudy skies and overcast days for shooting photographs and she got her wish on this cold winter day 😉
In preparing for the last Mood Sewing Network post, Hubby and I thought the gray skies and harsh glares would work in our favor too.
Not so~~
We waited for the sun to come out and tried again.
One of these days we’ll learn how to use the light to our advantage, but for now there is no subtlety in the photographs – either overcast glare or bright morning light.
My fabric, a blue/green/white floral cotton stretch sateen is only one of many from Mood Fabrics’ delightful collection of cotton stretch sateens!
With Spring in full bloom, I was craving a bouquet of my own and selected Butterick 6048, View C for its whimsical cutout shoulders.
What I thought would be an easy sew became quite eventful, but the lightweight sateen with a beautiful drape held its own against multiple bastings, a busy seam ripper and the Frixon pen.
The dress pattern is designed as a pullover (with a center back seam), but after making the initial muslin I added a zipper to avoid excessive wrinkling from pulling it over my head.
I removed 2 inches from the upper width of the sleeve to remedy the gaping without restricting arm and upper body movement. I’m wondering if the sleeves should be cut on the bias?
The pattern described as a fitted dress was quite baggy even after sizing down from the muslin. Since my fabric print was busy, I knew darts would disappear into the design. I added four vertical darts in the bodice; two 11″ in the front and two 18″ in the back!
Much better 😉
In the end I achieved the look I envisioned, and as a new stretch sateen fan, I pledge to always have some on hand!
I believe Mood’s Cotton Stretch Sateens are perfect for a variety of garments, and Mood’s website’s description says it best….
The announcement of the Spring fashion season is upon us which is what this bold, but lady-like, modern floral is stating. As the weather becomes cool and breezy, this drapable, crisp, stretch cotton sateen will surely be comfortable to wear as a bubble hem dress with a strapless princess seamed bodice. The blue and green colors complement each other in this watercolor tossed hydrangea flowery print. With a romantic, vintage nod to this cool colorway on an opaque white ground, this print will offer a mod, bold look to any fashion dress be it for a day, evening or a bridal event.
Who can resist a fabric that is bold but ladylike – perfect for anytime and any occasion?
So here’s to Spring especially Spring blossoms ~ in every genre 🙂
Until soon!
Deborah Penner
Posted at 17:26h, 03 AprilLove the print but wonder about the “cold shoulder” style. Is it uncomfortable to wear? We see quite a bit of this style in RTW and in patterns this year, but this fabric might be great in a sleeveless pattern.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:46h, 04 AprilThis is my first “cold shoulder” style, Deborah and I was curious myself. It is not uncomfortable at all and I may try a top in the same style. Also, I agree the fabric would be fabulous in a sleeveless pattern 😉
Susan Owens
Posted at 17:26h, 03 AprilLove the fabric, You did a great job with the fit, but those sleeves? Not a fan. Would have preferred sleeveless.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:47h, 04 AprilHi Susan and thanks for the comment~ Having never sewn this style before I was curious. I rather like them for a little something different 😉
Karen Helm
Posted at 17:48h, 03 AprilThat is a color you wear beautifully, and the construction and fit look perfect. I think the sleeves detract from what is obviously a lovely and versatile dress, but, as always, it’s a personal decision. That’s one of the things that makes sewing so enjoyable…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:49h, 04 AprilHi Karen! Many thanks for sharing your opinion and I so agree with you regarding the beauty of sewing – plus I was ready to try something new 🙂
Robin Denning
Posted at 17:49h, 03 AprilYour daughter was a beautiful bride – thanks for posting the photos (I just love a wedding!)
Everyone looks so beautiful & happy.
And your spring dress is really cute, too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:51h, 04 AprilHi Robin and thank you! Having just been through a wedding yourself I’m sure you can relate 😉 It was a great day – cloudy skies and all !
Marvel Donovan
Posted at 17:49h, 03 AprilBeautiful wedding photos, and I love the dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:51h, 04 AprilThank you so much, Marvel!
Eileen
Posted at 18:17h, 03 AprilSuch beautiful daughters! You look adorable in your new dress.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:52h, 04 AprilMany thanks Eileen! Such a happy occasion 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 18:38h, 03 AprilThanks for sharing the wedding photos! Your daughter was beautiful! This is a cute dress and I love the print you chose!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:53h, 04 AprilYou are welcome, Carolyn and thank you for the comment!
Irene
Posted at 18:42h, 03 AprilLovely, lovely dress. Blue really suits you. Bravo for continuing to tweak until you got the fit just right!
The wedding pictures are lovely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:56h, 04 AprilThank you, Irene! I was ready for a floral spring dress so I wasn’t going to stop until I had it just right 😉
Maggie Edger
Posted at 20:23h, 03 AprilBeautiful wedding and great summer dress!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:56h, 04 AprilThank you, Maggie!
