well, it remains to be seen if it actually gets made or not. because it is boring the sweet bejesus outta me. after all my lofty talk on choosing better fabrics, i decided to dive into this exquisite medium weight linen from mood. sallie and i picked up the same yardage, and i could immediately envision her in a sleek jumpsuit, or a flowy envelope of a dress, something fabulous and chic and saturated. what are you going to do with it? she inquired in her sweet, melodious voice. oh i dunno, maybe a lining for my raffia wrap coat?
horror flooded her face. as it did with everyone else who caught wind of my plans. i don't blame them, this fabric is gorgeous, hiding it on the inside would be criminal, it's just...all one solid color. on me, that's usually lining material. how does one wear All One Solid Color? on the outside?
of course, many of you wear All One Solid Color beautifully. i guess what i mean is how do i do that. because i want to kill this dress every time i see it. the ruggy test? he loves it. his rebuttal to my disgust: then wear a funky belt with it. more side eye from me. ruggy sighs: at some point you're gonna realize minimalism can be a statement. i don't know when that will be, but you will.
yeah. MAYBE WHEN THE BATHROOM IS FINISHED.
it's just basted together, sleeves tacked on the form to get a feel for it. and the feel is MEH. yep, i'm picking up matching serger thread. nope, a funky lining won't do it for me this time. the possibilities as i see them are:
- adding a removable high low peplum.
- a blanket stitch around neckline, sleeve & peplum edges.
- or maybe scallop the neckline?
- do away with the sleeves?
- BUY A SILK ORGANZA PRINT AND CALL ALLONESOLIDCOLOR THE LINING.
it feels like this is supposed to be a step in the whole fast sewing / fast fashion epiphany, but it might be where i fall off the wagon.
How about buying that silk organza print and using it for the skirt portion? You get a bit of both worlds!
ReplyDeletei do actually have a silk organza print, intended for just that-- but when i pinned it on, it looked like i was trying to marry two dresses that were never meant for marriage. like, distant cousins who didn't know they were related....
DeleteMmm, I have seen and admired what you make. Isn't the "it looked like i was trying to marry two dresses that were never meant for marriage" something you normally do with fabrics, anyway, with AMAZING results?
DeleteSeriously though, I hear your pain. I would make metres and metres of bias tape in an outrageously colourful fabric, and apply it to sleeves, neck and hems. No peplum, pretty please. Having happily worn peplums in my 20s, I am completely against them now. I find they are flattering only to stick people... Nelly
thank you nelly! only, i feel like i'm good at mixing prints--gimmie a solid and i'm stumped. and ruggy's with you on the peplum. i made one last night and pinned it up, he looked SO disappointed.
DeleteWell Oona, that's easily solvable by either 1)pretend your lovely turquoise IS a print or 2) buy ink and stamp and MAKE IT a print. How's that? Hehe.
DeleteHa, I really love this, but it's totally not your style. Maybe you could break it up - keep both the top and skirt but pair them with something wild and crazy or flowy so you end up with two dresses?
ReplyDeleteit's all one piece-- but! maybe i need a turquoise skirt?
DeleteI was envisioning hacking open the waist seam (if possible?) and creating separates. once you have the separates, then you can go crazy and end up with 2 dresses. you'll have a fitted but boring top with a crazy print or long skirt or something beyond what my boring brain can dream up. likewise, you'd then also have a cute (but boring) skirt and you can design a top to sew onto it. i don't know if that makes sense but i know you can save it somehow!
Deleteif the peplum does indeed look cute-- then i COULD do separates! no one's really holding out much hope for the peplum, tho...
DeleteYou nut. That is a GORGEOUS colour that would look AMAZING on you. How about you tuck your A.D.D. in a corner and just FINISH IT. Line it with a pretty print if you must. I like those sleeves too. You wanted audition dresses remember?!?! Add a cute scarf and a belt and you're good to go. I dunno about a blanket stitch. I'd have to see it finished. Don't scallop the neckline. I hate scallops. Too cute and this dress is half way to sophisticated if you can just give it a few more hours. This could be a perfectly fitting, vibrant sheath dress of perfection and you're over thinking it and getting distracted because it's not like, metallic and floral and shiny (I mean, I love that about you but girl, you need some blue cake).
ReplyDeleteTough love over.
Also, Ruggy, finish the bathroom already.
