The “Sort-Of Socialite” Dress
The Facts
Fabric: Clip-dot chiffon from Fabric.com’s Christmas sale ~$2, black “Silky Satin” ~$3 and black chiffon ~$3 from Jo-anns
Pattern: Butterick 5450 and the shoulders and bust of this free pattern from Hot Patterns
Year: 2007
Notions: 14″ zipper ~$2
Time to complete: ~20 hours (2 seasons of Big Bang Theory, 4 episodes of Star Trek: TNG)
First worn: For the pics, but I plan to wear it at a fancy work event next week
Wear again? Yes!
Total Cost: ~$12
When Mena first posted this MTL I thought it was a cute dress, and then I noticed the fabric she suggested and almost died! I bought two clip-dot chiffon tops from H&M in 2010 and wear at least one of them every week, and this fabric matches them almost exactly (the clipped threads are slightly more shiny). I bought a lot of yardage not knowing what I was going to do with it. When this theme challenge came up I knew I had to use a little bit and actually make this dress (who couldn’t use another LBD?) I still have enough clip-dot fabric left over to make at least a skirt and blouse.
It was super hard to capture the detail in the photos so here’s a boring hanger-shot. I think it’s a good imitation of the original. Getting the chiffon overlay and main dress to properly sit together with the zipper was a little difficult. There is some puckering around the zip but probably no one will notice except me. Other than that it fits like a dream so that always makes me feel good. I’ll definitely get some use out of this dress.
Well done Liz, working with chiffon is a tad tricky, it looks like you challenged it and won.
Thanks, Kazz! I’ve been surprising myself recently with the things I tackle. Just sew it, what’s the worst that could happen?
Super adorbs! The fabric is very cute!
All hail Mena for finding it! :)
Very cute! Great job tackling the chiffon!
Thanks!
Looks lovely! I really like that MTL too.
lovely lovely lovely
Great fabric. Love the look. Glad you include the hanger shot.