It's my turn on the Itch to Stitch Holiday Blog Tour!!
The premise behind the tour, organized by Fleurine at Sew Mariefleur and Leslie at ThreadBear Garments, is the idea of treating yourself to something nice for the holidays (those who read this blog regularly probably know that I fully subscribe to the concept of "Treat Yo Self"!). It’s not necessarily all about fancy dresses (although mine is), but much more... what would you make to wear while running around preparing for the holidays? or while doing something active outside, like sledding or ice skating?
Note: Kennis from Itch to Stitch and Michelle from Style Maker Fabrics provided the patterns and fabrics, respectively, for this tour for free. However, all opinions about the pattern and fabric are my own.
For my holiday outfit, I chose to sew up the Itch to Stitch Bonn dress with 3/4 sleeves and a self-fabric belt. I figured this dress would be perfect for holiday parties. I love this pattern! After making a wearable muslin, I was pretty jazzed about making another in a fun fabric for the holidays! It's amazing how fabric choice can change the look of a pattern so much, isn't it?
I also love the slightly vintage, '70s feel this dress has to it! I think it could fit fairly seamlessly into Veronica Corningstone's weekend wardrobe. It makes me want to drink a Brandy Alexander while lounging on a sunken couch, indulging in some fondue. #Lifegoals, right?
In lieu of photos of me casually reclining on a sunken couch, please accept these photos of me standing by my dinky fake Christmas tree, making a goofy face and doing my best Leo-esque cheers:
In lieu of photos of me casually reclining on a sunken couch, please accept these photos of me standing by my dinky fake Christmas tree, making a goofy face and doing my best Leo-esque cheers:
For my Bonn, I chose a size 12D graded to 16 at the hip. After making my wearable muslin in the same size, I was somewhat concerned the 16 hip would be too small on the dress (the skirt is pretty straight through that region, whereas I am not), but I decided to trust the numbers and stuck with that size for my dress. The fit is fabulous when I am standing, but pulls apart/gapes slightly at the hip when I sit. I guess I spread out more when sitting! Oops. I suppose that means I'll skip the sunken couch mentioned above and just swan around with my cocktail!
I lengthened the skirt by 2" to get it to knee-length (the pattern is drafted for between 5'4" and 5'7"). I am 5'7.5" but I like my skirts on the longer side.
I lengthened the skirt by 2" to get it to knee-length (the pattern is drafted for between 5'4" and 5'7"). I am 5'7.5" but I like my skirts on the longer side.
The fabric I chose from StyleMaker Fabric's Touch of Shine holiday collection was this gorgeous black crepe with a sparkly golden crosshatch. It's lightweight, with a fabulous drape and fun sponge-y texture. It probably has some poly content as it was not the easiest to iron, but the stitches sink into the fabric easily and are virtually invisible (ask me how I know... unpicking a mistake was not easy!). Easy to sew, less easy to iron! I wouldn't say the texture is soft; it's rather rough, but not itchy. The sparkle is only on one side.
I opted for these shiny metal buttons, picked out with the help of the lovely Claire, who I met up with while she was visiting Bangkok (thanks, Claire!). I considered sewing the buttons through both button stands and skipping the buttonholes (the dress easily pulls over head), but decided these shank buttons were too deep and would hang off the dress in a strange way if I didn't sew the buttonholes.
On button spacing: I didn't follow the pattern's buttonhole markings for either this Bonn dress or my wearable muslin Bonn shirt. I find for me, the best way to space the buttonholes is to try the shirt on, mark the spot on the button stand that corresponds with my full bust and then place all the other buttons accordingly, relative to that one using my sewing gauge. On the shirt, I did more buttons than called for (8 total), including one above the full bust, but on the dress, I opted to space the 8 buttons out, with the full bust button being the highest.
I chose to wear my sparkly Bonn with wedge sandals because Bangkok is quite warm, even in the "cool" holiday season. But I think this dress would also look fabulous with knee high boots and warm tights in cooler climes! I'm looking forward to wearing this sparkly bad boy for a holiday cocktail party this weekend and again on New Year's Eve. And yes, the '70s nature of my dress inspired me to decide to make fondue for New Year's Eve and invite friends over!
A few more blog tour details to cap off this post:
Use the code "holiday16" by December 11 for 16% off any pattern purchases at Itch to Stitch!
Style Maker Fabrics also has special holiday shipping rates- flat rate $5 for U.S. and discounted international rates!
Style Maker Fabrics also has special holiday shipping rates- flat rate $5 for U.S. and discounted international rates!
Thanks so much to Kennis and Michelle for sponsoring this fun blog tour and to Fleurine and Leslie for organizing!!
Check out the other bloggers on the tour for some seriously inspirational holiday outfits, and have a look on Instagram at #itsholidayblogtour!
ITCH TO STITCH HOLIDAY BLOG TOUR 2016
DECEMBER 6th
DECEMBER 7th
DECEMBER 8th
DECEMBER 9th
DECEMBER 10th
Lovely Meg! I'm kinda tempted by this pattern.... love the neckline!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a great pattern- I feel like you can get a lot of different looks out of it and it looks great in a variety of fabrics!
