I present to you - Anna dress, By Hand London

Monday 22 July 2013


Hello everyone,

Sorry I've been gone a couple weeks... thought I might get my Victoria Blazer finished to show you last weekend but there were some unforeseen cock-up circumstances, and I had to run to a barbeque...
Therefore... no blazer

That being said, it has been finished, and will be along (and explained!) very shortly in blog form!

This evening however, I'm gonna show you my new Anna dress - and I really love it. 

I wasn't expecting to love it this much... I have always loved bodices with kimono sleeves so I knew that would be perfect (and aren't the bodice pleats beautiful?), but I was very tempted to put the bodice with a fuller skirt. I felt that, for at least its first incarnation, I should stay true to the pattern and bring it to life as it was dreamed.

And until I tried it on, and saw these photos, I wasn't convinced.... But now I'm hooked.




I'm so proud of it!
I started tracing it during last week, and took it slow, but it came together so fast, it was a pleasure to sew.
A very satisfying make.

I was torn between a fitted 38" bodice and a roomy 40" bodice, so I traced off both, and overlayed to see where the grading was. I went smack bang between the two, (keeping the smaller waist) and it has turned out really comfy. No FBA, no nothing. (add: I did cut the skirt panels longer than the midi length)
I was seriously concerned that the waist was going to be too small about halfway through sewing it up, but clearly I had nothing to worry about.

I was a bit scared that I would mix up the skirt pieces and sew the wrong ones together (as there are 7 pieces!) so I took it slowly, and did the front pieces first, and then the back. The notches did help, but I am wont to forget about these helpful hints sometimes.




I didn't line the dress, as the pattern intended. With the current heat, I thought it would be nice to have something lighter! 
I finished the neckline with the facings included. I tried to get away without topstitching the neckline, to keep it clean, but I think I will go back and topstitch it later as it keeps trying to peek out!

I pinked all the seams, as I felt it would be nice for a change. It all feels nice and soft against my skin, and nice and light for this weather!





The floral cotton is very light. It was purchased on Goldhawk Road back in April.
 I was worried about what fabric to use - with all the skirt panels, I didn't want it to look all funny directionally (depending on the pattern of the fabric), but this floral doesn't even show them very much!
Or is it my excellent pattern matching? 
(nah)



Happy Happy!! Can't wait to try it with a fuller skirt soon :)


Emmie 
xx



26 comments :

  1. Dude that looks so pretty on you! You've done such a great job and I love your fabric for this one. Can't wait to see your blazer xx

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  2. Very pretty Anna dress, looks lovely on you! I had no idea there were so many seams in the skirt.

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    1. I know! but quick to sew up as they're all straight!

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  3. It looks fab, the fabric is so pretty!

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  4. It's gorgeous! Might have to get this pattern. Lovely.

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  5. Its so pretty! I never realised there were so many panels - you can't see them at all. Well done!

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  6. Wow this is lovely. Very pretty and summery

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  7. Emmie, this looks amazing on you! It fits so well! I'm half way through mine and now I've seen yours I can't WAIT to finish it!

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  8. This looks fabulous on you Emmie - love it! Must sew mine up this weekend!!!
    I really adore that fabric, it's so sweet and very 'you'

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    1. Thanks! You'll have it together in a couple minutes!

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  9. Gorgeous! I love the floral print.

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  10. Ooo! Your dress is gorgeous, I love the fabric and it looks fab on you. I've been looking forward to seeing some finished versions of the Anna dress, and your's is the first. It's such a lovely dress, but I'm not buying the pattern just now, I have too many other patterns I haven't sewn yet!

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    1. I'm the same, but I can't help myself sometimes!

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  11. You might be the first cab off the rank for this make, first one I've seen anyway. It looks sooooo good, perfect fabric choice as well. I can't wait to make mine up.

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    1. I'm sure it will be beautiful! Suprising how good the fabric is, I used it because it was the only one that was pre-washed!

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  12. Oooh! Your Anna dress is lovely and fits beautifully. Can't wait to make one myself.

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  13. Ah I love your version, so pretty and the fit is perfect. I've just finished my Anna dress and wore it today for the first time, it's such a great dress for summer. x

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  14. looking gorgeous in your new dress! can;t believe how many panels there are, gives it a great shape though :D I have googled the pattern and I like the look of the long version too! xxx

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  15. This is so lovely! Great job, girl!

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  16. Doll this is bloody lovely. What a swishy swish lady you look :)

    xxx

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  17. I'm so daft. I didn't recognise this as an Anna, yesterday. Too distracted by the pretty fabric! And I certainly didn't realise it had so many panels. Perfect print for that! Can vouch for it being such a great fit on you. You looked gorgeous as always yesterday! x

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  18. Ahhh, that fabric is amazing!! Love this!! Anna is such a great pattern :D

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  19. Beautiful floral fabric choice for this dress! Looks great on you!

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I really adore reading your comments :)

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