10.07.2010

Dress Design for Shabby Apple dresses.

Photobucket

I've been wanting to challenge myself by sewing clothes for myself, and I've had this dress in my head for a while, but I just haven't had the motivation to put the two together. Then I saw this from Shabby Apple and thought...hmmm...

I should do that.

It's a contest. You design a dress {you don't have to sew it; you can draw it} and they pick their 15 favorites. Then we get to vote on our favorite and it becomes part of their Spring line! very cool.

I've run across some other entries online and have just about chickened out, because they're awesome. Beautifully designed and made. {I don't think I know how to sew. I'm a fraud.} But I'm trying to remember the advice I was given by Miss Montana in the Miss America pageant I watched when I was 13...Don't try and be the best because there's always someone better than you. just smile and try. And vaseline your teeth.
{no thanks.}

So I'm doing it.
Just to try.

The dress:
It's made out of a soft gray baby silk; I wanted something "flowy" with a natural drape, and comfortable!
I needed a dress I could squat down to toddler level in without splitting something.
And it had to have pockets! Pockets are a must when you've got kids handing you wrappers and love notes and grasshoppers all the time.
I like loose fitting stuff. It's hard to find a flattering dress that's not tight and fitted, accentuating the nice long thin waisted curvy women of the world. I have a short, cushy, pencil waist, so tight doesn't work well for me. This does. My muffin top thanks me.

I learned a lot from making this dress. Mostly, I love my seam ripper. We're bff's.

28 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I love it! I would buy it. I'll be sure to vote for it if it makes it to the finals.

Jennifer Dawn said...

I love this! Ok...how much would you charge to make one for Dani and Jake's favorite teacher. :) LOL! Just kidding. But seriously I do want this dress.

Kacey said...

um...i love this dress and i want one REAL bad!

AMBER said...

Uhm LUV it and seriously want one!!!

Alissa Nicolau said...

This * dress * is * AWESOME!

I kinda thought it was a Shabby Apple dress even though I did see your post about sewing earlier... I did think the dress looked familiar, but you can sew lady! I'll totally vote for you!!!

Lori said...

Another triumph! You succeeded! Gorgeous.

christina said...

This is gorgeous!! I'd totally wear it. I love the drapey-ness. That's a word.



-c

chris said...

Wow. I mean wow. And I ditto the feelings of fraudulent sewing. Seam rippers are integral to any sewing I attempt.

Mia said...

I love it! Way to go Cally!

Lovable Lies Family said...

Amazing! and I LOVE the picture, it looks so editorial! And by the way, you can definitely sew!

ShEiLa said...

That is a darling dress... plus I love pockets and grey... good job Miss CaLLy!

ToOdLeS.

Emma said...

Well done... beautiful!

Terry said...

I thought that was a catalog photo - and yet it looked so much like you. I love it. When it wins, I'm going to buy one.

wendy said...

Wait
hold on a minute

is that the dress YOU designed and sewed....is that YOU in it.

I love it.
winner winner, chicken dinner!!!!

and you have NO MUFFIN top my dear
my body is looking like "they" had a mold and poured too much into it

mandi said...

CALLY! Way to go! I'm so excited that you up and did this! the dress is great!

Unknown said...

It looks really good Cally.

So impressed. I like Shabby Apple too.

My only thing is I would have made it about 6 inches longer. Cause I don't want to have to worry when bending over to swoop Caroline up before she reaches the stand in the chapel.

And the whole ward is watching. And I would die to know my junk was hanging out in the back when I bent over. But since your kids are all so well behaved, I am sure the length is just fine for you. :)

Donna said...

Um, yes please.

mer said...

Cally this dress is Gorg! Crossing my fingers for you (that is if I don't enter ;), which I'm pretty sure I won't now...as now I won't have a shot :).

Anonymous said...

what a fun contest...good luck!

rayndrop said...

your blog is lovely. i just came across it from another blog. and the dress is great.

Beth said...

Love it. Really want one. Way to go.

Natalie said...

So proud of you for going for it! You are my Miss America. It's a beautiful dress and you look so great in it too!

Unknown said...

just wanted to let you know that something lovely happened to me the other day…I found your blog…delightful…thankyouthankyouthankyou for the time n inspiration n eye candy

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I love this - it's gorgeous!

TheFamousStacie said...

No more off the rack for you! Love it!

Teresa Johnson said...

Love this dress! Too cute! You are amazing...I wanna be like you when I grow up...Seriously!

Unknown said...

i would for realz buy this dress... if you could make it in a 14 without it costin $600.... but it's awesome and i love it love it love it! you rock, yo!

DMcT said...

Tat is one beautiful dress, Calico. And the bag... awesome.