DeleteYou look wonderful in your dress, Meg! You probably know that I was really close to picking this fabric for my Zamora blouse, and seeing your dress makes me want to have that fabric even more! Thank you SO much for joining!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It's a fun fabric- you should treat yourself to some ;-) Thanks for having me on the tour- so inspiring!!
DeleteAs if I hadn't already loved this pattern from testing it, here you come with this fabulousness, Meg. Alllllllllll the heart eyes. And those gold buttons are the icing on the cake!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abbey! It's a great pattern that works with so many different fabrics!
DeleteOkay, I'm finally convinced that I need this pattern in my life :) especially as they now do A0 sizes too and I have a recommendation on where to print them.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great pattern! Ha- I wish I had a tip on where to print copy shop size locally!!
DeleteThe dress looks so good on you! Great job as always. Loved spending time with you in Bangkok!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet you, Claire, and I hope the rest of your trip went well! Thanks for your help with the buttons- I think we made the right choice!
DeleteWhat a beautiful and perfect holiday rendition of this dress! I love this fabric for the dress -- I bought some as well and have been wondering what to make with it. Maybe I will just have to try this pattern out...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emi! The fabric is really fun and the pattern is a great blank canvas for basically any fabric!
DeleteI love your dress! I really need to get this pattern. I know I would wear the shirt version a lot and I could definitely use a dress that gives me an excuse for a fondue party!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teri! I love the pattern- lots of options and looks great in a variety of fabrics! Ha ha, I don't need a lot of excuses for a fondue party (cheese any time, please!), but this is an exceptionally good one.
DeleteI love this fabric so much!! You look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tasha! The sparkles are so fun!!
DeleteThis looks great on you! I want some sparkle. : )
ReplyDeleteWhen my shirt dresses gape open, I stitch them down on the inside edge of the placket. Maybe that would work for you.
Have another lovely cocktail for me!
Thanks, Brenda! Treat yo self to some sparkles!
DeleteThat's a good idea- maybe I'll sew the placket together, at least through the hip area!
I love your dress! I don't think it looks 70ish at all - classic, comfortable and elegant - just right for the perfect evening out or entertaining in!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carolyn! It's so comfy- I can't wait to wear it!!
DeleteThis is a lovely dress! I also agree with the concept of Treating You Self! haha! It always feels nice to have a pretty outfit to wear on a holiday. I think the gold buttons were the perfect choice for this fabric!
ReplyDeleteYes, treat yo self! And thanks for your lovely compliments!
DeleteOh my goodness. I love your voice. You are too funny. I'm glad we are on this tour together, because I can always use a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteThat's one beautiful dress, and oh so flattering. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! It's comfy, too!
DeleteWhat a great dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen!!
DeleteThis is a beautiful dress!!! So well done! Gorgeous fabric and the buttons are purrrrrrfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Inder!!
DeleteI've got a distant relative of this fabric - except mine is a poly knit crepe texture with bolder (tackier?) metallic! I think I'm going to sew it up for the Very Curvy Sewing Celebration! You dress looks both fun and classy!
ReplyDeleteYes! Metallics would be perfect for the Very Curvy Celebration!
DeleteThanks for your compliments! I'm really happy with it- comfy and fun!
The dress looks fab! Sorry about the couch, but you will look stunning mingling ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenya! I wore it to a mostly standing cocktail party this weekend and it was perfect. And I sat and had no issues, so maybe it was in my head ;-)
DeleteLooks great, I love the fabric - and those shoes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! Isn't it a fun fabric?! I'm still a bit surprised that I somehow made two metallic dresses this year, but I love both of them!
DeleteI love your Bonn Dress, it is so festive and fun! I attach my buttons the same way. I have found it the easiest way to get them exactly where I want them
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rebecca! Yay for personal button placement! I almost never use the guides included in the pattern...
DeleteIt's a great dress! The fabric is perfectly blingy. Also love the Anchorman reference.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Masha! Ha ha, glad you get my references ;-)
DeleteTreat yo self 2016! The metallic adds some really cool visual texture to this dress. I could totally see it at a fondue shin dig!
ReplyDeleteYes!! Isn't the metallic fun? I can't believe I've made 2 metallic dresses this year. I wouldn't say metallics are typically my style, but I love both dresses!
DeleteMeg, I love reading your blog so much! I definitely appreciate your review of the patterns but I REALLY LOVE your humor and "Leo-esque" toast looks! Totally! I love a gal who references movies! Yes!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, thanks, Leslie! I'm glad someone appreciates my movie references ;-) I crack myself up putting them in, but then I worry I am the only one who thinks they're funny ;-)
DeleteThis dress is gorgeous and the fabric is simply perfect for Christmas ! I really don't se the 70's ... maybe because the whole decade is so often revisited by contemporary designers
ReplyDeleteI realize this post is ages old, but it is SO HELPFUL I just had to comment! I've made this as a top, heavily modified to match a beloved RTW summer blouse, and have been itching (ahem) to make the dress version ever since. But the buttonholes scare me a bit (my machine hates them). The idea of just slipping it over my head is GENIUS! I'm ready to dive into a new mockup with much less fear now. This dress is absolutely lovely. Hope it's either still in your rotation or has been worn to rags. :)
ReplyDelete