I took the tank dress from Alabama Studio Style, added some sleeves from a sheath-style pattern, and raised the neckline by about an inch. The tie belt is just an unfinished strip of jersey--but a person could go uptown and make a tube, or a folded over strip, or a braid.
So far the embellishment is only little clusters of seed beads around the neck but it is hard to resist the lure of applique, or reverse applique, or even just a few more beads.
I made one of these in tobacco brown a few weeks ago and have been wearing it almost non-stop--so comfortable and perfect for getting things done. The test dress was sewn on the machine, but the violet one is all hand-stitched. Good thing I wanted to do that, because also my machine is on the outs. A perfect time to be obsessed with hand-sewing.
Gorgeous. This has got to be a lost art. Way to beautifully revive it!
ReplyDeleteI would love some tips or suggestions for how to sew sleeves into a sleeveless dress or pattern. I am a beginner sewer and I am so impressed that you did this.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Anna, lovely!
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
Really nice, Anna! I like how you added the sleeves. They look great.
ReplyDeleteI have an Alabama skirt all cut out and pinned up, ready to sew. I guess I'm still debating whether or not I would machine or handstitch it. I was thinking of seam finishing very similar to what you did on your dress--seams on the inside, decorative stitching on the outside.
Thanks for sharing your ideas and for showing how do-able they are:).
Krista
Do you have a source for nice jersey knit that you would like to share? I love everything that you have made so far. I'm not much for sleeveless dresses, your addition of sleeves has inspired me to get out my "Alabama" books and get busy. After I find some decent quality jersey knit.
ReplyDeleteit's lovely. I'm impressed with all the hand sewing!
ReplyDeleteI took the sleeves OFF a dress pattern, and I'm scratching my head over how to make it look right sleeveless.
That's beautiful, Anna! I love the beading.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Love the color! Love the sparkle!
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies about your sewing machine. I was in the same boat a few months ago. Up the creek. No paddle. May you be paddling soon!
beautiful!! Where are you buying your jersey from??
ReplyDeleteHi Anna!
ReplyDeleteYou pumped another one out! Good girl! And by hand to boot!
ThmpGarr-
Look on Alabama Chanin's website to find her jersey material for sale.
Hope that helps.
Maria Ricci
Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thanks for posting your creations!
ReplyDelete