I made a red twist dress! - YouLookFab Forum

Hubby hosted guys night out tonight so I took the evening to sew. And the result? A red twist dress!

The lighting is bad, and the dress isn't nearly this bright - I'd say the actual color is part way between red and burgundy - a nice, deep red. There's sequined stripes that make the fabric a bit wrinkly naturally.

This is the closest I've come to finishing something I sewed from scratch since joining YLF. I was a bit worried because I'm much pickier on fit now. But I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out fitting fine. It's done except for hemming. I may unpick that center front seam that's hanging funny and put a stretchier seam there to improve the drape...

Also, the neckline was too deep for me, so I made a little extra piece to hook into my bra. Does it look hokey?

I'd forgotten how busy this pattern makes me too - is it too bombshell?

Should I hem it here (it'll be 1 inch shorter), or shorten it a bit?

Better pics tomorrow, when I have natural light - I just had to celebrate getting so far on it in one evening

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12 years ago

amiable

Veteran

And now to clean up my mess and go to bed.

Adelfa

Oh wow, that color is great, and you're right, the fit is great too.

I do not think the original neckline is too deep. Necklines go a bit lower for special occasions. Also, you'll be in LA where nobody will give that neckline a second thought. I think it is very pretty. For the same reasons (festive occasion, being in LA) I don't think you look too busty.

I think I would keep the length. Also I think redoing the center front seam might be a good idea, *if* it doesn't damage the jersey too much to unpick the seam.

Very successful venture! Congratulations!

Anonymous

Great job taking advantage of a few hours to yourself! It's a beautiful dress, and the color really suits you. I feel the same way about necklines...the deep one looks fine in a picture, but I'd get nervous in it moving around. Can you make the modesty piece a little bit smaller/lower though? All in all, it's a great pattern for you.

Ingunn

(website)

Wow, this is a beautiful dress! Lovely color, too. I agree that the neckline is just fine, and you shouldn't worry too much about that. Maybe you can add a camisole for more casual wear around the house? Well done, Amy, you are really skilled with the sewing machine.

Deborah

Amy well done. It's a lovely dress. I don't think you need the extra peice at the neckline as the orginal neckline is still modest and doesn't reveal too much. The colour is lovely and I think I could see the dress being ever so slightly tapered into a pencil shape ... just a thought.

Suz

Wow, great job! I agree with the others about the neckline - but of course you have to be able to move around in comfort. If it doesn't gap and drive you nuts, I'd leave it. Otherwise, the modesty piece could be lower/ smaller, as Claire suggests?

Karie

Fantastic job! As soon as school breaks for the summer, I plan on getting out my sewing machine and making some clothes - I hope mine turn out as nicely as your dress did.
I think the front neckline looks fine, but if you're self-concious about it being low, I'd make the modesty piece shorter and wear it that way.
I would also give that center front seam a good pressing - if that does't solve the problem, I'd take it out and put in a stretchier seam.
You picked a beautiful color for your dress, you look fantastic in red!

kkards

i am so in awe that you made that in one evening! WOW, what talent.
anyway, i think the dress is great. love the color. like the others, i think the original neckline was fine, but you're the one who has to wear it, so you need to do what is comfortable for you.
what shoes are you going to wear?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Lovely! The original neckline looks great! Do the sit down test and add fashion tape.

Sara L.

Great job! I can't believe you made that in one evening! The red looks really nice and I like the shape and fit on you. I think the original neckline is fine, but the modesty piece looks good too.

Kristin L

I think it looks great! Very nice job.

Lovely job! I think i like the original neck better than the high modesty panel but you have to be happy and comfy so either tape as suggested by Angie or maybe the panel a little lower? Beautiful colour on you though.

bj1111

Wow...this is a bombshell dress. So lovely on you. That neckline is very flattering. If you aren't comfy, how about a white cami or a chunky necklace to fill in?

pil

You're going to have to start taking orders. In your "spare" time : )

Sona

I think you need a better bra. otherwise I like it.

Beth Ann

Yes! Good work, Ami! I concur with the others about the neckline. I think fashion tape, and maybe a wonderful statement necklace, might look terrific. A one inch hem should work well, just make sure it's hanging the same, front to back. I like to have a friend pin my dresses and skirts using a yardstick, so it's the same distance from the floor all around. I think the center seam is pulling a bit. Sometimes I use just the smallest bit of zig-zag in my stitch to allow it a little more give in the seam.

kayt

Active Member

Lovely dress and color. I think you look fresh and fetching. I don't know think you need the modesty panel, but I also understand how you might feel uneasy about the neckline. If you want the panel, I would lower it and/or modify it so its not so severe or straight across as it it takes the flattering v neck and makes it a bit less flattering square neckline. Ideas for panel changes: echo the v, cut it to a gradual curve, drape it with gentle folds. Ruche it down the center with elastic or elastic thread, use a sheer panel in the same color or a contrasting red, but not a contrasting color (ie keep it monochromatic), at most I think the panel could be only an inch or two above the point of the v and still serve its modesty/comfort purpose. You also might handstitch the v together thru the facing seams on each side. You really have a winner going here you should be proud.

catgirl

Although I am utterly cleavage-phobic, I think the modesty panel really takes the dress down from dressy. The V neckline is super flattering. This is why I don't wear wrap dresses - I feel like I need cleavage coverage and a cami makes them look frumpy on me. Maybe a different bra would help you feel less exposed? I really don't see any overexposure here, and I am SUPER sensitive to that issue.

What a seamstress you are!

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