I've really been thinking about making a dress since I got those patterns. I was taken with this dress, largely because I thought it would be fun to make.
Check out the construction. Four big pieces and a facing, plus the belt. No set-in sleeves! What could be easier?
But then reality set in. I looked at the dress again. Do you see where the gathers fall? Right on the widest part of the hip? Would this look good on anyone who was not an artist's rendering? Short of making this dress in horizontal stripes, I can't imagine anything less flattering. I'm very much of the opinion that Barbie has been unfairly blamed for the dysfunctional view many women take of their figures. It's got nothin' to do with Barbie. It's these patterns.
Also on the pattern front, I have been deeply troubled by the different spellings I see of the word "selvage." (Once an English major, always an English major.) I thought I had found definitive proof for my spelling. Before tut-tutting about the decline of spelling skills, though, I thought I would check my Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, and you know what? "Selvage" is the first spelling listed, followed immediately by "selvedge." And selvedge is kinda easier to remember, with the word "edge" and all. So spell it however you want. I'm still going with selvage, but it's no longer an issue for me. Phew!
And finally - just when you think you know all of your sewing terms, you find something new. Do you know what to call that piece covering the shoulders of the model wearing the green dress?
It's named after the 6th century French queen Berthe de Laon, the mother of Charlemagne. Yep, it's a "bertha." which is defined as "a wide, round collar covering the shoulders." You learn something new every day.
I got excited when it looked like you were going to be whipping up one of those gorgeous dresses. Drat! But I see your point. Happy first day of Spring Barbara! It's only going to be in the 40's here, so I'm gonna throw a "big bertha" around my shoulders to keep warm!
Posted by: Carol | March 20, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I totally thought that looked like a terrific dress project--I'm glad you have sharper eyes than I do. I guess I was mesmerized by her tiny waist which obscured the unflattering gathers.
Thanks for the new vocabulary word, too! ;-)
Posted by: Janelle | March 20, 2009 at 10:49 AM
A Bertha collar.....interesting! I always think I want to wear dresses again by lots of fabric bunched up around my hips would not be a good look for me. And with my luck, the waist would be too tight, too! lol Having said that...I still think you should GO FOR IT! Looks like fun!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | March 20, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Too bad you can't ask Nina Brown if she made the dress and how it looked on her. Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | March 20, 2009 at 01:11 PM
I love the dress pattern, and I've been thinking the same thing. I've got some old patterns that are just so lovely. But then altering them to fit the modern size body would be such a pain. Don't know if I'm up for it. Maybe when I finish the laundry. . . . like that's ever going to happen. xo, suzy
Posted by: georgiapeachez | March 20, 2009 at 07:34 PM
I love to know about words. I never heard of a Bertha collar though I visited Laon and I recommend that town. I love the pattern but I think you need to be tall and slim to have this stunning effect. I think it's good that you defend Barbie ;-)! Barbie was and is an image of the ideal woman, a trend follower never a trend setter. The weather is great here, I hope in your town too!
Posted by: LiLi M. | March 21, 2009 at 04:47 PM
I was thinking, you could make a minature version of the dress, just to display on a minature coat hanger, dress form or dress a doll with. Made out of a vintage fabric?
Posted by: Lena | March 23, 2009 at 05:24 PM
I was watching a movie the other day and there were costumes with big huge bustles and I thought - who thought that was attractive!?? Funny how fashion changes.
Posted by: Nanette | March 23, 2009 at 06:35 PM
oh i need me a blouse with a bertha!!
i see what you mean about the dress tho, you would have to be a twig to look good in it
its so funny that you mentioned selvedge...we had this very conversation at work the other day.. i am a selvage girl my boss is a selvedge
Posted by: susan | March 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
I think I'd like to take a stab at the green dress. Do you mind sharing the pattern maker and number?
Posted by: Erika | March 27, 2009 at 01:26 PM