Featured Seamstress: Sue
Name: Sue
Skill Level: Beginner
Pattern: Peony
Her Blog: Sewin’ Steady
Her Post about the Dress: “The ‘Good Intentions’ Dress”
What kind of fabric did you use? I used some lightweight navy blue & white cotton I’d had in my stash.
How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? Casual dresses are a big part of my wardrobe, so I went for a more casual look with the polka-dotted cotton I chose. I really like the Peony’s modest neckline, but thought my version needed a little something extra to spice up the upper part of the dress. I added contrasting cuffs on the sleeves using some navy & white striped scraps and a pop of red piping from my stash.
What thoughts do you have about the project? When I first saw the Peony, I was drawn to its classic, versatile style. It’s really a pattern with almost endless possibilities and I’d love to make it again (and again). I’ve thought of using a fancier fabric and making the contrasting cummerbund belt for a formal look, or going for an office appropriate style using a wool plaid for fall and making the longer sleeves. I’m definitely glad I tried this pattern! It has so much to offer and there’s even room for a beginner like me to add my own embellishments.
Thanks, Sue!
Comments
Emma
April 9, 2012 #
Really lovely! I love the polka dot and the cuffs, looks like a great comfortable dress for summer. x
Alison J Prata O’Grady
April 9, 2012 #
You did a great job! It is great when we discover a pattern that is so versatile!
Christine
April 9, 2012 #
I love the sleeves! Nice job!
Anna Christina
April 9, 2012 #
You definitely have a knack for sewing and a great creative style. I love this dress! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Hannah
April 9, 2012 #
This is SO adorable!
Alessa
April 9, 2012 #
Oh, how pretty! I love the polka dots, as well as the contrasting cuffs and belt!
Congrats on being featured, too, Sue!
rose
April 9, 2012 #
After seeing it in a casual look and with the cute additions I think I might have to go get it :)
maddie
April 9, 2012 #
very very pretty. I like your addition of the contrasting cuffs too :)
Pamela
April 9, 2012 #
I think you will have to upgrade your status from beginner for certain! You have made a dressy dress ( normally) your very own , w/ modifications that suit you and your lifestyle, which is not really beginning sewing anymore~ b/c you are able to see beyond the basic schematic and visualize YOUR perfect dress complete w/ cute add ons and all~
This is a really sweet summer dress, but could just as easily be made for a LBD in the evening,,,its a great idea when you are in the beginning to develop TNT patterns that you will reach for again and again, in fact I like to take a challenge myself to see how many different types of looks I can stretch out of one pattern~ I think you did a wonderful job and most certainly you do have the ” gift” of seeing the ” bones”
of the pattern,, and making it your own! Cute cute dress! Good sewing to you!
Maria M.
April 9, 2012 #
Wow! I love everything about this dress, especially the sleeves. Thanks for the inspiration.
Janet
April 9, 2012 #
Looks beautiful – you’ve inspired me to buy the pattern… and so the list of things I NEED to make grows… ;)
ellen
April 9, 2012 #
Really lovely – the colour, the dots, the length, the fit and I love the contrasting cuffs. Well done!
Sue
April 9, 2012 #
Thanks for the lovely comments, everyone! I feel so honored to be a featured seamstress. :)
Sarah
April 9, 2012 #
Ooh, wonderful job! I love the extra details you’ve added.
emily
April 9, 2012 #
SO cute! Love the sleeves.
Dixie
April 9, 2012 #
Sue, I love this! The cuffs are just darling and I love it with that red belt!
Amanda
April 10, 2012 #
I love this version of the Peony! Makes me want to start sewing right away.
lsaspacey
April 10, 2012 #
Great dress, the fit is perfect and love the added detail. The cuffs were inspired.
Another sewing blogger in Virginia? Woo Wee! With the other two I know about we might almost have enough to arrange a meet-up. Do you know of any more VA sewists out there?
Ashley at The Feisty Redhead
April 10, 2012 #
I love what you did with the sleeves here! I just made my first Peony, and I plan on making many more. I’m taking inspiration from your sleeves and trying something there, even if it’s just a little trim!
Ginger
April 10, 2012 #
This is so cute! Great job, Sue! I love how wearable and sweet it is!
Laurie
April 11, 2012 #
Stunning, really love the sleeve detail