I did it! I completed The Day and Night Dress Challenge organized by Elizabeth Made This! You can read about her Challenge details here. I completed my Day dress – my “Coffee” dress last week. I used New Look 6803 and this 100% rayon. It was an easy pattern and I would happily make it again.
I finally had a chance to take some photos. It is too cold outside still so we are stuck with these inside shots.
This week I finished my Night dress – my “Cocktails” dress. I used this Vogue pattern, V1336, “Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina”. I love her patterns. There is nothing better than looking at your measurements, no matter what they are, and finding out that you have to cut out a size “D” (or whatever). None of the stigma of those old numbered sizes here! My fabric was called Brazil Stretch ITY Jersey Knit – 94% polyester 6% lycra – and such a soft luxurious knit. I love those large pixelated flowers!
This dress could be made in one solid or print fabric only, or colour blocked with a couple or more fabrics. I loved it. It was fun reading the pattern and deciding where I wanted to put my print and my solid. Like planning a simple quilt pattern. After all, it’s up to you!
When I had my pattern pieces cut out, I marked whether they were supposed to be prints or solids otherwise I knew I would mess it up!
Pieces sewn together. Notice the bits of blue painter’s tape on my black fabric? It was the only way I could tell what was the right side!
I have yet to use the stretch stitch on my sewing machine. *shame* Old habits die hard, I guess. I just try variations of my zig zag stitch until I find one that is long and lets my seam stretch. One of these days I am going to have to try one of the fancy built-in stretch stitches!
This pattern had “bands” of fabric to hem the neckline and armholes. I prefer proper facings on my necklines, even the ones made of knit fabrics. Luckily, the back neck facing for my “Coffee” dress fit my “Cocktails” dress too so I only had to draw a front neck facing. No problem!
I think it turned out alright!
The view from the right side of my “Cocktails” dress.
I would happily make this one again too! I wonder if I have some blue knit remnants that I can use next time? What about you? Have you got some scraps you can use up? The possibilities are endless! 🙂
And … The Day and Night Dress Challenge is officially completed!
Happy Sewing!
STASH BUSTING WITH THIS PROJECT? 1.8 meters (141.5 meters remaining!)
Well done on completing the challenge with two such lovely dresses. The colour blocking is really interesting, I might have to check out this pattern.
Thank you! These were two simple patterns and the colour blocked one gave you the opportunity to be original!
Love, love, love the evening dress. Who doesn’t like color blocking!!! Seeing all the pieces spread out is exciting and the finished garment really shines! Great job and the tip about painter’s tape on the right side…so handy!
Thank you Mrs Mole. It didn’t really matter which side of the black you used BUT if you weren’t consistent then you noticed the differences. I’m happy with how they turned out!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Two stunning dresses! Can’t say which I prefer, but might have to yield to my favourite rayon fabric.
Well done, Linda! xx
Thank you! The rayon, although too light for our weather now, feels lovely! 😍
Oo, sounds perfect for down here – high 70’s today & tomorrow (yuck-blah-da****). 😦
Oh 70 would be lovely! We will have to wait a couple of months for that!
I’d gladly send you mine right now, but Mummy Nature wouldn’t like it. Shhh!
😂👍
Two really wonderful dresses Linda! Though I love both, I’m going to go with the colour blocked cocktail dress as my favourite, what a great use of fabrics!
Thank you! I know, I’m still a big fan of colour blocking!
Both dresses are really lovely. Congratulations on completing the challenge!
Thank you! I got a couple of lovely new dresses out of this inspiration!
Cocktail hour just got very stylish! Lovely.
Thank you! 😁
Both lovely dresses but I think I like the cocktail colour blocked dress slightly better than the other. Or maybe ….. oh, both just gorgeous 😃
Thank you! Haha yes the colour blocking does stand out more! 😁
This is such a cool concept. I like both dresses. My fav is the night dress. Good job.
Thanks! It is a cool Challenge, isn’t it! The night dress turned out really special! 😍
I love your night dress. It is really unusual with the colour blocking and a great fit. Both your dresses turned out beautifully. What a fun challenge! Xx
Thank you! I was quite happy to end up with two new dresses!