I decided to go for a fit and flare type of silhouette to hopefully be more figure-flattering to my rectangular / pear-shape. My go-to pattern for a bodice has been McCall's M5972. It features darts at the bust and waist for a more precise fit. I then added a waistband and full skirt (easy to self-draft) with plenty of pleating (hides the tummy).
DIY Graphic Green Dress
DIY Pearl Necklace
DIY Pearl Bracelet & J. Crew Bracelet
Amrita Singh Ring
Michael Kors Tortoiseshell Watch
Talbots Wedge Sandals
I'm glad I went with the waistband because it really carves out a waist on me. The print reminds me of golf.
And of course, a mini version for Baby E <3
Speaking of Baby E, anyone have any advice on how to stop a 10-month old from scaling the furniture? Even though I'm always within a few feet of her, I worry about the day that I'm not fast enough to catch her (she is speedy!).
SPG, this is your best DIY to date. The dress looks like it fell out of a J. Crew catalog. Any chance it'll make an appearance in your Etsy store? And the mini-me version is adorable. My grandma and mom used to sew so this brings back many memories :)
ReplyDeleteMy knowledge of 10-month old humans is very limited but have you ever considered buying a gated playpen? My mom's friends used to say that it was one of their best purchases.
you are very talented and sure are an inspiration! i'm starting my little DIY's as well but i really wish i also have my mini-me to dress up :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this dress! You did a wondeful job. I can't sew, so I wish I could walk into a shop and buy it right now :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anna. Would be amazing if this dress showed up in your Etsy store!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! I'm not at the level yet to do a custom dress. Bust size / rib cage size / shoulder width / torso height all come into play, but I really appreciate your kind words :)
DeleteI love that dress and the pattern and style!Love how the waist is constructed and the way the bust area sits on you. little one looks cute too..
ReplyDeleteWHAT a CUTE dress and it looks great on your TINY waist! How cute you made from Baby C! I don't think there is a way to stop her ;).
ReplyDeleteOh my word... I'm just dying over here from the sheer cuteness of what I'm seeing. First you are so crazy talented, I just love this dress on you. Second, you made one for the baby. It looks adorable on her!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I'm lovin' it all- but am particularly intrigued by"DIY pearl necklace". It looks fantastic, any tips?
ReplyDeleteThank you! The pearl necklace is actually pretty easy. I think the shortest strand is ~13" so I counted how many pearls it would take to do that. Then I added 4 pearls to each subsequent strand. You can wear this necklace worn straight with the 5 strands or tousled like I have it here :)
DeleteI agree with Anna... Your dress looks like Jcrew's! really beautiful dress!!! You baby E matchy dress is so cute :)
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing in that dress! The color and print of the fabric is fabulous! I love the waistband; you look teeny!! You're so talented!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kerry
Awesome dress! Gives you an hourglass figure. Love the color and print, very vibrant and classy. You are SO talented. And the baby's is just adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! You made my day :)
Deletethis is amazing, both the print, and the cut. you look SO gorgeous in this - perfection, dear SPG!!!! xox
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely print!! this dress defintely compliments your tiny waist.
ReplyDeleteI love the print of the dress and it's fit especially on the waist. Baby E is just too cute in her own dress version.
ReplyDeletewww.justpatience.com
Another amazing DIY dress. You and baby E both looks adorable. The dress really compliment your tiny waist.
ReplyDeleteamazing DIY dress! love the print and color but i would personally steer away from pairing this with pearls and anything 'elegant'-looking to avoid looking like my aunt. i think mixing it with something more rock n' roll (think multi-layer chains and skulls) would mellow the country club look. but that's just me!
ReplyDeletei have an 11-month-old daughter who is just starting to stand on her own with the help of furniture (she went through the crawling stage), and yes, i let her explore our flat so long as i keep my eye on her all the time and keep away anything small that she can put in her mouth or objects that are not exactly child-friendly . i used to put her in a pack n' play but she hates staying there now despite all the toys in it...my 3-yo-son, however, started cruising furniture when he turned 8 months old (from rolling to standing - he skipped crawling) and i also let him explore and discover things on his own under my supervision, of course. and yes, he fell several times but kids learn through experience. if the floor isn't carpeted (ours is wooden), i would suggest putting an alphabet puzzle mat (like the ones they have in kindergarten or play school). :)
Thanks for the feedback both on styling and on babies :) I'm afraid I'm not hip enough to rock the chains / skulls look LOL :D
DeleteMy daughter also hates being put in the playpen though that is arguably the safest place for her to be. At the moment, I have pillows piled high on the couches so that she can't climb on it. I'm sure she'll figure out how to knock them down soon though!
so I pretty much don't think you even need to shop for dresses anymore. if i could make these dresses like you're doing here, i would not even go out and buy dresses anymore. Can somebody pls marry me and let me just sit at home sewing dresses?! please! hook a sista up! or maybe when my mom retires, she'll make me her muse. jokes aside, amazing waist definition. love everythg. i can never get enough of this type of silhouette.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Aubs! I've slowed down on buying dresses a little and have been closely inspecting new prospects for DIY-ability. Sometimes I just fall in love with the print and I know I can't find a similar print at the fabric store, I'll just go ahead and buy it. Is time the major factor in preventing your sewing? I have 3 weeks left of maternity leave and plan on milking it DIY-wise :)
DeleteThat dress is gorgeous! I love the bold green, the print, the fit on you. What a winner, you're so talented.
ReplyDeleteOMG, that dress looks incredible on you. You really should do a tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The bodice is McCall's M5972, but I'll do a future post on the skirt portion :)
Deletebeautiful dress! and I absolutely love how you made a little version for the baby! so cute!
ReplyDeletethat is too cute that you guys match!!! maybe you should get the baby into rock climbing :D
ReplyDelete-Jessica
http://www.jumpintopuddles.com
you look great :)
ReplyDeleteplease visit and follow my blog:
http://lusciousstyle.blogspot.com/
You never cease to amaze me with your talent. This is such a beautiful dress! I couldn't have picked a better fabric. I'm normally not a fan of green but I must say this is such a lovely green tone and the structured waist is very flattering on you. As for your mini me.....awww....beyond adorable
ReplyDeletesuch a fab DIY dress! love the mini version, too. you're so talented. this dress is so chic and elegant.
ReplyDeletejasmine
ADAM ❤ ALEX Mommy
Lovely outfit !! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG, the fit of this dress is AMAZING on you! You did such a great job! Ahhh the little one is so cute! matching outfits!
ReplyDeleteI am goin to the fabric store today to get fabric to make the caftan and w shoulder dreSses. I would like to make the beautiful green dress, but cannot locate the instructions or fabric requirments (adult dress). Can you help? You have awesome dress patterns. I can't wait to make these? Cwicht120@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteChris