Blue Rose Dress by Tracey
Pattern, drafted by Tracey and Lindsey Knott
Fabric, Liberty Voile (silk and cotton blend) from B&J Fabrics
Photography by Santiago Vanegas
When I was bitten by the sewing bug, I decided that my best strategy to get better was to surround myself with talented and experienced people and absorb everything I could. I’ve been so lucky to have found wonderful teachers who have helped me to get further along on my sewing journey and I plan on talking about each and every one on my blog. Today, it’s Lindsey’s turn! Lindsey is the head stitcher in the costume shop at the Atlanta Ballet and also a graduate of the fashion department at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She is a supremely talented woman and absolutely lovely to be around. I convinced her to take time out of her very busy schedule to come to my house once a week to work with me on pattern making. And somehow, between the dogs barking, and the kids home sick from school, and workmen around the house, she managed to pass on her pattern making knowledge which I am so grateful for!
This dress is a product of our work together. (Lindsey also helped me with my French Vest.) The skirt is two layers of voile at different hem lengths. I decided to use the wrong side of the Liberty print fabric because it has the sun faded look that I wanted. I lined the bodice in the same fabric so that the right side of the fabric faces the inside of the garment. (I love that the inside of the dress is as wonderful as the outside.) I used french seams throughout the dress which definitely got a little complicated at times with the different layers and trying to remember the wrong side is really the right side and to sew the wrong side together first then the right side together next which is really the wrong side. You see what I mean. And if you don’t see what I mean, then you know exactly how I felt making it! But eventually it all came together. I went a little to deep with the neckline. I’m still trying to master the fit of a neckline and I’m a little baffled that I have so much trouble with it. I struggle to get them to lay the way I want. But I guess that’s one of the aspects of sewing that keeps it interesting–there’s always a problem to solve, a challenge to meet.
Oh, yes, I almost forgot to mention these photographs were taken in Savannah. Such a beautiful place!! Santiago and I did a few photo shoots while we were there, so look for more images from Savannah this summer.
See you next Sunday! You won’t want to miss it. We are going to show you some of my favorite necklaces ever. And Santiago really outdid himself with the images. Have a great week!