Green sweater? Absolutely. Yellow tights? You got it. An orange undershirt? Sure, why not. This is the most versatile dress that I own, and I am absolutely in love with the pattern. Obviously, one could argue that a basic black dress would be just as versatile as this, and you would be right, but since it’s my newest make, I just wanna be able to say that I can wear it with everything! – and I probably will. I can’t wait for winter so that I can make it cold-weather appropriate.
I couldn’t wait until next Monday to get this post up, so here you all go, a nice mid-week, Me-Made blog post.
Recently, I seem to be making my favorite patterns in threes. Now with this dress completed, I can say the same thing about the Monique pattern that I got from Sew Serendipity. This is my third one, and with this version, I think I got any issues that I may have had with it out of the way. Specifically, the fit at the front of the arm. I don’t remember if I disclosed it at the time, it seemed very insignificant, but my last few versions were just a bit snug in this particular area. I even went as far as to trace out another bodice this time around, adding a little more room to move. Right before cutting into the fabric, however, I changed my mind and went with the original cut. This material was not something I wanted to experiment with. What I did do, was pay very good attention to which side of the arm facing I was sewing onto the dress. I marked a big F on the front and a big B on the back. The last two makes, I was pretty sure I had them mixed up, and at the time I didn’t think it would make any difference. I am now going to say it did make a difference, because this time, following all the same directions, it came out fitting perfectly in this area.
I also went ahead and made the dress in the called for order with the exception of the zipper. I did that next to last and only because I did not have the right sized zipper when it was time to put it in. Initially, I was kind of worried about how the waist band would line up by making the full front first, then the full back, and lastly joining the two; but it worked out alright, and I even got the bottom border matched up just fine, which made me so happy!
One more thing I want to show you all about the dress, the middle band. It is more than a plain black strip. It also has little circles all over it, only they are much less standout-ish than the rest. (Another piece from my quilt scraps, and I have a lot of them so I am happy to be putting them to good use.)
Details: Pattern was from Sew Serendipity and the material was this from fabric.com. There were several color options to choose from, but I went with ‘primary.’
What do you think? Is this the worst print ever for a dress? Too busy? Or are you with me in thinking that the busyness of it makes it all the more unique? And because of all the bubbly madness, I am calling this the Effervescent Dress. It’s perfect, right? 🙂
You can find the other two dresses that I have made from this pattern here and here.
Linking up with: Craftastic Monday, Creative Mondays, Do Tell Tuesday, Tuesday’s With a Twist, Simple Sequins and Passion for Fashion.
This dress is awesome! I wish I could have emailed you directly because I know this is an older blog post.
I found this very same fabric on fabric.com and was really excited about it, but wanted confirmation that I wasn’t insane for what I was planning to do with it (pretty much the same thing you did. haha) Google search came up with only you with pictures of a completed dress. Do you remember if you had to order very much extra fabric to get the layout right? I imagine that I should order more than what the pattern calls for, but I’m not sure how much.
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I bought 2.5 yards of it when I got it and it was pretty much the perfect amount. I had a little left over to make some bias strips for the neckline and arms of one other dress and that was all that was left. Thanks for commenting. I do get notifications on comments that I receive from older posts, so no worries. I hope your dress comes out well. With this pattern of fabric, I am sure it will. 🙂
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I love this dress – the colors and pattern are fantastic!
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Thank you so much! I am happy with all of the feedback I have gotten on it, and I am really glad to hear that you like it.
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Beautiful dress, I can see it matching everything you wear 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Creative Mondays, pinned and featuring this week at the hop…
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Your dress is gorgeous. I love the fun pattern and colours, I can see it goes with everything. I would definitely wear it!
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Thank you! I am not usually one for tons of color, but I couldn’t pass this material by. It seems it was a good choice. 🙂
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Such a cute dress! 🙂
Tamara
http://www.trulytamara.com
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Thank you!
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What a great dress-love all the beautiful colours & the pattern!! I’m visiting from the Passion 4 Fashion link-up:)
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
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Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comment, and I am glad to hear you like the dress. 🙂
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Bloomin heck, it’s gorgeous!!!! Really lovely dress and yes it goes with everything! Much better than plain black! It screams LOOK at me! x
Lovely to come and see you via Creative Mondays!x
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I think the material makes all the difference. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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I tend to shy away from busy/bright colored prints for my own clothes normally, but I LOVE this choice and would totally wear it. You did a great job & it’s ideal because it’s really versatile to match with so much. Thanks for linking to the Craftastic Monday party at Sew Can Do!
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I don’t usually go with this much color, myself, but I am finding it was a great choice. I am kind of glad I stepped out of my comfort zone with this pattern. I will be wearing it tons!
I am happy to link up, even happier to have come across it. I find so many great ideas with these link parties.
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I really like the fabric and the style. It reminded me of some batik fabric I used here http://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/budget-fashion-accessories/
Batik fades when washed. Yours looks like printed fabric. Is that right? Sue
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Yes, it is printed. Your batik fabric is beautiful. I can see a resemblance. I have come across some beautiful batiks, just haven’t bought any yet. I’ll have to get myself some soon, it is very pretty! Thank you for your comment.
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Beautiful dress. The pattern is gorgeous. Why would you want just black when you can have this?
Alex – Funky Jungle
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I agree. Black seems so boring, really. 😉
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It’s flaming gorgeous, that’s what it is! I LOVE the fabric, I love the pattern and the fit on you is perfect.
It’s a beautiful dress for the hotter weather but the darker colour makes it perfect for wearing with tights and cardies as it gets cooler too. And with heels and a fancy wrap you could wear it for a night out.
In case you haven’t realised I do quite like this dress!!!
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I am so happy to hear that you love it! I was thinking when I made it that it would work out for several seasons; my favorite kinds of dresses are the ones that can be worn all year long. Thanks for stopping by to check it out, and your wonderful comment. 🙂
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Love the material, (especially all the color, and love the dress. You are doing such a great job making your dresses. They look great always.
Sent from Windows Mail
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Thanks! I am really glad to hear that you like them. And thanks again for letting me know about the pattern, I really like it.
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This dress is gorgeous! I do have a weakness for border prints!
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I found several other border prints when I came across this. They are wonderful on dresses! Thanks you.
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I really love your choice of fabric. Lots of personality! 🙂
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Personality, it’s a good thing to have, and clothes can be a great expression of it. Thanks for the comment! 🙂
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I personally agree it’s the wear with everything dress and I do like it. Now where do we get the pattern for one like it or similar .
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Thanks! I am happy to have you in agreement with me on this. 🙂 I found the pattern online from the site http://www.sewserendipity.com. It is called the “Monique Dress.” It is a very easy make, too.
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That is a beautiful dress! Like you said, goes with everything, and so much more interesting than a plain black one. Where on earth did you find the fabric? I think I need some.
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Thanks! It is definitely a stand out, but in a good way I think. 😉 I got the fabric from fabric.com; here’s another link: https://www.fabric.com/buy/0302696/effervescence-single-border-mod-bubbles-primary
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What a gorgeous dress and pattern. Love how bright it is.
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The color definitely caught my attention. I came across it by accident, and I am so glad that I did. Thank you so much!
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This came out so nicely! It really is a nice fabric and while being very colorful it isn’t overwhelming. I also just found your blog and think its great! 🙂 http://trend-mixblog.com/
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I appreciate your comment, a big thank you for stopping by. I am glad that you have found it, and happy to have you following along. 🙂
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