Looking to fill in the gaps, I realized I lacked an LBD. Sure, I had a formal one for office parties and funerals, but I wanted one that was made out of a sturdy knit, with little straps (so easy to layer), and a slightly A-line skirt.
I frankenpatterned New Look 6265 (which I used to adapt my Lola nightie) and traced a knit skirt. I took in the sides for a small bust and shortened the straps, cut up a thrift store dress, et voila! An LBD in one sitting.
I wanted it to be slightly above the knee for casual wear, but I might make it an inch longer if I ever make it again. But I love wearing this thing, so easy and comfy, I forget I'm wearing it!
A bit blurry, but paired yesterday with maroon tights, a cardigan, and a white scarf.
Inside of the dress -- the bra/facing. I used some stash decorative elastic -- so easy and fun! I didn't pull it tighter than the hem, per some internets directions, but I may sew it on in a 5/6 ratio next time.
And that's it! Easy to make and wear and super useful. It's in my suitcase now and I suspect you'll be seeing it lots in Me-Made-May.
For years, I was dubious about all the LBD hype but I think I kept buying LBDs that were either too formal, too cheap or too frilly, and they just sat there. But I think I'm finally seeing the world of possibility. I envision LBD 2.0 in a drapey knit with wider straps and a knee-length full skirt. Swish-swish.
What about you? You down with the LBD?
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Ali It's so cute! Yet another knit conquest, but by what you say an easy one. I'm interested that you've tackled a "facing/bra" now. Sounds like an extra level of complication, but you've made it look easy ....
ReplyDeleteIt's part of the original pattern -- very clever way to make the neckline and straps look tidy and have an extra layer of fabric if I go braless. Just like sewing on a facing, easy-peasy :)
DeleteFunny you pair office parties with funerals :o)
ReplyDeleteReally nice and versatile dress. Is it still so cold over there?
I know, it's terrible! But that really are the two occasions I pulled out the formal LBD for. The Bay Area is ALWAYS gray with a few days of sunshine sprinkled throughout the year; it's making me crazy. I miss more regular sunshine.
Deletei'm a big LBD fan. i also think that having simple knit dresses (regardless of color) are a must, especially for the warmer months. yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree! They're a magic weapon, I love love them.
DeleteThe right LBD can be super-versatile. Amazing job on that facing!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, the RIGHT LBD -- I'm already seeing flaws in this one, but that could be the crappy weather (I want it longer). But I'm trying to hold off on buying new fabric and making 2.0, 'cause this might be perfect when the sunshine returns. :)
DeleteIt looks lovely and endlessly versatile! And I love the whimsical elastic on the facing!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually in two minds about little black dresses. To be honest, my lifestyle isn't too formal right now, so I don't have a reason to wear them very often. But since reading an article about colour types earlier this year (it was a great one, and finally told me why I look awful in orange even though I get reddish highlights in my hair during summer... ;) I've been looking more closely at people wearing black. Even though black is all hip and edgy and versatile and whatnot, I think a lot of people have colours that look way nicer on them. And for most events beside funerals, a navy or charcoal or brown dress (or even a red one!) will work just as well. I think your tanned skin type looks great with black, and I like wearing it to go out in summer, when I'm tanned, but it makes me look really pale in winter, so then I prefer other colours. :D
But knit dresses of any type really are a staple. If I could wear a knit dress every day in my life, I probably would. (Hmm. Along with my Macaron. I think.) ;)
Agreed, color is everything. I have the opposite problem: I keep trying to love navy and brown, and besides a few select pieces, they're really not workhorses for me. AND I think too much black can be draining on anybody -- that's why I like the strappiness at the bodice -- perfect for layering cardis and scarves with color!
DeleteAnd you're already there -- knit dresses, Macarons and Macaron-like knit dresses ;)
It looks fab Ali, really versatile too. I have one hand made LBD - it is an BBW dress book A line shift and I used to wear it a lot. It isn't suitable for breastfeeding in though so at the moment I can't wear it. I like black just because I have so many colourful cardigans it is an easy way to dress. I always have trouble sourcing good knit jersey fabric but when I do, I hope to make another jersey dress.
ReplyDeleteI really need to dip into the BBW book -- and that dress will be waiting for you when you're life accommodates it :) And good knits can be hard to find -- and I'm finding myself more and more picky about the weight and drape of the knit -- they can really change the dress. But you've found some lovelies -- striped, no less!
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