LOL does not cut it. i laughed like a maniac starting at "tuck your ADD in a corner."
DeleteDAMN IT.
yeah, i kind of hate scallops too. always have. you see i'm grasping at straws here.
How can you hate scallops?? I have to try very hard not to put scallops on every garment I make.
Deleteheather is very wise and i concur with her words of wisdom.
DeleteI hate scallops, too! Sorry to be a hater, but I just don't like 'em!
Deletei know!!! i'm sorry jodi, i just usually hate them... i was going for anything i could find to transform this!! i do love scallops on other peeps. and, the scallops in the blue gingerdoll top on paunnet's blog today are more edgy romantic (is that such a thing?) and less cute:
Deletehttp://www.paunnet.com/2013/10/liberty-mae-blouse.html
NO. Finish this and put it on and you will see what we will see: gorgeous oona. Please don't put a peplum on it (is a peplum the new bird)?
ReplyDeleteActually, do what you want with it because you need to. Just saying, I love that color and want to see you wear it!!!! And, I love prints to death so it's not that.
hahhahaahahah these are just cracking me UP!!! i will take this order under serious consideration. the peplum idea would be detachable, anyway...
DeleteI wish I could steal this dress from you. That color *sounds of heaven*
ReplyDeleteI like the removal peplum idea, it can be different color too. You can also make remove collar.
You can do some creative stitch work. Then again the key could be just simple accessories.
First things first, there needs to be some drink in hand and some good tunes. I say, something sweet and mellow, yet inspiring. Don't give up, you can pull through this.
Don't side eye ruggy about the dress, the bathroom you might have to add some grumbo grumbo.
OH MY GOD THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!!! i haven't had a cocktail in a week!!!! (antibiotics in the house, solidarity and all that.) okay. i will refrain from anything major until i no longer need to abstain.
DeleteOh my God! I love this dress! I love that it's fitted, so it will flatter your curves. The fluttering sleeves...if that's what it's called. I love the weave of the fabric. I am in love! I do like solids though, I guess I'm kind of boring. hehe.
ReplyDeleteyour stuff is cute as hell!!!
DeleteFirst time posting here.... I think if you added a festive fabric to the neckline, or sleeves or hem, you might be able to tie in a bit of fun to it to make it feel more like you. Or you could leave it as a basic and add accessories, as others are saying above. I personally like it, but I wear a lot of basic colors, and a metric ton of black, lol. Good luck!
ReplyDeletewelcome to the conversation, miss rocking frock! i didn't think about accessories until these comments... hmmmmmm....
DeleteI like the idea of a removable peplum in a wildly fabulous fabric!!
ReplyDeletelike, with a rhinestone blinged out button, yeah?
DeleteI love it, but then, I am a solids girl at heart and kind of jealous at how well busy prints look on you when I feel like I completely drown in them...
ReplyDeleteconversely, i'm jealous of how solids look on others! even if people tell me i look good all matchy matchy, if i don't believe it, it'll affect the effect, y'know? maybe we should just both believe we look good outside of or comfort zone :)
DeleteI love this fabric. Maybe you can spice things up by adding a fun printed something on the bottom of the skirt, like 15cm (+/- 6 inches). Big NONONONONONONO here on the peplum though!
ReplyDeleteaaaaaah! even detachable? figured that was a safe way to finally try the trend!!
Deletei like the hem panel... maybe hem trim???
NOOOOOOOO! Not even a detachable peplum!!!! Aaaargh!!!!! NO MORE PEPLUMS!
DeleteHem trim I can live with! And a hem panel I can live with because that was my idea in the first place...
So... I kinda wanna see a lime-green or neon yellow lace overlay on this, maybe on just the princess seams of the bodice or over the whole thing... something about the two bright colors sounds really fun to me! Not sure if that kind of lace exists, but it might be a fun twist on the ladies-who-lunch sheath to pop in some extra color!
ReplyDeleteUM. WHAT?! GET OUTTA MY HEAD. so do i, for real. i'm going to stay the course and show it finished... but man. YES.
DeleteHa! I'm not going to be of much help here, because some fabrics and colors bore the bejesus out of me, like this turquoise denim I've been staring at, stitching and unpicking for over a week. And here we have more solid turquoise. Minimalism is a fun statement but ya know, it's not always fun to sew if you have to keep looking at it! Don't listen to me, take Heather's advice. Tough love and truth.
