Tropical Leaf Print Midi

22 Aug Tropical Leaf Print Midi

Some people never change their look, and wear the same hairstyle, same makeup, same clothing style throughout their life.
When I look back on old photos I’m all over the place, but I eventually settled into my current hair, makeup and dress style ….. that was a long time ago 😉

Today I don’t feel the need to follow trends, but I certainly don’t want to be stuck in a time warp! Speaking of which……

This pattern is from 1998. I thought about it for my mother-of-the-bride dress four years ago, but something about it looked dated.

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This RTW dress is from 2018. It’s a fresh variation on the classic Empire silhouette inspiring me to reconcile the old pattern to the new look.18SN610MFC_NAV_MAIN

How did I do?

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I’m not an A cup and I like to smile so some obvious differences exist.

After seeing numerous tropical leaf print dresses this year,Screen Shot 2018-08-20 at 4.36.56 PM I ordered Mood Fabrics Green and White Leafy Print stretch cotton shirting with some type of dress in mind.  The fabric is lightweight, smooth and opaque with a little more stretch than many stretch wovens I’ve sewn, but the fabric is very easy to handle.

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Who would have thought the Midi Dress would be considered fashion forward in 2018? My Midi memories are of Laura Ashley dresses with puffy sleeves, gathered skirts and waist sashes. This time around creating a more flattering silhouette with the longer length was key.

To get the RTW dress look, I made a few changes to the pattern including:

  • Shortening the upper bodice by one inch to cup under the bust.  This change worked in my favor as it raised the natural waistline exactly to my waist.
  • Widening the shoulder straps from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″.
  • Creating a square neckline. To do this I cut the upper bodice pattern pieces straight across the chest and placed the  the shoulder straps on the outside of the bodice side front.IMG_0877

I lined the upper bodice with the fashion fabric and the skirt with Bemberg rayon. The jury is still out on the skirt lining since the Bemberg created a stiffer drape causing the dress to lose its casual vibe and take on a dressier feel.

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Never did I expect to be wearing this length again, but my experiment once again proved it’s all about balancing proportions.

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In closing – my apologies about the photo quality. Wouldn’t you know we discovered the new battery charger was faulty when it was too late to do anything other than use our telephones 😬. Until soon!


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goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
64 Comments
  • Janine
    Posted at 06:21h, 22 August Reply

    I would never have considered using shirting for a dress, but this looks better than RTW (as always!). This suits you, and the proportions are spot on.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Janine! The fabric does not remind me of a shirting at all. It’s really more like a stretch poplin and it is perfect for a dress 😊

  • kathleen wallen
    Posted at 06:45h, 22 August Reply

    A beautiful dress. I love tropical prints.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Kathleen!

  • Melissa Archer
    Posted at 07:00h, 22 August Reply

    It’s better than the original! I’m a fan of green generally and I like the freshness of the print you chose for this.. The way you’ve styled it really makes it all about the dress. Absolutely lovely!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:54h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Melissa! I too, think it is an improvement over the pattern and am going to hang on to this one 😉

  • Kate Smith
    Posted at 07:16h, 22 August Reply

    I love this length on you! It works because the fit is nice and fitted. The print is beautiful and I like seeing a lot of it! It will be a great dress with a wrap for those chilly southern restaurants!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:55h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Kate! It really is all about the fit for sure. Last year I made a longer skirt and while I don’t hate it, I like this dress much better 😉

  • Rebecca Bagwell
    Posted at 07:25h, 22 August Reply

    Love the dress and fabric! It make me happy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:56h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I’m still drooling over the top you made for your mother 😊 EmmaOneSock is most proud of you with that wonderful Instagram post – good job!!!!

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 07:27h, 22 August Reply

    Oh my! This is a winner! I think the make works on so many levels, especially with the empire shape….love it! You always inspire me….thanks!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:57h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Laura! I’m pleased with this one too 😉

  • Carrie Cooper
    Posted at 07:32h, 22 August Reply

    Looks great – but I’m in love with your shoes!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:01h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Carrie…… I bought the shoes in Paris in 2010 and will hang onto them as long as possible 😉

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 07:54h, 22 August Reply

    Looks great and your pattern modifications are perfect.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:03h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you so much, Mary! Cosmetic modifications are certainly more fun to do than fitting modifications 😊

  • Patricia Flournoy
    Posted at 07:56h, 22 August Reply

    Love it, love it to pieces…If the summer (for me) wasn’t almost over I would “copy” your style…Perhaps, next year?

