Well, we got there. Just. This girl was started before Christmas, interrupted by Elisalex and then a number of sewing, unpicking, sewing, lots of hand sewing, and button making later, just before the stroke of midnight last Saturday, she was done and dusted! Finally.
This lady just didn’t want to come together. I was sewing things on backwards and upside down, which resulted in a lot of unpicking of both stitching and overlocking. On the plus side, I am now an expert at unpicking overlocking. If I haven’t already blocked it from my memory…
I had a special guest photographer for my Ceylon, thanks lady! These photos were taken in St Kilda, and although we snuck off into an alley, unfortunately we still attracted a little audience. What a let down for them when they realised it’s just little old me lol.
If you know the lovely Ceylon at all, you’ll have noticed that my sleeves are different. Not the short puffy sleeves as per pattern, rather some neat little caps. I used the sleeves from Victory Patterns’ Ava. No, I haven’t actually made Ava yet, I just used her for her sleeves 😉
I didn’t make too many other changes really, added length to the hem (nothing new there) and added some darts in the front waist panels for a closer fit.
Actually, there was one change that I made to the whole construction approach. The instructions tell you to apply and top stitch your pieces together, rather than the usual, “good sides together”. For my sanity, and for neatness, I stuck with “good sides together”. As far as I can tell it didn’t make any difference.
The fabric is an absolute delight to wear. It’s a Japanese cotton from Tessuti called Black Hanataba. It’s so light and comfy, and I have some left… so there may be a very similar looking top somewhere in my future.
I felt this dress required covered buttons, so taught myself how to make them – yep, 16 of the buggers! Then I had to sew them all on!! I think it was worth the effort though.
And of course 16 buttons required 16 button holes, 5.75 cms apart. LUCKILY, my machine was being friendly so this did not result in an ugly tantrum.
I blind stitched the hem by hand. I also did the back neckline facing so that it won’t flap around. I actually find hand sewing quite relaxing – anyone else? I think I watched about five episodes of The West Wing while doing all the hand sewing, button making and button hole cutting.
That’s it! Oh yeah, how funny’s this pic?! Unplanned, wind came and lifted my skirt and it was all caught on camera hahaha.
I just remembered. Another user generated problem with this dress! Lets just say the inside hem looks interesting – the front panels have a 5cm allowance, and the back a 2 cm allowance. I’ll leave you to ponder why. Because I really don’t know how it happened lol!
What are you guys sewing right now? Right now! Well maybe after reading this 😉
Z xx
Very stylish dress. Well worth all the effort. Looks like a fun photo shoot.
Thanks Anna 🙂 It was fun!
Your dress turned out beautiful!!! I recently made 8 covered buttons and that felt a lot so well done on continuing. I think the ava sleeves really work roo. Well done.
Thank you! Oh you should have seen my face drop when I thought I’d finished with all the buttons and then realised there were actually six more to go..
It’s beautifull! I have the pattern already cut out, and planning to make it. After seeing yours, I want to make is asap! The fabric you used is lovely too, and the little cap sleeves suit the fabric really well. I guess they’re better suited for pairing with a cardigan too?
Good luck with the pattern! These sleeves are great for a cardigan 🙂
Gosh, Zo, this is wonderful! Well done – the fit is just beautiful and the Marilyn moment photo is adorable 🙂
It was pretty funny when it happened, especially with the small yet apparent audience!
Well this is all kinds of awesome! Ceylong never quite did it for me – and I know now that was because of the sleeves – the Ava sleeves on this are perfection! Definitely worth the wait 🙂 Great photos too!
Thanks Poppykettle! I prefer the freedom these sleeves give too 🙂
I love this dress on you… it looks fabulous… well done with all the hand sewing and those buttons too! You sure do look like you had a fun photo shoot and what a great place to take the photos as well 🙂
Thanks Chris! The shoot was heaps of fun 🙂
It all worked out beautifully…including the photoshoot!
hehe, it was a slug, but I got there 🙂
Holy Moly! I am in Love! I think this is my most favourite version ever, it looks gorgeous on you!
Oh wow! You’re too kind!!
Love it! It’s chic and beautiful. Love you photo shoot, too! The graffiti is pretty cool.
Thanks Tia 🙂 We stumbled on the location, happy with how it turned out!
So glad you didn’t give up on this dress cause its gorgeous! Loving all the detail and the great fit. Awesome!
Thanks J! Luckily you didn’t have to hear all my grumbling along the way 😉
Gorgeous:)
Your dress is gorgeous, and the covered buttons were definately worth the effort.
