I was waiting for the right opportunity to sew another Anna, so when I saw the criteria for the first week in Indie Month, it was a no brainer. A dress, you say? Just a dress?! Well, hello! I was already raring to go on this one, with the perfect fabric and a tested pattern lined up on my table. I was just waiting for the right incentive (or a tough pill) to go and get cutting.
Some of you may have seen my gorgeous Cracked Glass silk on Instagram already. I fell in love with this fabric the minute I saw it. It’s a beautiful crepe de chine from Tessuti Fabrics in Sydney and I really do need to send out a big thank you to the lovely Colette for sending this amazing treasure my way. I am one exceptionally lucky and ever so thankful gal!
I’m sure you will all recognise this dress as an infamous BHL Anna. But you can probably also see that I’ve made a few changes to it. Given the quality of the fabric I was using, I felt this dress deserved a lining. I fully lined both the bodice and the skirt in China silk from Mood. To do this, I kept the facing pieces and simply lined them up to trace over the remaining bodice pieces that would attach to it.
Other changes I made were:
- dropped the front neckline by 2cm
- dropped the armscye. I wanted a looser, drapier look around the armscye. I’d also drafted cuffs to attach to them but I chickened out on this at the end. I was seriously TERRIFIED of ruining this dress! I still have the cuff pieces and can still attach them if I change my mind.
- lengthened the bodice by 1cm
- ditched the skirt and drafted a simple gathered skirt instead. Of course, I added big in seam pockets too because every skirt needs pockets!
And that is it. I love the longer, tea length in dresses and skirts right now. And I love the pretty, whimsical feel of this dress. It is magnificent to wear and it meets the strict princess criteria set by my three girls. Hubby is going to have to take me out on a date now so I can wear it!
Oooh, just gorgeous! I really love the length and the lowered armholes!
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Yes! Just like Gail, the arms are wonderful and oh this fabric is just so gorgeous. Your husband absolutely needs to take you out on a hot date!!
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really pretty dress! that fabric is to die for!
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Thank you!
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Thanks Kirsty!;-)
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Thank you! I smile everytime a see that fabric 😉
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Beautiful dress and fabric choice! You look great in it 🙂
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Thank you so much Hana!
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Ooooh beautiful! Agree about the armsceyes, they look great and really emphasise the kimono shape. Bet that silk feels amazing to wear.
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Spectacular use of that fabric! Love the mods you made too.
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ooh, this one is so lovely! great pairing of fabric & design 🙂
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gorgeous dress! that fabric is spectacular, just a perfect pairing!
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Absolutely stunning, I love the tea length on you. That fabric is incredible, great job.
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Debbie it's spectacular! You look gorgeous and so very happy with it, and you should definitely be taken out to show it off.
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loooooooooooooove!!!! i did an anna last month with a gathered skirt & the shape is so great. you look so romantic!
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Oh Wow. I just adore this dress. The changes you made work with the fabric so beautifully.
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TOO cute and the dress is the perfect foil for this fabric and pattern.
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