Monday 24 March 2014

An Emery & A Date

There are so many incredible versions of Christine Haynes Emery Dress floating around the interwebs! Obviously I was inspired by them all and snapped up a pattern from Indie Stitches before they ran out of stock again. I knew the lovely Caitlan from Indie Stitches had been working on her version and we were planning a get together so we decided to have an Emery date! I'd also been working on convincing Caitlan to start her own blog for some time and she finally let up and Emery is the star of her very first blog post. Go check out Caitlan's BEAUTIFUL sleeveless version.

 Emery Dress

So, the dress. I traced a size 6 bust-8 waist and hips at a social sewing day where I was much more social than I was sewing. I knew that if I had any fitting issues it may be in part due to the poor tracing.

Emery Dress
With the removable bow belt. 

I used a cotton form Darn Cheap, it's a little dark for my skin tone but I went with it anyway. I used a contrasting fabric for the lining. Note, if your not lining your dress or your using a contrasting fabric than you will only need 2m (maybe less) for Version 1. I used the contrast fabric for a bow and sleeve cuffs. I tried the bow that came with the pattern and it was super cute but I wasn't sure that it was me. So after some instagram advice I opted for a removable bow belt. I wear the dress without the belt most often

Emery Dress

The Emery dress instructions are so incredibly detailed! My dress came together so neatly and quickly following Christine's fabulous instructions. I really felt well supported by them, not once did I feel the need to deviate to a preferred technique or check another resource. However I did machine stitch the hem because life's just to short for hand sewing imo.

Emery Dress

I love the way the dress turned out but I do have some fitting issues. Again, who knows whether its the way I traced the pieces or not? Regardless, next time I need to take some fabric out the center top of the shoulders as the neckline isn't sitting flat. I thought about raising the waistline half an inch as its a little low on me but once I adjust the shoulders this shouldn't be an issue. I find the sleeves a little restricting but I'm not sure whether I need to increase the arm hole or increase the sleeve piece or both. I've already cut out my next version and it will be sleeveless.

Emery Dress

So, back to the Emery date. I'm shattered that Caitlan and I didn't get a photo together (fools!). But here's one of her in her Emery. We had a nice long long chat, visited Clegs and Tessuti, and had lunch. It was so lovely meeting up with someone in real life after becoming such great cyber buddies. I can't wait to see what Caitlan sews up next!

Emery Dress

*Talking Caitlan and her blog up is not part of my sponsorship with Indie Stitches. I genuinely think Caitlan is awesome therefore her blog should be on our blog roll and radar.*

21 comments:

  1. This looks great, Liz! I think the colours are fine on you, and I love the cuff colour against the main fabric. I've just ordered my first pattern from Indie Stitches to make a skirt for my sister in law. Going to pop over the Caitlan's blog now and have a looksie!

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    1. Thanks, Lou! Look forward to seeing the skirt you whip up :)

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  2. Really cute and I think the fabric suits your skin tone nicely.
    Great job x

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    1. Thanks! it feels a little dark but maybe its ok. :)

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  3. Your meetup sounds super fun! And your dress is too cute! I really like the contrasting fabric and the optional belt..

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  4. So pretty! I love the red accents on the sleeves and belt. I'm hoping to get to this pattern soon too!

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    1. Definitely do! It's so versatile and it's Been great seeing everyone's versions.

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  5. I am in need of tracing paper because this is my next project. I like the bold thcolor of the trim and belt. Perfect for a meet-up.

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    1. Thanks. Hope you get your hands on tracing paper soon. I've been using crappy interfacing it's great!

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  6. Such a pretty dress! I love the contrast cuffs, and good call on making a bow belt. I made an Emery not long after it was released and loved it, version number 2 should be happening soon!

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    1. Thanks Ruth, look forward to seeing your number two.

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  7. I've been wanting to try this pattern! Looks great on you!

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    1. Thanks! It's a great pattern. You'd look super cute in to!

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  8. The dress looks lovely, and I love contrasting fabric. I would rather use my machine than hand stitch, too!

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    1. I've never had sewn a hem! Ekk. How bad am I! Thanks :)

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  9. Gorgeous! The contrast works really well. I think separate bows/belts are a good idea - they give you more options for how you want to style the dress afterwards. Great Emery! :)

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    1. Thanks! I really love how the cuffs turned out too!

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  10. Oh gosh I love this dress. The contrast totally makes it Pop! I'm going to have to invest in that pattern sometime soon I feel.

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    1. Ta! You definitely should give it a go. I'ts a pattern I've really enjoyed seeing on different people with different styles.

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