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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Amanda vs Sureau Dress

Let's start with some real talk. 

For all intents and purposes this was meant to be a muslin for the Sureau dress sewalong hosted by  ::paunett:: and the designer of the pattern, Deer & Doe. I mean, I used stash fabric (I like to make a muslin in something colourful because it keeps me cheery as I make adjustments), I corrected fitting issues (nipped that sucker in the waist by an inch) and didn't even bother with facings because it was a practise. But as I roughly finished the bodice up I realised this pattern and this fabric were totes meant to be. I mean, random cotton and Amanda trying to decipher a French pattern should really end up as a hot mess but in this case it was cute as a button! I carefully unpicked all of the basting and set to work sewing this sucker up properly. And check out the finished result. Hello epic sundress!


So this frock is meant to be a lovely long sleeved number but it is summer here and time to show off the buff guns arm meat. I omitted the sleeves in this version and instead used self made bias binding to finish the neckline and armholes. One thing I forgot to consider was to take these seam allowances in a bit to compensate for the fact I wasn't sewing in a facing. Oops. At least my arms are now enjoying an extra 2/8" of coverage! 


And this pattern is so great my Sureau even looks rather snazzy at the back! The gathers help create some nice waist definition though looking at this photo I kind of want to add a brown belt. Urge to accessorise growing... 


But enough sassy photos- we need to talk about the pattern...

What I loved:
  • The easy construction of the dress. Everything was out together in a logical way and it was a breeze to construct.
  • The bust gathers. I'm officially obsessed.
  • The yoke. I loved making this white so it looked like a teeny floral tuxedo top. And itty bitty yellow buttons? Hello, someone's on the train to awesome town!


What I will change for next time:
  • Take more care with the bias binding. I didn't clip the curves well enough so I feel that the edges aren't sitting as well as they could. Take your time, Amanda! 
  • I'd like to make a long sleeved version for winter. So that is totes on my list for winter style 2013.
  • Otherwise, there is nothing here to change. Well played, Deer & Doe. Well played!


So let me break this down to y'all in a few a words as possible. I am in love with this frock and I need more Sureaus in my life. I may or may not be currently working on another version in a sassy Japansese fabric but I am afraid I cannot confirm or deny that story until my next blog post. Now, let me distract you from guessing my upcoming project with a sighting of a well dressed T-Rex spotted in front of my house...


RAWWWR!

58 comments:

  1. Noice!!! You are indeed on the train to awesome town! hehe. Looking forward to seeing the next one... this one is definitely perfect for summer. :D

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  2. Ha ha your posts never fail to make me laugh. The train to awesome town! Best thing I have read all day. Gorgeous dress! Love the print. Are these the patterns that are in french? Did that cause any issues when you were constructing it?

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  3. Not sure how your next version could get any better than the first... this is brilliant! The fabric sure does scream 'come get me summer!' :)

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  4. Nice, nice, nice! I finally found my sewing mojo after a long time off and made sure I am using a fun cheerful fabric. Can't wait to finish and blog it. Yay for your cheerful sundress!!!

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  5. Well now thats a bit cute! I can't believe you'd put so much effort into a muslin! I' way too fart-arsed for that. Love the white stripe down the front!!

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  6. Love it, fabric looks so bright and fresh and I like the buttons down the front!
    I have the coat pattern from Deer and Doe waiting to be made up, probably next year because it is so hot at the moment! That dress looks lovely and cool for summer though

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  7. Rawwr indeed! I shied away from this pattern worried it was another indie tiny girl fest- but you have sucked me in like the first episode of Firefly! I must have!!!

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  8. Now that's a lovely happy accident. Can't wait to see it with sleeves!

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  9. Woo woo (that's the noise of the train just pulling out of the station)

    This dress is wicky-wah (not sure who says that anymore apart from me. New trend?) and I concur that we all need more Sureaus in our lives. You've sold me on the sleeveless, I'm so doing that next!

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  10. ZOMG your arms are amazing, lady! Also the dress. But mostly I can't stop looking at your arms...is that awkward? I should go back to talking about the dress, and the happy marriage of fabric and pattern. That print is perfect for a sundress, and I love the tiny yellow buttons! And I feel the urge to belt everything too, so go right ahead, I say!

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  11. You just crack me up. Love that dress. Have been looking at Deer and Doe since they hit the blogosphere (roobedoo has made some epic ones as well). Maybe a holiday project?

