When I saw that Pattern Review were having a contest called 'Inspired by the Movies', I immediately thought of this dress pattern. The pattern is the sheath dress worn by Romy Scneider in the movie 'La Piscine'. It is called the 'Elegant Escape' dress and is available to download in size M from Savage Coco Patterns for only 99c. What are you waiting for?!
Here is my inspiration picture:
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I have made this dress once before and I always get compliments when I wear it. This time I wanted a different look so I made a few small changes.
I accentuated the lovely topstitching detail by doing it all by hand in thick thread. This took a while and I did redo several areas to get it as straight as possible. I actually like the slightly imperfect hand-sewn look. I also made the front pockets into proper welt pockets instead of faux pockets and I added two long darts to the back of the dress, either side of the centre back seam.
The fabric is a fairly lightweight stretch woven in navy from Textile Traders. I chose it so it would look classic but also be practical for my lifestyle with two energetic boys!
The dress is not difficult to make and I enjoyed taking the time with the topstitching.
It was very difficult to emulate Romy Schneider's pose for the photo, but I did my best!
I'm outta here - elegantly of course!
That looks great. It's a great idea to add hand stitching to enhance a solid. My efforts would look too wonky.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think it's the wonkiness that adds that certain something, don't you?
DeleteVery clean cut and rather elegant dress.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do love a classic style. Thank you.
DeleteFantastic dress! I love the topstitching -- it really makes the simple dress special. You did a great job emulating the pose!
ReplyDeleteYou don't know how many times I walked up and down in front of the camera to get that pose! Thank you for the comment.
DeleteGreat dress. I imagine you can also wear it into winter with tights and boots.
ReplyDeleteI haven't even thought of winter with the hot weather we're having, but that's a great idea!
DeleteYour hand-stitching takes this from ordinary to elegant. Great detail!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks!
DeleteFabulous dress and Katherine is right about the effect of the detailing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great warm weather, every day elegant dress. You look great.
ReplyDeleteThe inspiration dress is nice, but yours is exceptionally beautiful. The hand stitching is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete