Monday 3 March 2014

Tessuti Gabby Dress

The Tessuti Gabby dress was one of the first patterns I saw and fell in love with when I began sewing but at that time I was just too scared to try it. I was recently reminded of the dress and decided to give it a try. It's an A-line dress with no closures, darts, facings (Seriously, what was I afraid of?).

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I downloaded the PDF pattern and cut out a size small which equates to an Australian 10. I cut the long version and was able to fit the pattern pieces on 1.5m (width=1.4m) fabric by inserting a centre back seam rather than cutting on the fold. I made it up in a beautifully soft Tessuti Floral Rayon I bought on a lunch and fabric shopping date with the lovely Caitlan of Indie Stitches (more on than another time!). FYI, this fabric would make a gorgeous Cascade Skirt!

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I downloaded the pattern at 10 am this morning and had it cut out, fabric cut and dress sewn together by 3 o'clock. During this time I also showered, ate lunch, watched Dr Phil and other various activities. This dress was a very quick and satisfying make!

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I made the dress slightly different to the instructions:  instead of using vilene I just stay stitched the neckline, I french seamed all the seams and I turned the bias binding to the outside rather than the wrong side. On trying on the dress I realised is was quite big and also a bit too long for my liking. I took the side seams in 1/4" on either side seam and cut 1" off the hem before hemming it using up another 1.5" of the fabric.

Tessuti Gabby Dress

Even after taking the dress in it still feels super roomy. I wore it belted this evening out to dinner with Tim's family. I will definitely make this dress again but next time I will try the extra small and use the short length version.

Tessuti Gabby Dress

12 comments:

  1. Really cute! It looks like the kind of dress you can wear all day every day!

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    1. Yes, I think its exactly that! the perfect accessoriser dress - different accessory's creates a different look entirely.

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  2. I like! It may feel roomy but it looks perfect. I think the belt and the jacket are a great touch.

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    1. Thanks Annie! I think I just need to get use to it. I'm so used to wearing fitted bodices and loose skirts.

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  3. It looks lovely! I'm sure it will get a heap of wear. I think the pattern sizes are slightly generous - but roominess in a dress like this is not a problem.

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    1. Thanks Gabrielle! I think you're right. I'm just not used to the loose fit. I'm coming round to it :)

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  4. It looks great! Mine are quite roomy - but I like it that way - a good old sack!

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I'm wearing it again today and I'm enjoying the roominess in today's heat.

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  5. Such a pretty dress! I really like it big and belted this way! Great fabric too!

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    1. Thanks Gail! The fabric feels so luscious against my skin. Need to sew with rayon more often.

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  6. You are a sewing so many things lately - wowzers! I'm not getting much done of late. I really want to make the Gabby dress but I'm not sure if it will fit me - I'm going to Tessuti this week so they can look me up & down and let me know if I have a snowflakes chance of fitting in to it...I love your fabric...

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    1. Hey Mel,
      Yeah, I'm still on leave from my studies and work so I have a lot of time on my hands :) ohh, I hope it will fit or you are able to grade it out slightly (it would be pretty easy with this design). I think the cut would look really great on you!

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