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  12. Arm meat!!!! hahahahah.
    Love the dress, bright and colorful yay!! Great work :)

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  13. Thanks, Jacinta! I've just finished the other one and I have to say I think this one may actually be more sassy *gulp*

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  14. they are in French, Kat. I followed along with the ::paunett:: sewalong so that made it easier. In saying that, the instruction book is well illustrated and there is nothing too crazy happening here that I think you could do it without knowing French. I believe that Deer & Doe are launching their English versions very soon so keep an eye out there if you are able to wait.

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  15. Thanks, Jenny! There is something about large florals that say margaritas and floppy sunhats, methinks!

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  16. Can't wait to see you next project, Jillian! It's always fun to use bright fabric to help keep things peppy as you go :D

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  17. Thanks, Pops! It did start as a muslin but in the end it turned into just plain epic. I call it musepic. It's a special word ;)

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  18. Oh, the coat looks fab, Suzy! That will be a definite winner for next winter!

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  19. There can be no higher compliment to me than that, Annie. Captain Tightpants demands you try this frock!

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  20. I'm rather surprised with how it turned out too, Suze! Sleeves are definitely on the autumn sewing list.

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  21. Wicky wah indeed, Sabs! We can so make this a hip phrase! Let us make sleeved versions together :D

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  22. Bwah ha ha! Thanks, Cindy! I've never been a lady who like a belt on a frock but I think it is time to give in to it... :D

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  23. Go for it, Rebecca! The pattern is fantastic and there are so many ways you can customise it!

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  24. Thanks, Neeno! Arm meat is totes a descriptive phrase. Everyone should get on board that one ;P

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  25. Lovely dress! Makes me want to make my own version right now, even though it is winter...

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  26. Thanks, Rox! Give in to the long sleeved version to get your winter fix. You know you want to... ;)

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  27. DUDE. have i been here before? was i drunk if i was? oh the rawr poses and body slamming i've been missing out on...

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  28. Amanda - I love your posts and your crazy photos! Such fun. What a wonderful dress. I think while I'm easily a decade or two older than you that our styles are very similar. Love that print, the white, and the yellow buttons - so dang adorable! May you wear it in good health. g

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  29. Well, isn't this awesomesauce?! Love it!! What a happy story of gal vs. muslin coming up aces!

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  30. There is always a zesty dash of crazy happening this way, Oona. And with Christmas coming who knows what will happen...

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  31. Thanks, G! We can so be awesome style twins- you know you want a floral sureau... ;)

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  32. It was a rad surprise for me, Ginger! Couldn't be happier with this muslin win!

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  33. Pretty pretty dress with a pretty pretty Amanda! Loving that fabric, totes agree it was meant to be.

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  34. Thanks, Tors! Fabric and pattern = joy in this case!

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  35. what a great sun dress! you're right, that fabric goes with that pattern. it looks fun to wear, and you're so fun in these pics, perfect combo!

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  36. So cute!! I lol'd at "arm meat" - I'd say you're more in the "guns" category, my dear; and that's a compliment! :) Can't wait to see more versions! :)

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  37. Rwoooaaar!! This is FAB!! I absolutely love the idea to make it look like a teeny tiny floral tuxedo top! :D

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  38. Thanks, Dixie! I think the pattern really makes this version.

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  39. Cheers, Symon! You know I love my crazy phrases :D I'm going to some photos of my second version today and post them STAT!

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  40. Thanks, Carolyn! I'm getting a bit tux fancy lately!

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  41. I love your blog! I like the way you write & your pics are so full of fun! And then of course what you make is pretty awesome too - this is such a gorgeous bright summertime dress....us in the northern hemisphere can look on & be jealous - enjoy!!

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  42. Why thanks ye, Ms Badger! We've had rain over the Christmas period but it is warming up again. Sundresses ahoi!

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  43. Thanks, Rach! I've been wearing this frock to death lately!

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  44. I love that dress! The fabric is so cute.

    <3 Melissa
    wildflwrchild.blogspot.com

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  45. Thanks, Melissa! I think the fabric really makes this version :)

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  46. This dress makes me squee! It is so cute! Love the fabric, and I am so glad it will be seeing the sun as often as it deserves!

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  47. Yay for squeeing! This has made my evening, Juliet :)

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  48. Totes amazing dress!!! That pattern and fabric really are a match made in heaven xx

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  49. Thanks, Zoe! The fabric really makes this :D

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  50. This is gorgeous! Love the splash of white too. Can't believe it was going to be relegated to the muslin pile ;)

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  51. Thanks, Zo! I have finished my "good" version but I have to say I wear this one far more. I love it when garments surprise you!

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  52. :D Thanks, Kristina! It's my fave of the summer :D

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