Thanks Lynne, I’m happy with them too 🙂
Wow that has to be my favourite Ceylon so far! I have this pattern and I have put it off because I really really want to do an amazing job in an amazing fabric…gah and you go and lift the bar even higher, thanks! Hehe, just kidding, so much amazing xx
I love wearing Japanese cottons or linens, Tessuti gets so many amazing fabrics, super jealous! My little Tessuti stash from my visits there is dwindling, I’ll have to pop over for some more soon 😉
Mwah ha ha, it was my evil plan all along 😉 Do it now! This is my favourite cotton ever, it’s just spectacular to wear. You’ll have to let me know when you in at Tessuti, I’ll guide you – can’t leave a visitor all on their lonesome in a fabric store 😉
*I am writing it in my diary: “Trip to Melbs & fabric shopping with Zoe” 😀
I do want to get my butt over there hopefully later this year or early 2014, hang out with my SIL…and of course fabric shop 😉
What a knockout dress Zoe! I’m totally with you on hand stitching – it’s such a nice touch to a handmade garment.
Thanks Hannah!! I agree, we put so much effort in, might as well go all the way with those final touches 🙂
Check you and your rad self out, Zo! This looks absolutely epic, lady. And best unplanned photo ever!
bahahaha, I’ll check myself out (and cringe lol)
This is so gorgeous!! I absolutely love the fabric you chose – perfect for the Ceylon! You’re such a babe in this dress!
Thanks Sallie! Spoil yourself with some of this fabric – it’s such a winner!! 🙂
Oh I love it! My hat’s off to you on all those covered buttons and their buttonholes, too. The finished dress is just fantastic. There should be more lightweight gorgeous cottons in the world so they can be shown off like this!
Thanks Tasha!! I heartily agree, I want my whole wardrobe to be made of this fabric… well maybe the summer part anyway 😉
Beauuuuuutiful! I wanna make another one now!
Dooooooooo it! 😉
You look great! I saw your feature on Collette patterns today and wanted to give you a shout out.
Thanks Maddie! Awesome to hear you like it, love your style 🙂
This is the best looking Ceylon I’ve seen on the internet!!!
Wooooah Helen – thanks!! 😉
Cudos for the wonderful dress! Lots of work/handwork paid off: the stitches and the buttonholes are super neat! Absolutely adorable! I also love how you styled it: red bag is what a girl need with a killer dress!
Thank you! I’ll let you in on a little secret, red handbag was nothing but a happy accident – turned out well though 😉
Seriously gorgeous Zoe! I love this but have to say I’m a little intimidated to make it. It’s just lovely though, really classic with a vintage edge.
Thanks Kerry! Don’t let her intimidate you – show her who’s boss 😉
Damn! This looks great! Nicely done, girlfriend!
Why thank you! ;p
I love your dress! It’s so flattering and the fabric is gorgeous! I think you made the right choice with the covered buttons, as they don’t compete with the great fabric.
Thanks Gjeometry! I’m really happy with the buttons, naughty as they were 😉
Love the dress! Beautiful fit – you look fabulous!!
Thanks Jenny!! I can’t overstate how gorgeously comfortable this thing is to actually wear!! Wore her today, loved it 😉
Absolutely gorgeous! And isn’t the west wing the best hand sewing tv accompaniment? I think it’s because you can ‘watch’ it without actually having to look at the screen the whole time, listening is sufficient for most scenes (especially when you’ve watched it a few times before, like I have)
Thank you 🙂 This is my first time around with West Wing, so I keep finding myself distracted and actually want to watch the screen! Pft, what’s with that?!
I´d swear I left a comment here, because I definetily drooled over your new dress and I can remember the last photo that is just fantastic! I need dresses, and some Spring in my life. I love how this one looks on you. And you are a very enterteining writer!
Wear this dress a lot, you look stunning!
Aww thank you! I wear it so much as it’s truly a joy to wear 🙂 Hopefully Spring will be with you very soon! Nice to hear my babble entertains at least one person 😉
I followed the Colette Blog to find you 🙂 I really love the sleeve variation you did. I think it freshens up the whole dress. Just beautiful!
Thanks so much Donna! 🙂
Oh, yeah! Sewing by hand is quite relaxing for me too …. You are soooooo funny in the pictures .. absolutely love this beautiful dress, so feminine … your effort is clearly rewarded!
Really beautiful, you look great. When I look at the pattern I find it quite dowdy and not at all appealing, but your dress looks fresh and modern and I love what you did with the sleeves. Great work!
Love the fabric, it looks beautiful.. I have this pattern, you are making me want to try it!
Your dress is so lovely! Thanks for sharing. The Japanese cotton print is to die for.