It was love at first sight when I first saw this picture, I wanted to make this outfit for Gene!
The first challenge was finding pleated navy fabric. When I saw a bolt of navy pleated georgette in my favorite fabric store I snatched it up. I knew exactly what I was going to do with it.
The second challenge was finding non-pleated navy georgette that would be a good color match to the pleated fabric.
The third challenge was figuring out how to construct the outfit. Is it a dress? Does it open in the front or back? I couldn't really tell from the picture. I didn't want the dress to open in the back because I didn't want to mess with the collar. I also didn't want the dress to open in the front because I didn't want a seam in the front of the skirt. I decided to make a petticoat, blouse, and skirt.
I love how it turned out.
The forth challenge was the white contrast fabric. I originally decided to use white organza for the collar, lower sleeves, and petticoat trim. The organza ended up being too sheer and wasn't giving me the look I wanted. I though about using white georgette, but decided it wouldn't be crisp enough. I was walking around JoAnns Fabrics trying to find the right fabric with no luck. I ended up in the home dec department looking a white batiste curtain fabric. It was perfect! It was sheer and crisp, and was exactly what I needed.
This outfit is the perfect example of why fashion dolls need to have small waists. If Gene had a more natural waist, she would look very thick in this outfit. There are a lot of layers at her waist!
Hat veils are still a challenge for me.
Remember a few posts ago when I said I was going to make smaller batches? Well, maybe next time. Five people had been interested in this outfit when I had sold it at a convention back in August, I wanted one for myself, and I also wanted to see what the dress would look like with a full skirt made out of the non-pleated fabric.
It looks fabulous in the regular fabric, which is great for anyone who wants to make this with my pattern but can't find pleated fabric.
I also accidentally discovered that the dress looks great without the blouse. She could wear it to a cocktail party.
But I'm not done!
While I was cutting out the navy outfits, I started to wonder what this design would look like in a floral fabric without the sleeves.
I love it!
Gene is ready to go to a garden party.
Pattern coming soon!
