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Featured Seamstress: Amanda

amanda

Name: Amanda

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pattern Used: Oolong

Blog: Sewin’ in the Rain

Her post about the pattern: Colette Oolong: The Sydney Harbour Dress

What kind of fabric did you use? A beautiful Japanese cotton I bought at Tessuti Fabrics in downtown Sydney on a trip to Australia 2 years ago. I love the raised threads in the fabric, it really highlights the bias cut of the dress.

How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? My best friend came fabric shopping with me and called this cotton print “very Amanda” when she first spotted it. She knows me too well! To bring out the orange-red color in the flowers (sadly only visible in a close-up photo), I added the ribbon bow to the neckline and the fabric belt at the waist. For some reason, the little bow makes me happy as I type away at my desk :) I was also inspired by the above knee length cut of Handmade Jane’s dress. I’ll definitely be making more versions this way!

What thoughts do you have about the project? I love the Oolong pattern, this is my 2nd version! Once it’s cut out it comes together easily and it hugs what little curve I have, which is always a plus. It’s nice that you don’t have to worry about installing zippers or buttonholes. One thing I’ll keep in mind for next time is to use a slippery lining if I plan to wear a dress in winter; I used a soft muslin for the lining and found that it clung to my sweater tights as I walked. I’ve never really worn dresses/tights in winter before so this was a good lesson learned!

Thanks, Amanda!

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin is the Colette Patterns design assistant. You can follow Caitlin at her blog, the story girl.

Comments

Francesca

February 20, 2012 #

Your Comment…
Gorgeous! Love it. Hint – if you want to be able to wear your dress without it riding up your tights, just stick a half slip underneath your lining. when I got back into wearing dresses in winter it really got on my nerves and I don’t always feel like lining things – found a couple of my mum’s old half slips and they’re brilliant!

Amanda

February 20, 2012 #

Thank you, Francesca! I definitely found the half slip to be a very important addition to this dress, glad to have your comment confirm this :)

Debi

February 20, 2012 #

YAY Amanda! I just love her blog and her creations!!!

Amanda

February 20, 2012 #

Thanks so much, Debi! So wonderful to hear after a long day of moving furniture!

Shaerie

February 20, 2012 #

Your dress looks fantastic, Amanda! It’s been a pleasure keeping up with your projects on your blog.

Amanda

February 20, 2012 #

I owe my love of sewing to you and your amazing crew at Sew L.A. for getting me started on this great adventure, Shaerie!

Chelsea

February 20, 2012 #

Your Comment… *Beautiful! And great shoes!!

Michelle Bannon

February 20, 2012 #

Love the dress & the shoes. The fit is wonderful & the style very attractive on you. Nice work!

Maddie

February 21, 2012 #

Great job Amanda! And I too love the pattern of the dress. Adore it, actually…

Amanda

February 22, 2012 #

Thank you, ladies! Your comments are very much appreciated!

boocat

August 13, 2012 #

Love the dress. I would kill for your shoes. Who made them?