Barbara Kaye
Posted at 20:25h, 03 AprilYour daughters are beautiful, your creations exquisite, and your talent for writing with warm personality couldn’t be better! xoxox
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:57h, 04 AprilThank you, thank you and thank you, Barbara! 🙂 🙂
Margene Yeaton
Posted at 20:45h, 03 AprilWhat a beautiful bride and attendants, plus the happy parents of the bride! Another fun, colorful dress with perfect fit. I’m glad you try so many different styles, Happy Spring.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:58h, 04 AprilMany thanks for your comment, Margene! One of the greatest benefits of sewing is trying new styles IMHO 😉
Mary Funt
Posted at 20:53h, 03 AprilThe wedding pics are wonderful. Beautiful bride and happy parents. I find the hardest part of blogging is getting the photos and lighting can make all the difference. I also have several lengths of stretch cotton sateen from Mood and agree that it’s delightful fabric to work with.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:00h, 04 AprilThank you, Mary!
Indeed, photography is tricky. Hubby and I should take a photography class to improve our skills 😉
Can’t wait to see what you do with Mood’s cotton sateen!
Mary Lynn
Posted at 21:03h, 03 AprilLove the wedding pictures! So beautiful! I also love that blue floral fabric – it’s a great color on you.
How do you manage to get such great fitting darts in the back? I’ve needed to do that but can’t figure
our how to get them right!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:05h, 04 AprilThank you Mary Lynn!
To get great fitting back darts requires not being afraid – LOL! Seriously, I made a Marfy pattern a few years ago and was captivated by the company’s darts. They are long and gradual. I pin the area with the greatest excess (somewhere around the waist) and taper above and below. After hand basting the dart I tweak and stitch. The back darts on my garments are generally 18″.
Anne Marie Mattison
Posted at 21:12h, 03 AprilThank you for sharing your daughter’s beautiful wedding pictures–you were all gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:05h, 04 AprilThank you, Anne Marie. It was a happy day!
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 21:18h, 03 AprilWhat pretty fabric! I love your choice here – such a pretty, yet subtle – pattern! I like the dress, too, although something is making me want to tear those sleeves off and see it sleeveless…lol! Making them on the diagonal would be more comfy, I’ll bet. There are so many clothing manufacturers who are intent upon making sleeves a struggle…especially those lace 3/4 length ones that are so popular now!
Mimi looks beautiful! Your dress is lovely, too! Isn’t it just the worst shopping for mother-of-the-bride dresses?! Just add about 20 years to most of the designs…! Did you make yours? It’s terrific!
Thanks for yet another interesting post…now you have me thinking about prints! AFTER the wedding….!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:11h, 04 AprilThank you, Cheryl!
First of all do you have another wedding to plan??
I did not make my MOB dress. I was going to and bought some very expensive fabric in Florence just for the dress. Billy’s mother died in November, my father’s grave illness, the holidays and wedding details consumed me for Mimi’s January 9th wedding, so……. I ordered a dress online.
As far as the sleeves, I’m surprised by the extreme opinions they have generated! I was ready to try something new – what can I say? 😉
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 00:18h, 05 AprilYes – Steph’s wedding is the 30th…so we’re down to the ‘wire’! Then, we’re finished for a long while! (You may be thinking of Kristi’s wedding, which was in Oct). I remember your year…you’ve had so much on your plate. Good to put 2015 behind. Love the dress you found, and I know you’ll find something fabulous to do with your fabric.
Had to laugh at the sleeve comments! You’re right, they really did generate some reaction. You’ll have to tell us how they play in ‘real life’…:) I would love to see them done on the diagonal…I think the pattern would be interesting, and, as you mentioned, they might be more comfy! Enjoy it either way – that color is beautiful on you!! xo
Gayle Andersen
Posted at 23:18h, 03 AprilThank-you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:11h, 04 AprilThank you!!
Bonnie Wheaton
Posted at 23:28h, 03 AprilThe bridal pictures are lovely, as is the floral dress. Did you make your MOB dress? If so, please share the pattern and fabric info.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:14h, 04 AprilThank you, Bonnie!
II did not make my MOB dress. I was going to and bought some very expensive fabric in Florence just for the dress. Due to my mother in law’s death in November, my father’s grave illness, the holidays and wedding details I was too consumed and overwhelmed.to sew for her January 9th wedding, so……. I ordered a dress online.
Treva Putsche
Posted at 03:21h, 04 AprilMimi looked gorgeous as you and the hubby! She has the most beautiful and unusual flowers in her bouquet.
