Sunday 28 March 2010

My Little Red Dress - Finished


Neue Mode 22471



Pattern Description:  
Dress, two lengths, princess seams, sleeveless, invisible zipper, fully lined.

Pattern Sizing:  
36-46 (10-20)  This is my first  Neue Mode pattern I've used so I'm not sure of  their sizing .

There is only a bust measurement chart to go by so I started with the 36 but had to take it in over 2". It did take some fiddling around before I got the perfect fit, but  I believe had I started with the proper size the fiddling would not have been necessary.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done ?  
It looks exactly like the picture on the pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow? 
This pattern is similar to the Burda  magazine patterns where you have to add your seam allowances.
The instructions/illustrations are clear and well written. I did  read through them but didn't have to follow them.


 
It is a very easy simple style to make. It doesn't have complicated techniques.(However you should know how to insert an invisible zipper, the instructions are pretty meager, or have your favorite reference available) edited to add: When I was cleaning up after making this dress I briefly went over the instructions and realized they are for a regular zipper, not invisible. I prefer the look of an invisible zipper, so had I  followed or actually thoroughly read the instructions I would still have opted for the invisible zipper.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 
I 'love" the neckline. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:  
Satin back Crepe - from Fabricville.
I can't say I enjoyed sewing with this satin back crepe. 
I had to lower the tension a significant amount on my sewing machine and my serger did not like this fabric much either, especially around the curves! 
It is also very hard to photograph this color...or maybe it's  my lack of 
photography skills / camera  knowledge ~ ) I'll work on that :)


Lining - Bemberg


Pro-Weft Interfacing - from  Sew Exciting Fashion Sewing Supply 
also known as Pam Off the Cuff.   This is the best interfacing I've used!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: 
I didn't make any design changes. I did take it in.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? 
I definitely recommend this pattern.  I have a black crepe (not satin back) version already started. I just have to make the lining. I've never owned a LBD, I figured this would be a perfect pattern.



Conclusion:
I love this dress. It is comfortable. It is a very easy simple style to sew.  Even though it took me a long time to finish it,  it wasn't because the pattern was complicated, it was purely  time issues.

 I will post  pictures of me wearing the dress ~ as soon as  I find red shoes.


 




42 comments:

Gay McDonell said...

Lovely dress - a very versatile pattern! Hmmm red shoes ... that's exciting!

JoanneM said...

Stunning. I love it. I want one.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

So elegant! Wonder if the long version would be good for Mardi Gras in the right fabric. Could you use a knit? Can't wait to see it with red shoes!

Ruth said...

Beautiful! Impeccably sewn. And I bet it looks great on you.

Carolyn said...

Your dress looks magnificent and worth the long wait! I love the sweetheart neckline. Stunning.

Digs said...

It looks like a fab (make that TWO FAB) garment(s). Beautiful! Can't wait to see you model it for us.

Meg said...

Absolutely Beautiful dress.

Shannon said...

Gorgeous dress - excellent colour and style!

Anonymous said...

Your dress is beautiful Ann and definitely worth waiting for. This will make a great LBD.

Lisette M said...

Beautiful in red and black!

Patricia said...

Gorgeous results! Please don't forget to get a picture of you wearing them!
MP

Mary Beth said...

Love the pattern! Now you have two gorgeous dresses in classic colors. Nice choices for limited sewing time, Ann.

Claire S. said...

Two beautiful dresses !

gMarie said...

Stunning! I love it. Can't wait to see it modeled. g

Kathryn, aka fzxdoc said...

Ann, your red dress is sweet! It looks simply classic. And it's the perfect pattern for that LBD that you've started. I've never made a Neue Mode pattern, although I own several of them. Perhaps your good results will spur me on to making one of their designs soon.

Great job on that invisible zipper insertion, BTW.

Kathryn

Stash said...

I love that pattern and your versions are lovely. The red is quite pretty via my monitor. ;-)

Summerset said...

Awesome dresses! This is a perfect pattern for those little dresses - the neckline is lovely and the style is perfect for dressing up or down.

Sewingadicta said...

The perfect dress and classic, you'll have a wild card for many occasions if "play" with the accessories. Wonderful

Ana's Closet said...

Soooo cute! I finnish yesterday mine! But post will have to wait...

Ana's Closet said...

Soooo cute! I finnish yesterday mine! But post will have to wait...

Sheila said...

The dress is beautiful and love the neckline and see why you have started another one... the dress is a classic beauty.

Alexandra said...

Lovely dress! The neckline is just gorgeous.

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

How nice Ann. This is the perfect dress for all occasions. Congratulations, you did a great job. Also my favorite colors, red and black.

Anonymous said...

I love this dress too! It's impeccable.

Teddylyn said...

Beautiful, beautiful~ What lovely dresses! This classic style will be a real addition to your wardrobe. Beautiful!

Lynda in LV

~ Kimberlee B ~ said...

Both dresses are classic and beautiful and will last you a lifetime! Can't wait to see you model them!

ClaireOKC said...

This is gorgeous, can't wait to see it on you!

Diana said...

Ann your dress is just perfect. I wish you'd put up a picture of you wearing it.The LBD will be a versatile piece. It's on my list for April too.
Have a wonderful Easter.

Sue said...

Absolutely lovely - a great lrd and lbd! I am not familiar with this pattern company but I will look out for it in the future.

Rhoto said...

Ann, how come MY dress form doesn't curve like yours?? ;)
REALLY pretty!! GOOD for you--exercise = sleeveless pretty dress!!
Soft hug,
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)

Kathi said...

Your red dress looks amazing! I cannot wait to see it on! I also cannot wait to see the completed black dress!

Marjie said...

It's beautiful! Red should be a wonderful color on you. I'm so glad you love the dress, after all the time it took.

Meg said...

Soooo lovely and classy. Well done!

Susan Fogel said...

Ann both dresses are lovely , elegant and well done!
I like the neckline.
I just finished a long black dress for a wedding this saturday. I like it ...a lot, but I like the neckline on yours better.
I have just started a sewing blog. Please take a moment to visit.
www.susansewsdaily.blogspot.com
I am enjoying hooking up with other sewists. I am a US ex-pat in Mexico.
Nice dresses

Linda L said...

Wow! Lovely red and black dresses. Like the style very much.

gwensews said...

What a beautiful "LRD"!

Cennetta said...

Oh Ms. Ann, Love both versions. Your application of the invisible zipper is pristine. Thanks for sharing.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Ann - I got the pattern today! I'm thinking of the long one for Mardi Gras, but I'd love to see the dress on you first - any chance for pics?

Ann Made Studio said...

Thank you so much everyone! :)

Sister, you will love this pattern/dress.
I haven't found the right shoes yet so was waiting to post, but for you I will try and take some pictures this weekend.

Mon Café Couture said...

In French I would say "intemporel", the kind of dress you wear easily and you feel good in it, looks like one (two with the red one:)of these.

Aminat said...

Absolutely gorgeous.... Thanks for sharing ...Have a great week

Aminat said...

Ohh Ann, those zippers are really invisible, I couldn't just take my eyes off them...I wish I could do half of that...Great work