Here's my latest...and it even works!
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| Well, it certainly isn't fitted in any way. |
And I wasn't taking any chances after that last mess.
I was totally inspired by Nancy Murakami's rendition of Katherine Tilton's Vogue 8834 blouse pattern. She turned it into this lovely neutral gauze dress. For more about it, go to Marcy Tilton's newsletter.
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| I made that necklace thingy just because |
As you can see, the collar is huge and can be snapped on up to the very end. There's no shoulder seams, just darts (that show) and move the collar up and over from front to back.
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| Bathed in a Golden Glow |
I was going for a mid-calf length, but the fabric kept elongating, like about 4 inches. I was using the fringed selvedge for the hem and sleeve edges so I didn't want to shorten it. So it's ankle length now. I also added some extra snap tape across the back neck from shoulder to shoulder to keep it from sliding off my shoulders. I think it looks cool, like it's even on purpose. I have to fold the dress up, rather than hang it, to keep it from stretching even more.
Thanks to Shams of Communing with Fabric I was made aware of Mari of Seamster Patterns and her Rose Hip Tights & Stockings pattern that's downloadable. They are the best. I used this crazy op arty sheer-ish stretch-every-which-way fabric from my stash which was perfect for tights. And somehow everything just went together. woot woot.
Especially with my latest e-bay acquisition...huh? huh? yea, baby. Slashed, steel-toed boots.
For more close-ups of the dress and patterns used, go to my Clothes for Spring page.
But now it's time for me to join the Gorgeous Gals at Patti's Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday!!!
This just in...Bella's Link-up: Project Pao features me (!) as a Secondhand First Fashion Icon. Might as well join the party, I'd say. Hope to see you there.
No, this just in...Let's make the transition with these babies to Sheila of Ephemera for her inaugural Shoe Shine line-up. Ready, set, go!
Still later, this just in...Spy Girl's 52 pick-me-up: black. Check it out.
omg, the boots! And the gauze dress too - so great. Thanks for sharing the fabulousness with Visible Monday, xo.
ReplyDeleteOhh Patti, we do have the coolest boots, don't we?! And thank you for hosting our visible selves every fortnight.
DeleteThe dress, the tights, the boots - I want them all! The dress is really amazing (I have a penchant for not too structured clothes), and being gauze, can be worn in the warmer weather too? A few more inches and you are in kaftan territory, but then you wouldn't be able to see the gorgeous hem so well. With that wide collar it reminds me a hooded jilbab. Lovely, just lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat?! You minimalist, you. It's definitely not structured. I was afraid it looked too much like a witch or a priest, or a graduation gown. But I think the tights helped in that regard...and the fact that it's semi-transparent.
DeleteWell, yes, a minimalist, but I could easily veer towards hoarding. Therein lies the rub; I am an extremist. No moderation for me! Well, perhaps moderation in moderation. In any case, witch or priest is a positive in my book. I occasionally see monks strolling about and swear a monk's habit is probably my idea of ideal.
DeleteYou look so tall and willowy and downright fabulous! I LOVE that tunic dress, the shoes and the necklace. You always inspire me to get sewing! You've done it again! xxxx
ReplyDeleteI've borrowed your formula, Vix - all one pattern maxi - to look taller. Willowly? In my dreams, or my 20s.
DeleteGenius. Another inspiring ensemble! And the tights and shoes. Couldn't be more fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's 'the thrill of victory' moment replacing 'the agony of defeat' one seen previously.
DeleteYou made tights?! Your dress is fantastic, and the boots, omg. I am so inspired by your sewing, you make it look so easy. And the boots...
ReplyDeleteYes, Autumn, and you can make them too with the pattern Mari provides (see comment below). I went to visit your blog, but seems you're not there anymore...Thanks for visiting mine.
DeleteI love your tights! That's such a fun fabric. Thanks for giving the pattern a try!
ReplyDeleteNothing can compare with your green alien muscle tights, Mari. I am so looking forward to our Chicago blogger meet-up!
Deletewow! What an outfit and those boots?!?! AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteHey Hollie, glad you like it, I do too. One thing I've let myself go on after the 2nd year of Project Minima was ebaying shoes. That is, if the price is down and dirty and the shoes are really interesting.
DeleteThis is fantastic! Excellent work Pao!
ReplyDeleteJoni! It was so fun to see and hear about you in Jean's excellent adventure. Miss you. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThe minute I returned home I decided it was time to gut my sewing room. I can't find ANYTHING!!! So I've been thinking of you as I sort, organize, and hopefully reclaim my space. I have to make that dress. Your version is perfect. If it continues to grow, get drapery clips to hike it up/ruche it up. Sheila of Ephemera turned me on to that trick. It's fabulous. I bookmarked the page of Marcy Tilton's patterns, too. I saw several that I want even though I haven't used a pattern in years. As always, you recharge my creative battery. XXXOOO
ReplyDeleteWell that's what gets me to finally stop and sort things out. When I can't find a thing and there's not a spot to work amongst all the mess. And I still haven't let it go to ruin! I figure I have enough snaps going on that dress that I could hike it up every which way with them if need be. I also have a couple pair of mitten garters as back-up...
DeleteI think this is one of my favorites of your outfits. Love the black and the feminine toughness, and the length is perfect. The tights rock, but your boots are EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteLovely when it all comes together like that, isn't it? Because there certainly are those Madame X days. Shoes ARE everything!
DeleteYou are a star- and those kicks are perfect for the launch of Shoe Shine onto Sheila's blog. I do have a weekly link up, now every Friday so I hope to see your beautiful face, and creations there! xo.
ReplyDeleteShoe Shine is such a great idea. What woman doesn't have shoes she'd like to show off?! And Sheila is the best successor ever with all her shoe lovin'. Thanks for all that you do, Bella.
DeleteOh, I am just flabbergasted by those amazing boots! Thank you so much for parading them over to Shoe Shine! That dress is amazing - and I guess you could mismatch the snaps to get even more creative with it!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for officially hosting Shoe Shine, Sheila. Surely, it was fated to be. Mismatching the snaps on that dress is highly probable. I shall henceforth think of it as a creativity in action.
DeleteI just came from Shoe Shine to see those amazing boots - slashes and steel toes! Fab-yooo-lush! And that caftan is brilliant! Marcy Tilton's patterns are amazing and I love how you've adapted it to make it your own.
ReplyDeleteThe Tilton's do have a corner on the market for patterns with a certain style I fit right into, so to speak. yep. I love the expression on your little pix, Val.
DeleteYou are entirely fabulous. That is all.
ReplyDeleteomg is it Amber, as in lost in space?!!!! Amber of the few words? Ahh, but they are choice words at that. So glad to hear from you. Does that mean there's a post out there from you??? I shall see....hmmm....
DeleteOne step closer to posting anyway: swept major winter debris and electrical construction mess out of my photo space today!
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