I’m loving the spring dress. I haven’t decided if I like the open shoulder for myself but it’s quite pretty in this fabric. Congrats on another great make.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:15h, 04 AprilThank you so much Treva. Her bouquet was exquisite and we were sorry to see it go 😉
Myra Rentmeester
Posted at 05:22h, 04 AprilBeautiful wedding Sarah! Your entire family looks stunning and their attire! I love cotton sateen for the summer, it’s so crisp and fresh looking. The fabric you selectwd, along with the pattern, made for one awesome dress, Looks like your changes really worked for completing a beautiful dress and was so worth your time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:16h, 04 AprilHi Myra!! Thank you so much for your nice comment. This was my first experience with cotton sateen and hopefully, not my last – I love this fabric 🙂
Ann
Posted at 05:41h, 04 AprilI think it looks lovely and personally I like the sleeves! You have such nice shoulders, and why not try a different style for a change? Everyone else looks great, too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:19h, 04 AprilMany thanks, Ann! I agree – new styles are the spice of life or at least dressing 😉
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 06:31h, 04 AprilGreat wedding photos and beautiful daughter! Your MOB dress is just gorgeous! Did you make it? I don’t recall seeing anything on it! Or is that my brain fog working against me?! Haha! Anyway, it’s just stunning!
Your spring dress fabric is lovely! I’m not a huge fan of the “cold shoulder” look, but you got the fit down perfectly, as usual!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:20h, 04 AprilHi Cindy! No foggy brain on your end 😉
I did not make my MOB dress. I was going to and bought some very expensive fabric in Florence just for the dress. Due to my mother in law’s death in November, my father’s grave illness, the holidays and wedding details I was too consumed and overwhelmed.to sew for her January 9th wedding, so……. I ordered a dress online.
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:10h, 04 AprilLove Mimi’s pics and your cute dress! The fit is perfect!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:20h, 04 AprilThank you, Becky!
MaryEllen
Posted at 08:05h, 04 AprilLove seeing the wedding pictures ! You have beautiful daughters & a lovely ,photogenic family.
I’m a new Cotten sateen fan also & I loved your version . You have fitting down so well – fitting still a work in progress for me .
Love,love,love your version
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:23h, 04 AprilMany thanks, Mary Ellen!
Fitting is an ongoing process but is worth the effort. This sateen was so light and the stretch was just right – lovely fabric 😉
oonaballoona
Posted at 08:19h, 04 Aprilyou gotta love a print for hiding 11 inch darts!!!
i love those sleeves on you. what a fun, chic look!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:23h, 04 AprilThank you, Oona! Agree – I knew I was safe adding the darts on this one 🙂
oonaballoona
Posted at 08:20h, 04 Apriltoo fast! ps: your daughter looks STUNNING, and kisses to your beautiful family!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:24h, 04 April🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:24h, 04 AprilLove your new spring dress, especially the interest added by the off-the shoulder look. Mime looks radiant as a bride!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:25h, 04 AprilThank you, Cissie! She was indeed glowing on her wedding day 😉
Julie Starr
Posted at 09:09h, 04 AprilSo great to see wedding photos of your beautiful family, especially that last adorable shot of Mimi. Love the fresh floral sateen and it looks ideal for this cute dress – you are absolutely dogged in your pursuit of the perfect fit and the vertical darts sure saved the day on this one. Hope you have some garden party invitations since you now have the perfect outfit :)).
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:27h, 04 AprilThank you, Julie! Garden parties and showers are on the calendar 😉
Lori
Posted at 14:45h, 04 AprilFirst off, what a beautiful bride! You look stunning, too. Love your latest dress and the off the shoulder look is so in. Beautiful job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:23h, 04 AprilThank you, Lori! It’s fun to try new styles 🙂
Samina
Posted at 14:47h, 04 AprilContrary to some of the disapproval of your cold shoulder sleeves, I adore them! They are well made, and look lovely on you. I guess the movement would be less restrictive in a knit fabric? Now you’ve got me thinking day and night about making those sleeves….
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s wedding photos. I went through similar experiences — my mother passed away 2 months before my daughter’s reception :(.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:27h, 04 AprilSamina,
Thank you so much for your comment 🙂 I believe the arms should have been cut on the bias, but I was following instructions from the pattern layout. They aren’t uncomfortable but I think a bias layout would have avoided the gaping issue and I would not have had to reduce the width.
I hope you’ll make those sleeves!
Denise Thompson
Posted at 18:56h, 04 AprilJust LOVELY! My favorite type of fabric too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 05 AprilThank you so muh, Denise!
Judith Cortelloni
Posted at 20:39h, 04 AprilBeautiful fabric and a perfect fit look so professional!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:44h, 05 AprilMany thanks Judith 🙂
Barbara Speer
Posted at 22:39h, 04 AprilLoved the wedding pictures. The bride was beautiful, the parents proud,and the groom bashful. The clothes were were lovely. Thanks so much for sharing.
The print off shoulder dress is spot on this spring. I agree with some that it might not be the easiest thing to wear but it is wonderful that you made it. Makes me want to take more risks.
Barbara
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:49h, 05 AprilThank you Barbara! I guess the groom was a little bashful in reflection 😉 It was such a fun day.
The dress is easy to wear. I believe if the instructions had stated to lay the sleeves on the bias they would not have gaped and would have draped beautifully. I’m considering making one more 😉
Lucy
Posted at 21:28h, 07 AprilBeautiful dress Sarah. You achieved a great fit. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. She looks stunning. Your MOB dress is beautiful and very flattering on you. Thanks for posting pictures.