Listen……..I know I’m completely out of sequence with these posts, but I have made and photographed so many looks the last few months, finding the time to get them loaded has been a challenge. That brings me to my next issue……..I need an assistant/office mate/intern something. email me if you know someone or you are that someone.
Now on to this post!
I needed a dress to wear to a wedding, a Nigerian wedding, my first Nigerian wedding. Everyone told me to make something over the top and colorful. I chose to go in the opposite direction completely and I’m glad I did. This dress was comfortable and I felt great in it.
It was made using a neoprene I picked up from Mood Fabrics #115412. You already know I’m the biggest fan of neoprene, but this 1.5mm heather gray is spectacular. It’s by far the most comfortable neoprene I’ve worn. It feels more like a sweatshirt material with structure if you can picture that.
It was made using McCalls M5927 with the following alterations:
-Added 3″ to the height of the neck
-Cut a V in the back
-Cut a vent at the front neck
-Replaced the skirt with a self drafted skirt by measuring from the bottom of the bodice to determine the length you want the skirt. Measure your hips at the widest point and cut two pieces of fabric with those dimensions. Fold the back piece of the fabric lengthwise and cut it in half. Using a 5/8″ seam allowance sew the back pieces together baste stitching from the top down 9″ for the zipper then sew the side seams. Matching the bodice side and back seams to the skirt side and back seams, pin together. With the excess fabric at the waist of the skirt, make two darts, matching up with the darts of the bodice. Adjust the size of the bodice to fit. Once the skirt and bodice darts match up and the seams are matching, sew the skirt and bodice together making sure you baste across the zipper seam. Attach a 19″zipper, try the dress on inside out. To create your perfect fit, pin the skirt where needed and mark with chalk. Remove the dress and make the appropriate fit adjustments then trim the excess seam allowance.Measure the circumference of the hem of the skirt and cut a piece of fabric 6″ wide x 2x’s the circumference. Attach the trumpet by pleating as you go around.
-Replaced the sleeves with self drafted sleeves.
Chandler’s dress was made using a light weight wool and a self drafted pattern.
Heels: Jimmy Choo
Clutch: Bottega Veneta
Chandler Dress: DIY
Sneakers: Nike
Bag: Target
This dress is elegant and beautiful. I’m sure that you stood out in a great way!