The thoughts, sewing projects, and fabric oglings of a dedicated sewist.

Jalie 2921 - Top to Dress

1/25/14
I was very pleased with this dress when I first finished it, but now I'm not so sure.


I love the fabric - Italian Rayon Double Knit in Rhumba red from GorgeousFabrics.com.  It feels great, nice stretch and recovery, and a beautiful deep red color.  My regret is that I didn't make the skirt more flared when I did the whole slash and spread.


I was going for the Lady Skater look but with the Jalie 2921 top, but I kinda skimped on the spread, I think. It's wearable, but when I make this again I think I'll use a 1/2 or 3/4 circle for the skirt to give myself more twirl.

Meh twirl

So here's how I hacked the Jalie 2921 pattern to make the dress:

First, after making the magenta top, I figured out where I wanted the waist to be and then measured down from the bottom of the armscye to know where to mark on the pattern.  I then copied this onto a separate sheet of pattern paper and added an extra 3/8 in the side seams (the double knit wasn't as stretchy as the magenta fabric, but I didn't actually need it - I ended up taking the top back in once I tried it on).

Back

Front

Close up of front
I took my trusty Sew U Home Stretch skirt and made a copy of the front and back.  I then added four lines for spreading (so five sections total) onto the copy.



I then cut up the lines leaving 1/4" intact near the waist.  I spread each section 1 1/4 inches apart and then taped the sections in place on my cutting mat.




I placed a new sheet of paper over the top and traced out the new pattern.




And then I sewed up the bodice and the skirt and joined them at the waist.


It's fine, just not quite my vision.  Luckily, I've got enough knit fabric in my stash to try again!!

And I include these photos just for fun.  I've been experimenting with taking pictures while I'm moving (I set my camera to take five photos on the self-timer) because a good friend told me I look better in motion.  This has given me some better shots, but also some really silly ones!

Invisible hands!

Not sure what I was going for with this look . . .
Next week I'll have the Vogue 8379 wrap dress to show you that I made for a client.  I like it so much that now I want one for myself!
14 comments on "Jalie 2921 - Top to Dress"
  1. I love your dress and you look great in it. It is definitely a keeper as I see it. You look nice and warm in it too which I am sure is necessary with the cold weather you are getting. I bought this pattern after seeing your first tops and I will be making one soon. Once winter comes here in 5 months time, I might just make a Jalie 2921 dress. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is nice and warm, Marjorie. I actually wore it with thick tights and boots the other day, not realizing that the predicted high was 14 degrees F. I was actually just fine out and about (although I was never actually "out" for longer than 15 minutes at a time). I'm glad you're going to give this pattern a try - I'd love to see what you make!

      Delete
  2. I think this came out really nice! Love the color!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't agree on the skirt. I think the aline look is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Lisa.. This is looking good.. You can pair it with a gold thin belt as well:) You know what even I made a bow tied blouse recently :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like this one the way it is! I think the narrower skirt looks more grown-up and sophisticated. I've made a few skater-type dresses for myself, and although I like them, I always feel like it might be a bit of a "young" look. I think I might copy you in the future and make my skirts narrower!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Gail. I get your point about the twirl looking younger. I'll try to channel "grown-up" and "sophisticated" the next time I wear this!

      Delete
  6. I can vouch for the twiry factor of a half circle skirt since I just made one! I think I may be a convert to twirly skirts now after wearing a-line almost my entire life. Anyway, I do really like this dress with the more a-line skirt. But I do think you should try again for more twirl! Love the deep red, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Liza Jane! I love your half circle maxi skirt and I think I will give this another try. I like the idea of the half circle - I think a full circle would just be overwhelming!

      Delete
  7. I understand this didn't turn out like your vision....but it is a beautiful dress! Thanks for explaining your method.

    ReplyDelete