Pattern Testing: The Date Night Dress

As promised, a Thursday posting of a tester pattern . . . well, Friday but I aimed for Thursday and HOT DAMN I made it!  As I mentioned in another post, I sent April a borderline insane email pleaing to test.  She said yes, I jumped with joy, and . . . pattern testing sure is fun.  And April, thanks.  The pleasure was all mine. 

{update: birthday pics and April's pattern is READY for sale!}

Without further ado: April Rhode's Date Night Dress.

The pattern has a simple slip, which as you can see I made from slip fabric AND one in silk.  The slip one got hijacked as I used hem lace for the bias tape on it.  The silk . . . I went all Susy Bad Sewer and made silk bias tape.  Pointers: I made mine during a wave of insomnia.  I think the gremlins of one am pushed it along.  

Aw, seriously . . . just go slow.  Be prepared to question what you were thinking more than once as it slides. Then . . . then just iron a little slower.  

My Queens fire escape made for a nifty backdrop.  

French seams, the romantic kind if you must.  

Billowy sleeves of butterfly design.  

You can see the Tri through the straps of my slip.  That sounds dirty, and I am certain that somewhere it is.

Details of stitches and blurs of the city I call home.  The only thing to make these more romantic would be for me to have taken them from a Parisian rooftop.  

The fire escape made for a good display while my neighbors pondered.  

The first, of Anna Maria Horner fabric, is about four or so inches shorter with a straight hem.  Why? Well, as you might recognize I used that fabric to make a Wiksten and  . . . well I had to streeeeetch to get enough.  Also, the sleeve holes make up the bust depth and are about four inches below your arm (hence the slip).  On the blue number I sewed up the sleeve holes a few inches, as I wanted to wear it to work.  It works for casual days.  I do recommend, if doing that, to size up in the chest.  Why? See the above note about arm holes and bust width.  I got to use a dash of my vintage thread on that one too . . . very nice, about four hours for the dress.  Cut to finish.  Even better, all the seams are french finished.  No serger needed, and yes they add to the design as the seems can edge out at the sleeves.  

As for the pattern: it is a breeze.  April walks you, if you need, through French seams.  Each one.  Even better, her verbage aters slightly so that you don't get glazed over and think you have skipped a step or already done it.  The only thing I would add: set your hems (sleeves, dress, and neck--well neck binding) via an iron.  I always do that as it straightens them out.  Nearly 99 percent of the time.  April's pattern is a charm, as easy as the Staple, and . . . well just a beauty.  

Here's my little first number.  Seriously, I did one in rayon first so that I wouldn't screw up my expensive silk.  

And just like my purple belt, I need to take that Calvin Klein (from last summer, on sale) to get an extra hole added.  

And without further ado: the birthday dress! Well, my tester of April Rhode's The Date Night (since I did promise her I wouldn't rename it here, ya know like porn shorts or something.  That's Oscar de la Renta silk crepe, that is now not on the Mood wepage or I would graciously link it for you . . . My matching slip is some basic purple silk that I bought to match (it was the same price as Bemberg Lining).  By the way, does this mean that I now own an Oscar de la Renta?

I do love the dress, buuuuuuut I will say I think my crepe is a tad too heavy for great ease.  Though, that could just be the shape of my ass.  Snort.  The green and black rhinestone belt was a gift from my friend Tanfer nearly ten years ago.  That old Guess accessory goes well with this beauty.  It certainly has a classic beauty to it.  I'm certainly wearing it Tuesday night, on my birthday, but I will say that the upside of crepe is that I see this being worn through fall.  I bet knee boots would jive with her too.  

Reminds me of classic Greek and Roman lines, though I did just upload my photos from December in Rome so I could be influenced.  Naw.  I almost apologize for the photos, but I was roasting, and every photo I took  was inflamed by my Lupus rash or just a dumb pose/look on my face.  I tossed in the proverbial towel.

Like the shirttail hem?  If you look close you can see that I forgot to put the inverted pleat on the back neckline.  Eh, I'm going to wear it and see.  I have it on the first one . . . this one, let's see what this heavier silk crepe does.  I have a hunch I am just going to leave it. The slightly altered neckline is a nice touch, the shoulder can drape to the side if I want.  

And, here's your update from my birthday. Around town on a HOT night. 

By the Ditmars subway stop. 

By my stoop. 

And, since I know you were dying to see our greatest improvement of the summer . . . window ACs, new to us, and keeping us just comfy.  And yes, while my Lupus will be happier my pocket book will not once I see the bill!  And that is why I had to peel out of the dress . . . I turned it off for the photos.  Roasted for your viewing pleasure.  You're welcome.

And since you never got a real photo of the plaid Thrulows, with a Briar of course.  It's hot baby.  I'm glad it's Thursday.  Why? Thurlows until I have to be on campus on Tuesday! Living in Thurlows, yes I am.  

Stuff on the mirror: when I jet setted to Kentucky for work I left Mr. Fairytale a note in dry erase marker.  He likes it so much it is still there.  ;)