I am so tempted to start this post complaining about the weather, but I just won’t! Trying to keep calm, get on with it and start sewing autumn projects. When I’m home, that is, which seems to look a lot like never. I’m living out of a suitcase of a few weeks now, travelling abroad and in the UK for work and leisure, and a few more trips still to go. So, I can only dream of snuggly warm clothes while still struggling to take pics of the last bits of summer makes.
This one was made at the beginning of September for a wedding in Budapest, where it was still mad Central European summertime. Long story short, I ended up not going to Budapest, but I was adamant I still want to wear it before I packed my light clothes away for the winter, so I braced myself, or is it strapped myself?, and took the outfit for its maiden voyage on a hen do in Cambridge a few weeks ago. All I can say, it held all my bits contained, I did not freeze to death and I managed to take a few pics as well.
Not very clear from the pics, but this is a romper, i.e. shorts not skirt, and it’s convertible or multiway. I only took pics of this one version, as I really found this is the best option to tie it and ensure I’m not flashing the general public. As you can guess, there is pretty much no option of wearing a bra, so things (i.e. boobs) need to be contained and secured from all directions. I usually make a boob-tube for such dresses, but I chose to follow the pattern in this case, as I had very little time for faffing about, trying to get it ready in time for the event (a whole lot of good that did me, ha ha!).
Now, there are pros and cons to the romper version. I liked that it’s a new take on the circle skirt infinity dress, it’s comfy and avoids any potential Marilyn moments if you stand atop a vent in the pavement (a very likely occurrence in everyday life, right?). It’s definitely easy to sew and because there was an actual pattern, it avoids all the calculations for the circle skirt.
However, one major disadvantage: toilet breaks will take forever (ask me how I know!). You pretty much have to unstrap the entire contraption and those straps are LONG! So easy on the lemonade girls, or get a buddy to help you with the task!
Verdict: anything that takes 1h to cut and sew, doesn’t crinkle in the bottom of my suitcase and has a high potential (as yet unproven) level of boredom (and repeatability) avoidance is a winner in my books! I especially like the shape of the hem, that dips in the middle cut curves upwards towards the side seam.
Definitely recommended, but might think about adding some sort of a boob-tube for peace of mind.
Pattern: Alayne Convertible Romper by Fine Motor Skills (downloadable PDF), size M.
Fine Motor Skills is Melissa, a Canadian blogger, and the pattern was released as a free download in 2013 (you will need a DropBox account). It was really well made, with clear instructions (though I didn’t really follow them, other than checking I’m on the right track). I especially liked the pleat guidelines, very useful.
Fabric: Lycra from FabricX on Goldhawk Rd, £3.5/m. I used 3m. Btw, very much recommend this shop for Lycra type stuff, they have all possible colours and very good value.
Alterations: Reduced CF and CB by 0.5cm, though next time I will definitely leave it as it, as the waistband is a tiny bit snug.
Construction: it was entirely overlocked, with all the edges left raw. I used the quarter method to put in the waistband and it worked without problems. Lycra doesn’t fray at all and it doesn’t roll inwards either, which makes it a dream fabric to work with. Because of the ridiculous length of the straps, over 2m each, I used my overlocker to make sure all the edges are neat, instead of the rotary cutter or scissors. I simply removed the needles and used the knife to cut a straight edge. Took a bit longer, but it worked great and all the edges are even.
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That’s all for now, but hoping to get some time soon to get into more cosy sewing before it starts to snow or something! I’m off to Stockholm for work tomorrow, so maybe that’s closer than I think :S!
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This looks awesome on you Alex!
Author
Thanks, Alexa!
This is super elegant! I love it and should make one for myself too.
Author
I definitely recommend this pattern, as well as this type of fabric (as opposed to viscose jersey for example, it needs good recovery).
Oh myyyy, that’s so sexy!
Author
Thank you! I did get a lot of attention when I wore it out, but not sure because it looked sexy or odd 😁.
Looks georgeous and such an interesting pattern. Did wonder about toilet breaks though!
Author
Thank you! It really is a great pattern.
It’s a pretty dress, but I would find those “straps” to be a real challenge!
Author
Thank you! And yes, definitely not for everyday wear 😁.
Fabulous dress. I would like to see the other ways it can be worn as I love clothes that can change. I think it’s for the younger ones though – I can’t see me wearing one 😳
Author
Thanks Sue! I think I might need to look into more coverage though to venture into other options to tie it up.
It’s gorgeous, the Lycra looks delicious! I’m always sceptical about how well the infinity garments hold your bits but it seems to work. My other worry was the toilet, purely because of having to redo those straps. Nevertheless you look stunning in it.
Author
Thank you so much! I think I’d add the boob tube next time though, to be sure.
It looks amazing and really classy! But I’d definitely be put off due to the toileting problem. Or maybe investing in a ‘she-wee’ is the answer! lol 😉
Author
Thanks Ali! Definitely an issue, but it’s often fashion over sense I’m afraid 😳. So once in a while only, ha ha!
Great make & really suits you. I have a multiway dress pattern waiting but like the idea of a romper for breezy days! I haven’t even started most of my planned summer sewing list let alone Autumn!! Sat in sun on hols at mo thinking about what I want to start when I get back 😃
Looks so luxe. I never would have guessed it’s a romper and not a dress! Add me to the list of people very curious about different ways of wearing it. And I love your serger trick for getting a clean, straight cut.