Hey Everyone!
Just needed to write up a quick post about my Elizalex dress that I made up last week! I had seen the pattern a while ago, but hadn't really thought it was a shape that I would wear - That was until I saw Roisin and Tara sporting some beautiful Elizalexes at the London Meetup, and of course after meeting the beautiful Elizalex herself! So I hopped online after the meetup and made my purchase.
One of my favourite things about the pattern is the packaging.. It's just too cool.
This was technically a test garment, as I wanted to practice Princess seams - something I'd not come up against before. I also wanted to cut a size and try it out, see what I would tweak to make it perfect. I cut my bust size, instead of doing a bust adjustment (as I was being lazy, and really just wanted to try out making it up). The waist was supposed to be too big, but it ended up ok - who knows how? Lol. Nothing makes sense in my sewing world!
And this is what came out of it!
I had to use a pleated fuller skirt, as my material was quite floppy and the beautiful skirt on this pattern needs a bit of support! I lined the bodice in a simple cream polycotton. I wanted to get away with not lining it as it was only a trial, but finishing the neck and armholes were going to be a faff so I decided it would be easier and I think it was! I agree with everyone else who has said how fast this dress comes together!
I used the full skirt from my Simplicity 'Project Runway' K2588. (Which I got at the London Meetup - thanks!). So really its only an Elizalex bodice, but its the best bit.
The material I used... to be honest I have no idea what it is! Its a bit odd really, it has a soft brushed front, and a shinier back, but its quite thick and stretchy. I got it in Walthamstow, at £1.50 a metre, as I wanted some fabric to use while I was still getting to grips with the whole sewing business without breaking the bank. It was an odd shop, with odd patterns on odd fabrics, nothing really made sense but I managed to get a couple bits.
But to be honest, now that its in garment form, I'm really liking it.
I actually tweaked the pleats so that they lined up with the Princess seams in the front, and tweaked them from pleats to box pleats in the back. Before I began my tweaking I matched up the side seams, centre fronts and back seams and used all of the excess in the pleats - very happy with myself! Its been a problem getting the right fit in skirts recently and I just winged it perfectly.
I love the scoop in the back, shows off the nice bit without feeling like you're showing off too much skin!
Now there are a few slightly off bits; the front box pleat could be tighter, but there was a random spot on the front of the dress after I made it. It was near the seam so I just trimmed a bit and moved up the skirt a fraction. But i forgot to tighten up the box pleat.The right of the back is also a fraction higher than the left.
But at the end of the day, only I will notice, and I've been getting loads of compliments about it.
Think it's the striking Doggies!
Tweaks?
I'd like to try a smaller size and attempt the bust adjustment (gulp!)
I would like to lengthen the bodice, to see how it would look more on my natural waist, although I surprisingly do like it where it is now - You were right Janene! Speaking of Janene, she just finished her Elizalex too and its beautiful.
Of course I would like to use the actual skirt that it's supposed to have!
And I was to try it with sleeves - never done sleeves! Especially after seeing Tara's beautiful baby blue polka dots, I'm in love.
I had the BF take the pictures - our first photo shoot, and much more difficult than I thought it would be!
That will take practice!
I look like a frustrated 2 year old in this one!
Well, my first solo dress, Hope you like it!
Emmie x