Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Another 'Built by Wendy' mash-up!


After wearing the last linen dress I made to death, I decided I should whip up another one. This is probably the cheapest dress ever, as I found this watermelon-coloured fabric in an Op Shop and it was 20 cents. Yep - TWENTY CENTS!!!!!! Can you believe that! Actually I did pay more for it than that, because I would have just felt SO cheap, and it was worth so much more than that. It was a huge fabric remnant (I still have enough to make either a small dress for Kate, or maybe a bag). And the fabric itself is quite gorgeous. It looks like a heavy linen, but doesn't crinkle anywhere near as much as 100% linen. A friend who knows a lot about fabrics said she thinks it may be a linen/rayon blend. Anyway, it just feels kind of old-fashioned and lovely. And of course, I had to add some buttons to it...just because...



I basically did the same mash-up of the Built by Wendy Simplicity pattern #3835 that I did last time, with the exception that I cut out the back piece of the dress as one whole piece, rather than two pieces with a seam up the back. Which just made it even quicker and easier to whip up.



Next time, I am going to find some heavy winter-weight fabric, and try actually making the dress according to the pattern, with the yoke, zip and longer sleeves. I think it will make a very nice winter dress. But while summer's still here...well..this design is just hard to pass up. OK, off now to post the pic in the Built by Us Flickr group, and also check out how all the other Built By Wendy projects are turning out (a lot of other people seem to alter and embellish their patterns, so it's great for inspiration). Yee har!

14 comments:

Kathi D said...

Wow! What a great dress! It looks like a million bucks!

Ulla V. said...

This one is beautiful as well - I can't believe you didn't pay more for the fabric!!!

The colour is nice and very sommerlike - just what we need up here in the cold...

Lark said...

GORGEOUS DRESS!

I've posted the pain viennois recipe on my blog for you...

bettyninja said...

The watermelon colored fabric is perfect for this dress. I love that it has a very simple outline and flared out bottom

Bec said...

Thank-you everyone!

Bettyninja - Yes I think it is the simple shape, and the perfect A-line of the bottom that I really love about this pattern.

Bird Bath said...

Wow! Another summer lovely.You are very inspiring. I think I should go find the pattern before summer is out ....Would you like to do the 7 random meme? I tagged you on my site.

Sarah and Jack said...

I love the dress in this color! And 20 cents, what a steal.

Anonymous said...

Oh love this dress too! must learn to sew clothes!

Kara said...

This is completely fabulous and what a beautiful piece of material for 20 cents! Crazy!

K

fallen~from~grace said...

What a gorgeous dress, it looks so well made too! Great work

Anonymous said...

It looks fantastic!

Unknown said...

This is lovely! And what a fabulous fit!

Corrie said...

20cents wowee! that is a bargain and it looks fabulous!

I want to make that pattern but am thinking I need a huge belly panel so am going to work on it and make the front huge but I like the idea of making the back as one!

Corrie:)

Anonymous said...

I really like your dress. I'm working on the same pattern (but with the longer sleeves) and I was wondering if you have any trouble getting your dress on an off without the zipper in the back? It looks really nice without it but I'd hate to get into my dress and never be able to get out.

Thanks