ReplyDeleteyes! i was so tired of looking at this, i actually Cleaned The House instead. who knew, stymied on sewing equals great housecleaning.
Deletetry walking away from that denim, because i am on tenterhooks about the jeans reveal! i'll finish if you will...
If I was brave enough to order you about I'd tell you to go shopping for outrageous tights/stockings for this dress and then push through The Wall. But I'm not and I know you'll do WHATEVERTHEHECKYOULIKE. And that's why we keep coming back for more Oonaballoona.
ReplyDeleteBUT YOU ALREADY DID!! i take orders. if i likes em. and this has just the right amount of "you may disobey" to keep me at bay.
DeleteI completely get where you're coming from, being a massive fan of prints myself, but this is going to be so gorgeous in its simplicity... Even I'm telling you to finish it as is and enjoy it!
ReplyDeletefirst of all, i think this is a beautiful, classy dress as is. but, if you're going to experiment with solids, why not pick something with unusual lines and great seaming details... all the details that get lost in busy prints? not that i think this dress is boring (um... look at that color!). throw some chunky necklaces and a great belt around that dress and see how you feel about it then. detachable peplum i like (which you could line with a print), or maybe a fun collar... but do finish the dress! it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYES!!! i'm alway picking crazy seamlines with prints, but i haz no experience with the solids-- i needed something with showy seams for this!!!
DeleteMEH. it's too late now for this one, but i will keep this advice close for new encounters. and i did wonder about lining that peplum with craziness... wouldn't that be fun!!
Funky jewels, obviously.
ReplyDeleteDo not do away with sleeves, because the sleeves are the only thing saving it from being a boring sheath dress in its lines! I very much like the way they're kinda hanging limply there; so if you have any fabric left, maybe something more fluttery than these would be when properly sewn in? There's a sort of spiky effect going on with the unpinned corners that I like very much and screams "Oona" to me; I'm imagining fluttery sleeves with a point in the middle. Right angle point. Phew, this would look better on a picture!
now, i DO have some bling.
Deletei do have some extra left-- i'll baste these in first and see if i still likey. i also like how they're fluttery right now!
And I feel for you with the bathroom. I'm living in perpetual bathroom provisorium (that's apparently not an English word; boo English!) and it stinks. Sometimes rather literally, but that's not our fault (there's something lurking in the shaft in the old house, I believe).
DeleteSo yes, tell Ruggy he should do something about it if he does not want to end up living like a poor student like in a former communist country (you don't have to tell him it's been more than twenty years since the Velvet Revolution now). HA!
YIKES.
Deleteof course, i'll be instantly schooled if i mention anything concerning politics. learning, he haz it...
every now and then, i go crazy for solid color dress, and that is because they give you so much more opportunities to wear them.. like - my crazy printed dresses can be worn with only few things in my closet, but those solid ones can be styled in so many ways it's gonna blow your mind.. you can wear this dress with patterned tights, cardigan, belt and shitload of jewelry (all at once) and no one gonna think it's too much.. and this one you're making is a stunner, sis.. that color is amazing, just imagine it with all the accessories you can add - it's like a canvas that you can paint over and over again!
ReplyDeleteand if nothing of that appeals to you, then buy some beads and go wild with them
you are bending my mind right now. BENDING.
Deletei think i need a lipstick red cropped cardigan.
That's beautiful! Make it and fed ex it to the uk??? :)
ReplyDeleteAHH!! touche!! this is normally my wise ass answer when someone is obviously harebrained about something or other!
Deletei like you.
You and I are alike in this respect. But for me it's a real problem. I look in my closet and see a whole lot of nothing to wear because not one item goes with another item and I have very few solid colors to pair with the crazy prints I always buy. It takes me about 50 hours to pick out what to wear. I'm seriously thinking of wearing the same thing every day like Steve Jobs did and just make things strictly for other people to wear.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the scallop neckline.
the steve jobs wardrobe. nice. like charlie brown. only, the sewing for others bit..... MEH. it would be nice to spend less than 30 minutes trying on outfits, tho...
DeleteWell, I'm boring, AND I like birds, but there you go. Boring dresses just need fabulous new shoes! This dress NEEDS some leopard print shoes.
ReplyDeletehowsa bout satin tealredpurpleyellow plaid??
