Search This Blog

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The -Not So Little- Black Dress


It might shock you that I'm back with a project, but I am.  I recently attended my brother's wedding, and had to have something to wear.  I had a horrible time finding an appropriate maternity dress in the store, and I didn't have anything in my closet that seemed appropriate either.

The great thing about this dress is that I used only material that I had on hand.  I had a scrap piece of black interlock knit that was too small for a full sized top, and several yards of semi-sheer fabric that made up the bottom.  The skirt of the dress is lined with a teal piece of material that my mom has had in her stash for years.  


 The wedding was in South Carolina, and I was terrified that I was going to melt in a black dress, so I opted to give it cap sleeves.  I wanted to dress up the neckline, so I added some pin tuck details that you'll recognize from the sunburst top.  I also used some stretch elastic trim to finish off the sleeves and the neckline.  The elastic trim was a first for me, and I really liked working with it.  I'm quite pleased with how the dress turned out.

It's hard to tell in the photos, but under the belt that I'm wearing is a band of stretch lace.  I wanted to cover up the awkward seam of the skirt and the bodice.  You might recognize the belt from this post.


I'm quite pleased with the way that the dress turned out, and I'll probably have to wear it to church every Sunday until I deliver this baby.  I received so many comments the day that I wore this to the wedding, about how I must be due any day.  When these photos were taken I still had 11 weeks left, yep I'm round, and bound to get even rounder.

Thanks for reading.  Happy sewing.

6 comments:

Emily said...

Such a gorgeous dress!! Love the pintucks and the elastic trim and the belt! It looks like you finished the sleeves and neckline first before adding the trim?? Did you use clear elastic?

Ah the comments people just have to say. I think you look great!!

Unknown said...

You look amazing! Those people who comment about being due any day are so clueless, I think. Also, pretty tactless. :) You and the dress look fantastic!

Nili said...

Beautiful! Such a sense of accomplishment too when someone compliments/ positive comments on something handmade! And don't even listen to the due any day folks...you look fabulous!

Kristi said...

What a great dress!! I think you should wear it everyday!!

Erin said...

I loved this dress on you- beautiful! I was surprised when you told me you made it not because I didn't think you could (you're a very talented seamstress) but because it looked so PERFECT!

Julie said...

This dress is beautiful! It's so hard to find maternity dresses, especially ones that are below the knee. Great job!