This Matches Everything!

a modern retro dress

Sew Serendipity Monique dress

geometric printed dress

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.

effervescent print

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.)

bubble fabric

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.


36 Replies to “This Matches Everything!”

  1. 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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    1. 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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  2. Pingback: 31 Days: Color – Day 7: Red Skirt Dress | beautiful objects

  8. 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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  9. 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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    1. 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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    1. 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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  12. 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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    1. 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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  13. 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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  16. 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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