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Apr
17
Melanie, from the Crafty Cupboard, is here to give you her “Flipped Creation”
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You would think that with a color-blocking pattern like this one, I’d actually color block something. Instead, I decided to texture block with a little chambray and lace! I have used this combination before in sewing for my kids, and it was an instant favorite, so I knew it couldn’t go wrong! Since a dress was desperately needed in my 7-year-old’s wardrobe, I stuck to a dress for my pattern flip, and just embellished a lot on an already great thing.
Because the original pattern is extremely simple and give such a classy, modern feel, I didn’t want to mess too much with the lines of the actual garment, but with the addition of lace… well, you need something a little more girly. That’s where the pleated bottom portion comes in- it kind of has a vintage feel now too!
And for anyone, pockets are just an added bonus! Pockets- Check!
The construction of this flip was basically the same as the original, with a few additions. I cut both the lace and contrast color for the top, and basted them together before constructing the garment. I also wanted a definitive separation between the bodice, center, and bottom of the dress, so I added some simple white piping.
Since I had already gone through all that trouble to make the pattern more girly and sophisticated with lace and whatnot, I couldn’t leave it with a button closure- a fully lined dress (I love lined dresses. Love them!) needs an invisible zipper!
I’m not going to lie- the zipper was a little bit tricky because of the bulk from the piping. I had already removed some of the cotton cording from the piping before I sewed it to the zipper, but the seam allowance was still pretty dense. I ended up mis-aligning the piping juuuuust a bit so that the zipper would close without hesitation.
The pockets are so fun! They are angled, hugely wide/tall welt pockets, with a lace bow sewn onto the welt. It took some figuring to decide at what point to insert the bow portion as I was sewing it up, but eventually (after 2 hours- ugh! Trial and error.) I got a fun look that I thought worked great. I made the pockets extra deep, and I’ve found lots of little toys and hidden treasures in there over the past few weeks before tossing it in the wash.
I also had to sneak some other fabric inside the pocket- Pez never hurts any sewing project. 😉
The pleated bottom portion of the dress was a toss up between going lace with chambray peek-a-boo pleats or the other way around… and I opted for more chambray. Blue is forever and always my favorite color (and my daughter’s too so far, probably because I use it for her all the time), so if I have a choice of adding more blue… I’ll do it. I had to cut the pattern piece for the bottom and add in room for a substantial pleat so enough of the lace would show through at her knees. The A-line shape of the original dress was perfect, but the added flounce from the pleats is just so retro-precious!
In my opinion, this is the most perfectly flippable pattern ever! The original is so great, so fast, so fun- but it is also like a blank slate! I am definitely going to pursue other flip ideas with the Color block Dress! Thanks so much for inviting me to participate in a great pattern flip!
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And, in the meantime, link up your “Flipped Pattern”
{there are only a few hours left….the linky party ends tonight at 11:00 PM CST}
10 Comments
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Chambray is one of my all time favorite fabrics, and I adore the feminine touch of lace (and just the perfect amount). The pleated skirt is a perfect addition, too! Great job!
Thank you! I love chambray too, it is a must for every wardrobe!
I really like the texture blocking. Lovely details ~ especially the pockets!
Thanks, my daughter says her favorite part is having pockets too!
Love this! The lace is the perfect addition.
Thanks so much Chelsea!
Really love the color & fabric combinations. Lace & chambray are always a YES in my book!!! The addition of the piping and those fun pockets are just adorable. Well done!
Thanks Angie!
Lovely…and oh so girly!! The fun pop of color in the pockets is a nice surprise!!
Gotta keep everyone on their toes, right? 😉 Thanks so much!