Help with sewing decision re hemline ETA have now finished!

Hi everyone - I am back after a longish absence away from home. Will post later with holiday purchases!
Anyway for the last couple of days I have been wrestling with this dress. I pretty much made it up, loosely based on something my daughter owns. (And BTW I have had it with sewing knits - the arm and neckholes took me forever)
It is all done except the hem.

Currently it looks like this (pic #1)

I had planned to do a slightly gathered band at the bottom like this (pic #2) but finishing just above the knee, as I want to be able to wear it without leggings..

Do you think it looks better as is, or with the band (if you can imagine it).

Comments about side seams are also welcomed, since I am still in the stage where I can easily alter them.

thanks!

ETA Have now finished - pic #3

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12 years ago

anne

Veteran

I meant to also say that this is a very casual dress, and that I was going for the sack look.

Nakidra

I think it would look cute with the banding if you can pull it off. I'm so impressed with sewing abilities! It must feel so great to wear a garment that you've actually created!

krishnidoux

Band! Band!

JennyAnne

(website)

Hmm hard to imagine with the band. I think I prefer it without. The second look is really cute with the shorter length, but I don't think it'd be a fab look at the knee. Just my thought.

sgreen

Active Member

I like it with the shorter length and without the band. But I can't really imagine it with the band - so I may be wrong...

Wanted to add that your sewing ability is very impressive - I am trying to learn how to sew clothes this year!

missvee

I'd say band it. It will give the garment more interest and a more modern look.

Isabel

You are really a great seamstress. I love it that young women are retaining this art.

As to the dress, I think I also like the idea of a loose band !

OOh thanks guys. Am pinning on a band right now and will attempt to sew in a way I can unpick if necessary . Photo to follow!

Gaye

I think with a band and just above the knee - you are truly talented

Here is one hopeless photo.

DH says he think I should go a couple of inches shorter, and make the bottom band tighter. I agree I think. He also thinks I should make the bottom band tiny so you can't really see it, but I think a visible band is part of the look I am after.

Thanks for all the lovely compliments. I don't really deserve them. I have done SO much unpicking, and I don't know that my workmanship is such that I would actually buy this in a shop!

Have finished now and amended my initial post to include the finished dress.

Am heartily sick of the thread snapping, pinning things on the wrong side, dropping all my pins and all the unpicking. That's enough sewing for a good few months!

Anonymous

What a cool, cute summer dress! I like it the way it is, but I think the band might make it look a little bit more modern and banish any hint of a "night dress" vibe that it might have if hemmed the regular way.

Oh, that is SO lovely! You did a really good job! I'll bet your shoulders are aching by now. Seem ripping is the bane of my existance. I can't believe you pulled this off with a knit. I'd be locked up in a rubber room by now! Good work!

Jem

Way cuter with the bottom band! I liked it in the first picture until I saw the last one. Super cute!

Thanks Claire and Jem. I am happy enough with it too. I felt it was verging on the matronly before, and am glad I am out of nightie territory too!

san

You did a great job Anne. You made this without a pattern? You're very talented. I like how it turned out with the band and I think it will look good with leggings like in pic #2.

I looks great you must be worn out I don't have that kind of patience - great job

cobaltblue

Way cute! Nightgown no more!

Queen Mum

love it with the band.. I had my reservations, but you've put them to rest! Fun dress!

Thanks! San I made my own pattern using a tank which I modified.
Gaye - too right. I stayed up til after midnight too, finishing it, which didn't help.
Kim and cb - thanks

Carole

Wow, what a transformation.! Super cute. You are one talented lady!

Isis

What a tranformation: from drab to fab!

FWIW, I like the width of the band and the length of the dress!

Debora

It's so nice to have you back, Anne! Love it with the band - adorable! I am amazed with your sewing talent.

Vicki

Wow! I need your talents in Southern California. It looks amazing and I like the band for cuteness and added I interest.

Suz

I'm late here but just wanted to say it is nice to see you, and I like the dress with the band!

Amy

So cute! You did a great job!

Thanks everyone - and especially Amy - I have been checking out your blogs and am blown away by your sewing ability. Your denim jacket especially impressed me.

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