Sunday, February 24, 2013

Kate Spade Carolyn Inspired Dress DIY

I first saw this dress on Blair of Atlantic Pacific and pinned it as a future project.  When I saw P of Phiphi's blog wear it, I knew it had to be my very next DIY :)  I just couldn't help myself, it looks so gorgeous on these ladies and this really satisfies my stripe obsession.

Fabric: Fabrics R Us in San Jose, 2 yards of ~55" satin

Pattern: Bodice via McCall M5972 (modified this way) with a self-drafted skirt

Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate

 
Kate Spade Carolyn Inspired Dress DIY
I made the dress a little more "me" with pleats instead of gathers and a narrow navy waistband combined with the narrow white stripe above for some visual interest.  I also matched the stripes the best I could at the sides for continuity. 

Accessories
Kate Spade Hinge Bangle, Blue
Hermes Clic H, Red (see my shopping research for it here)
Coldwater Creek Chandelier Necklace

The hardest part of making this dress was finding a wide-striped fabric.  You really wouldn't think it would be so hard considering what a classic "print" it is.  But, I finally did in a shiny / satin-y fabric.  I usually avoid shiny fabrics like the plague - they tend to show every little pucker / imperfection.  I figured I'd cross my fingers and hope it wasn't too noticeable.  It mostly behaved, but you can see some little puckers on the waistband.  I'm thankful for warm CA weather because I can wear this dress now :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

37 comments:

  1. that's amazing! this is totally feeding into my stripes obsession. I've actually been really into striped shoes lately. (If you look at my Pinterest shoe board, you'll know what I'm talking about, lol.)
    & that's a great full-length shot. You should take them more often!

    http://shortandsweetjoy.blogspot.com/

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  2. So adorable and chic! Really love the way you made the pleats!

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  3. This isn't easy for me to say (because you have so many creations to choose from) but S, this is my favorite DIY of yours to date. Amazingly done. I don't see any imperfections at all.

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  4. Gorgeous, S! I wonder, where did you get that fabric? I have looked all over for something similar for a skirt with no luck!

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  5. My most fav DIY of yours is this! Love the fit and how you made it more 'you'!

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  6. what a gorgeous dress!! it look expensive and fits you so well. i love the style too. to think about it, i haven't seen much wide stripes either!

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  7. Oh that's gorgeous! And you look amazing in these photos :) I love the narrow stripes at the bottom of the bodice!

    I can't wait to finish this semester (last one in my masters program!) so I can join you and Ping and Jean in your amazing DIYing!

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  8. you did such a great job! so cute!

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  9. It's beautiful and I'm woman enough to admit I'm so jealous! I've been lusting after the Kate Spade original and all of the block-stripe skirts that take after it - you did a fantastic job!

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  10. Oh my goodness, thus has to be one of my favorite DIY of yours. You look perfect in it! And I'm jealous of your weather ;)

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  11. You are so talented. That is so pretty. I am a little obsessed with stripes and polka dots.

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  12. This turned out so beautifully!

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  13. WOW! i can't beleive you made that! Kate Spade would be proud! <3

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  14. this is flawless! flawless! you look amazing and that dress is gorgeous!!! i love this on you!!

    xox P

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  15. Your blog is amazing! I follow you now
    xx

    DIY BLOG --> MummyandAnnie

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  16. This is so pretty :) Fits you like a glove :) Great DIY!

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  17. That dress is beautiful on you! I cannot believe it is DIYed. I know you are so talented but still.. such a beautiful dress. Great job, SPG!

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  18. Oh my gosh, super cute! The stripes are just the right width and I love the details at the waist! Also under the armpit. Looks nice and "firm" there with the thicker band. Another WONDERFUL creation! Totally would want this instead of the KS! What's the back like?

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  19. I too sighed when I saw Blair of Atlantic-Pacific in her blue and white striped dress. Your creation is absolutely spot on. I love it, and think you look beautiful wearing it. I am new to your blog, and a new follower as well. I am finding my sewing mojo again and your blog is filled to the brim with inspiration. Thank you! I am curious, do you make your own patterns? If not, can you share with us the pattern you used to make this dress please. I just purchased McCall's 8621 from a thrift store with the blue and white stripe in mind. I does look very similar to your dress here.

    Sue xo

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue - thank you for the kind words! I used the bodice from McCall M5972 (modified this way: http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2012/12/tutorial-altering-commercial-pattern.html) with a self-drafted skirt.

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  20. Gorgeous!! Join me in patting you on the back ;)

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  21. I'm also curious as to whether you used a pattern! I have one that would give me a similar dress, but the neckline on yours is higher, which I prefer. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bette! I used the bodice from McCall M5972 (modified this way: http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2012/12/tutorial-altering-commercial-pattern.html) with a self-drafted skirt.

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    2. Thank you so much! Sorry for the late response, but I am just getting around to starting a dress like this. Did you line this dress? I have never worked with satin before, so I'm having trouble visualizing the skirt with a lining. It seems like it could get kind of bunchy. Also, tips for the hem? I was thinking I'd try out my narrow hem foot.

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    3. Hi Bette - I used a very lightweight polyester lining fabric to face the bodice, but the rest of the dress is unlined. I did a blind hem which was mostly ok, but I can see some puckering because of the satin-y fabric.

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    4. Thanks again! I guess I'll try to make sure I end with a dark stripe on the bottom just in case. Keep up the good work on your blog. It is so helpful for us petite ladies
      =]

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  22. This is a gorgeous gorgeous dress and it's perfection on you. I love how you paired it with such a pretty gold necklace!! You look so fabulous and I adore the wide strip and colors you've chosen. So classic yet modern. Love...nay adore it SPG!!! xoxo, Phoebe

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  23. This is a gorgeous dress. I love everything Kate Spade. You are so inspirational!

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  24. This is a gorgeous dress. I love everything Kate Spade. You are so inspirational!

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  25. What an amazing dress! It's a perfect replica of the KS dress! I'm so happy you included a shot with your pretty face! xoxo

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  26. Amazing job on this dress...looked even better in person! Very classy and chic!

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  27. I am absolutely amazed that you made this darling dress. It is so chic and classic! Thanks so much for sharing with the Kate Spade Style Soiree!

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  28. I am in love, if you ever want to make another one I would buy it!

    Hopped from another blog!

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  29. Beautiful dress! Can you tell me the width of the stripes is? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenna - thank you! The stripes are 3.5" wide :)

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  30. I have been eyeing up the Kate Spade dress for some time now, but I'm thrilled to have found your DIY version! I've decided to make my own for a cocktail event coming up in May. You've indicated that the skirt is self-drafted, and I'm unfamiliar with the term but does it mean you've used a pattern from another full-skirted dress? any suggestions on where to look for that? It's lovely on you, btw.

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    1. Hi Amberlea - thank you for your kind words! Sorry for the confusion. Self-drafted mean I cut it myself without the use of a pattern. In this particular case, the skirt is made with a rectangle a little more than twice as wide as my waist and at my desired length i.e. 56" wide and 22" long (make sure to add a little length for hemming). Hope that helps!

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