    Merci,

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:04h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Patricia! I know what you mean about summer almost being over as I try to justify making ONE more 😊

  • Sandy
    Posted at 07:58h, 22 August Reply

    It is very flattering. I don’t think I would have even looked at that length since I am 5’2″, but you are correct with your proportions. They have worked beautifully. I am rethinking things now:)
    Beautiful job and I love the print.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:05h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Sandy! While I won’t say I was in. a rut, I was ready to try something new, and fortunately I’m glad I did 😉

  • Jennifer Stribling
    Posted at 08:17h, 22 August Reply

    Looks great! Nice proportions between size of leaf print and the dress. P.S. who makes those sandals? I am not quite 5’2 myself, always looking for heeled, nude-color shoes

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:06h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Jennifer! I bought the sandals in Paris in 2010……..

  • Gail
    Posted at 08:27h, 22 August Reply

    Your new dress is so flattering on you! Love the style and length. Question for you… Where did you get the gorgeous sandals?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:40h, 23 August Reply

      Gail ~ Thank you so much. I bought the sandals in Pairs in 2010………

  • Debbie Bowdish
    Posted at 08:35h, 22 August Reply

    Sarah, your dress is lovely and I enjoy learning the adaptations you make to the pattern. Someday I may be sewing for myself again.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:07h, 22 August Reply

      Ah…… thank you so much, Debbie! I hope you do start sewing for yourself again (after you finish sewing for everyone else) 😉

  • Make it Any Wear
    Posted at 08:48h, 22 August Reply

    If you want to use Bemberg in something like this again, I’d suggest pre-wasining it. I’ve washed it recently for a couple of projects and was very happy with the effect,

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:52h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you for this wonderful tip! I prewash some linings but not all…… I might give the dress a gentle soak and see what happens 😉

  • Leigh Rollins
    Posted at 08:48h, 22 August Reply

    Beautifully done! I find as I have gotten older that a higher waist and a below knee length works better for me. Your dress has inspired me just as most of your postings have. Thank you! 👗

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:09h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Leigh 😉 I’m going to keep experimenting with ways to make the longer length work ~ who knows maybe another silhouette will come into play!

  • peggy leah
    Posted at 09:03h, 22 August Reply

    The longer length has an elegance to it. Most of
    my newer dresses are longer and yet the proportions
    work for me too at 5’10” .

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:10h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you so much, Peggy. Oh how I would love to be a few inches taller……😉

  • Nancy Priest
    Posted at 09:37h, 22 August Reply

    The dress is wonderful and you look great! I like the length.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:53h, 22 August Reply

      Thanks so much, Nancy!

  • Alicia Burrus
    Posted at 09:55h, 22 August Reply

    Beautiful dress, Sarah! I love the color. I think the length makes you look taller!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:53h, 22 August Reply

      Taller, really?????? I’ll take 10 more please😊😊

  • PsychicSewerKathleen
    Posted at 10:04h, 22 August Reply

    I love this length on you too especially in this “empire” style and the square neckline is so chic. I love square necklines but they can be tricky devils 🙂 I’m just making a couple of linen jumpers – one is a longish tunic length and the other is midi. I’m making both at the same time, discovering this beautiful see-through, black with white thread stripe, Italian linen will be perfect for a jumper to wear over leggings and Tees. I love that look but it was the 2 lengths that made me laugh when I thought about how okay it is to have whatever length you want. So freeing 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:52h, 22 August Reply

      So true, Kathleen – the sewist’s choice and not the manufacturer! Freedom is the perfect description 😊

  • Vanessa
    Posted at 10:50h, 22 August Reply

    This is gorgeous in every way! It looks fashion forward, yet it is also a stunning color and silhouette for you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:44h, 22 August Reply

      Sometimes I never know how a project will turn out, but I’m pleased with this. Many thanks, Vanessa!

  • Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
    Posted at 11:33h, 22 August Reply

    great summer dress, love a tropical print.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:43h, 22 August Reply

      Thank you, Beth!

  • Alania Sheeley
    Posted at 12:40h, 22 August Reply

    Love your dress! You mentioned that the Bemberg lining is a little stiffer than what you really wanted. When I want a softer look, I cut the lining fabric on the bias.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:43h, 22 August Reply

      Many thanks, Alania and great advice!! 😉

  • Marie Z Johansen
    Posted at 14:09h, 22 August Reply

    I think you made one perfect, updated, dress and it looks ah!mazing on you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:39h, 23 August Reply

      Thank you so much Marie! I hope to wear it a lot during this last month of summer 😉

  • Morgana
    Posted at 15:15h, 22 August Reply

    Lovely! So fresh and inspired. I love all of your posts. So much information, so many great ideas, and such a way with styling.

    You have always looked so petite and slim, but I have to say, this takes your svelte figure to a whole new level. I wouldn’t have styled you with anything other than above-the-knee before, but this is stunning on you, and complements your slightness in a very youthful and lively way.

    Bravo on fabric and color choice as well.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:38h, 23 August Reply

      What a lovely comment, Morgana 🤗 I never expected to even consider a midi length dress again after looking back on old photos, but the fashion magazines and websites won out! Best of all I learned a little something along the way. Many thanks!

  • Sheri Lewis
    Posted at 23:36h, 22 August Reply

    Nicely done again!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:34h, 23 August Reply

      Thank you, Sheri!

  • Bronwyn David
    Posted at 09:36h, 23 August Reply

    Gorgeous. Up-to-the-minute fabric choice (I love these tropical greens) and a nice update of an old style. As they say, if you live long enough, everything comes back in fashion.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:03h, 24 August Reply

      Ha Ha Ha – I must be getting old! 🙃

  • Linda LaMona
    Posted at 20:50h, 23 August Reply

    This is gorgeous. I was surprised to read this was shirting fabric. Really looks great as a dress. Love the changes you made to suit you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:05h, 24 August Reply

      Thank you, Linda! It doesn’t remind me of shirting fabric but more like a stretch poplin😊

  • Judy Pineda
    Posted at 21:06h, 23 August Reply

    I love this dress, and it does justice to the inspiration pieces. And I totally love those shoes too!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:05h, 24 August Reply

      Many thanks, Judy! I bought the shoes in Paris in 2010 – hanging on as long as I can 😉

  • Terri Holland
    Posted at 21:37h, 23 August Reply

    Another lovely dress, Sarah! I am excited about the midi length dresses- they are so classy looking in my opinion. We see photos of Meghan Markle wearing the below the knee hemlines. So, see? You’re spot on with your styling, as usual! Keep those posts coming-I LOVE seeing what you create.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:08h, 24 August Reply

      Hi Terri!
      Thank you so much and so nice to hear from you ~~ Meghan Markle is the epitome of style isn’t she? 😊

  • Lexley
    Posted at 07:41h, 25 August Reply

    This shows off your beautfiul slim figure and love the longer length and style of dress on you…..you are always stunning!

    • Gail
      Posted at 09:57h, 26 August Reply

      I totally agree with you.

  • Patricia Steig
    Posted at 14:43h, 25 August Reply

    Just one word STUNNING. Thanks for your creations and the ideas.

  • Liselotte Johansson
    Posted at 16:04h, 25 August Reply

    Beautifyl dress and it*s suit you very well,

  • Joelle Sell
    Posted at 02:54h, 27 August Reply

    Fabulous dress and very clever alterations to end with a great look. Love your blogs they are so inspiring! Thank you

  • Susanne
    Posted at 03:26h, 24 September Reply

    This dress is SO beautiful, so well proportioned, in my eyes it is the perfect lenght for you. Also, the sandals are perfect to go with it! The overall impression is very Anna Wintour! I haven’t had time to sew because of my studies and exams in coaching, but hope to take up sewing again. Congrats on the birth of your grandson Billy and all the best from Zurich/Switzerland!

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