DeleteIf you make this dress I will send you the parrot pin (four inches long AN BOLD COLOR) to wear with it. This parrot pin was left to me by my Mother, and it would look AAAHMAZING with this dress.
ReplyDeleteI do not make this offer lightly.
whoah. whoah. HOLY COW. i don't know that i should have that honor, but i WILL finish.
DeleteLet me know, you've still got my email. ;)
DeleteAbsolutely hilarious! I don't know why the bathroom joke cracks me up *every time* but it does... I guess because it's not MY bathroom... ;)
ReplyDeleteOK, normally I would say scrap it if you're not feeling it, go with something that floats your boat more, etc. BUT, this time I think you should push through, and here's why: Yes, the fabric is gorgeous and will look amazing on you, but that's not it. It's precisely *because* you don't have the solids in your wardrobe right now. You need something like this in your wardrobe in order to be able to tell if you'll reach for it. If it turns out that you don't, lesson fairly easily learned -- don't beat yourself up about not making any more of it. But it you DO wear it, you'll know that you've filled a hole, and you'll learn how you like to style it, etc... Which might just inspire you with your next solid make. Or maybe I'm just blowing a lot of hot air, what evs, but it makes sense in my head... ;)
as always, you make a very convincing argument. your hot air is like a seductive summer breeze. even as i give the side eye to the dress form two inches to my left, AGAIN.
DeleteIt sounds like you're moving forward on the removable peplum, and I'm glad... I'm a fan of that idea -- the way I'm picturing it in this fabric is really gorgeous. Can't wait to see how that turns out! Your current dislike is going to translate into the most versatile garment in your closet... ;)
DeleteOK, so no peplum then. MOVING ON... :) I dunno, I think if it were me by now I would have such a mental block that it would never get done. Hopefully you're made of stronger stuff! I still stand by the opinion that it would be fab in the closet... even if it's not so inspiring in the workroom. But whatever, life's too short for shoulds! :D
Deletewhat if you used some very brightly multicolor fabric and bias bound the edges... when I saw the non-matching serged edges that was my first thought
ReplyDeletei think ruggy would divorce me.
DeleteI would just finish it and wear it with a crazy coat and some crazy shoes. Or maybe add a sash belt that's narrow and matching on the front with a CRAZY BIG LOUD BOW on the other side- a bit of Oona crazy that NO ONE WOULD SEE COMING
ReplyDeletehey! i like the flip side idea!
DeleteLOL, the dress is lovely. Like Ruggy said, sometimes something so understated (in Oona's eyes) makes quite a statement in everyone else's eyes. BTW - I do remember giving you that look when you told me what you were going to do with the fabric. :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you do something at the neckline such as crystals ... you won't need much (if anything) on the rest of the dress (IMHO).
you gave me MAD side eye!
Deletei'm playing with a neck embellishment...
Oona, I think this is so beautiful! I vote to keep it the way it is. You never know when you might need a classic dress like this.
ReplyDeletefor all those classic events i go to.... maybe if i finish it, i'll be invited to something classy??
DeleteGasp....I love the dress! Gorgeous dress + gorgeous you = too much gorgeousness to bear. But if you can't bear the less is more-ness of it, I wonder if it might work to use some kind of wildly printed bias tape on the outside of the sleeves, hem and neckline. Even though I know it's only laziness that keeps me from making my own, I've been dying to try some of the homemade bias tapes I see on Etsy like this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/120755725/zebra-print-double-fold-bias-tape-3?ref=shop_home_active and this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/152500823/25-yards-1-12-width-bias-tape-ribbon?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=print+bias+tape&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all
ReplyDeletewhoha, that tape is CRAZY! i could see bias tape on the inside just for me...but i know ruggy will be crushed if i go that route. and hey! making bias tae is EASY and totally addictive! go for it!
DeleteI fall into the solid colour-wearing camp! (Not that I'm averse to the occasional terrific pattern.) I suggest you take the middle path and, in the same way I sometimes do crazy patterns, you can sometimes do subdued solids. I mean, it's not like that thing is grey :-) And it really does look gorgeous.
ReplyDeletei know, right? it is SHOCKING turquoise.
