My Cambridge Blue: Vogue 8511

Yes, yes, Cambridge blue is a lighter shade of blue. But this post has nothing to do with the University sports teams, or the Boat Race. It's all about my blue dress, made during my oh-so-lovely break in Cambridge.

V8511

Can I just say, I love this make. I am so pleased with how it turned out. These photos are all taken after work (hence the bad light, slightly crumpled dress and tired looking me), and it was a real hit in the office!

I spent a lot of time fitting this dress. I cut a 10, in both the bodice and skirt, and ended up making a lot of minor adjustments and tweaks to get the bodice to fit right. Including:

• Removing the standard 1" increase in length. I usually need to lengthen a bodice by at least 1", but it was totally unnecessary for this dress, and I ended up pinching it all out when fitting.
• Taking about 1" off the top of the back bodice shoulders.
• Taking in the sides of the bodice by 1/4" on each side.
• Pinching a few random bits of excess fabric from the front neckline.

It probably could do with some more adjustments. In the photo above, it's a bit wrinkly around the waist - I don't know if this is because I'm twisting around slightly, but I wonder whether the next time I make this, I should start with the size 8 bodice - what do you think?

The bodice is self-lined. The instructions had me all confused about how to do this, but I had an excellent assistant in the shape of Mr Pins & Needles (who came in very handy with the fitting, adjustments and compliments!)

And, I am no longer afraid of zippers! I used Tasia's amazingly clear handpicked zipper tutorial, which made the whole process a delight (especially as I got to finish off the zipper while sitting out in the sunshine).

Wait a minute, that isn't the lovely Liberty fabric you talked about in your last post?!
Yes, I know. But just look at the pleats! I was concerned they might get lost in the busy floral print, and they don't deserve that!

I still have plans for that lovely Liberty fabric - all will be revealed soon! But here's a close-up of the fabric I used for this dress. It's a soft, brushed cotton (£3/m from Classic Textiles, Goldhawk Road):

I really enjoyed making this dress. Having the luxury of a week in which to do it, meant that I could really take my time over each step, and this especially made a difference during the fitting stages. I know that dressmaking isn't a race - it's a hobby, and I have all the time in the world to make these clothes for myself. But with the limited time available during the working week, I usually find myself trying to do too much in too little time. The experience of taking my time with this dress has made me realise that there's no need to rush it and I'll get better results if I go slowly.

And one last thing. A while back, I mentioned a third Sorbetto. Well here it is, and it's ok:

oops - very crumpled!

It's my first ever refashion - I used one of Mr P&N's old shirts. I think if I use little red buttons, it will probably be nicer. It's ok though - but I don't love it.

Back soon with my nearly finished Pendrell!

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