DeleteI am going to have to disagree with the peplum haters, I think a removable peplum would be a great way to add some fun to this dress when you need it, and not when you need something a little more serious. But let's be real...there is nothing boring about this dress!! It's gorgeous, and I think that color will look so pretty on you. Please finish it so we can see :)
ReplyDeletei've always had a love/hate for the peplum trend, i thought the removable would be a painless way to do it, and appropriate for the love/hate i have for this dress :)
Deletei will finish!
FINISH THAT DRESS. You're going to look lovely in it. Trust us!
ReplyDeletei love these orders!!!
DeleteI'm totally in the removable peplum gang. If it was me I'd be looking for / making a big wide navy belt, maybe with peplum attached, fluttery to match the sleeves (that's the finished sleeve edge -yes?).
ReplyDeleteooh, i think i have a navy belt...
Deletei think the sleeves might turn less fluttery once done. really i have NO idea...
Just say no to scallops and peplum!
ReplyDeleteAccessorise the crap out of this and see how it turns out, I say!
I concur, but I would have said "accessorize the living shit out of it" ;-) Vivid turquoise with major texture is not "plain". Finish this as is and you'll have a zingy base on which to create different craziness every time you wear it.
Deleteaccessorizing: check.
Deleteliving shit: check.
but the peplum train may have already left the station.....
Ha, only you would call bright turquoise, basket weave textured linen boring. You're so close, I think you probably do need to finish this one. As for embellishment, any one of your statement necklaces would look fab with this but if you want built-in sparkles then I can envisage crystal beading up near the neckline or even at the waist.
ReplyDeleteyou & rosie have me thinking! the latest threads has a section on beading and i think it would look beautiful, asymmetrical round the neckline... but, will i want it removable??
DeleteI think it's beautiful. Every person needs at least one classic plain staple that they can dress up or down in their wardrobe! :-)
ReplyDeleteMichelle
thank you michelle :). maybe this dress is a reason to go bling shopping!
DeleteHaha, I absolutely loved reading this post because I'm exactly the same...I just can't seem to do plain fabric and if I do, I must find ways to decorate it with accent fabrics somehow.
ReplyDeletebrother in prints, i knew you would understand. this is like taking medicine.
DeleteFinish it! Maybe without the sleeves. The wearing part is easy compared to the making part. I have the same problem making anything that is not patterned/shiny/sparkly. But it is good to have solids in your wardrobe!
ReplyDeletei checked my closet, i have ONE black shirt. bought at old navy over the summer for a last minute audition. argh.
DeleteIt is beautiful!! What about with a clashing chunky loud necklace, a bunch of bangles and some crazy shoes? You can do it!
ReplyDeletei DO have the crazy shoes!
DeleteI do think that the color and style would be very elegant on you! It begs for great accessories...I can relate though, I can't remember the last time I bought a solid.
ReplyDeletei can't remember the last time i bought a solid fabric before this!
DeleteOoh, that colour is fabulous! I like the idea of nixing the sleeves and sewing a sassy sheath dress. Great for auditions, no? A solid, but memorable colour. Rock the contrast stitching, girl!
ReplyDeleteoddly enough, this color might be too bright for on camera stuff! i mean, really, will i ever sew something work appropriate?!
DeleteI vote for the peplum. Perhaps in orange? I love orange and sea blue together!
ReplyDeleteAAH! that sounds delicious! question is...do i have enough love for this dress to buy MORE fabric for it?
DeleteI gotta say, I'm with your man! This is bold in its own special way :)
ReplyDeleteyeah. he's still going on about it. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Deletecome on rugy! finish the bathroom already:) with or without peplum its great! you fancy shmansy sewing girl you.
ReplyDeleteYOU TELL 'IM!!!
DeleteI think it's a beautiful, elegant dress in a surprising fabric, but if you don't feel good in it, well, then it needs something else. Are you suggesting an organza print dress over it? That might work. Or indeed the belt. Or finish it and put it up for sale or give it away to an organization that helps unemployed women dress appropriately for job interviews (assuming there's such an organization where you live). I like it. Anne-Marie
ReplyDeleteyeah, i've got a crazy red & blue ikatish organza... but i'd need more. i do think i'll finish! i haven't come across any organizations like that, but i LOVE the idea. the closest i've found is the city program to donate old winter coats.
DeleteIt's beautiful, pleeeese finish it! I can see it on you with some crazy shoes.
ReplyDeletecrazy shoe, coming up.
DeleteI LOVE the colour and the floaty, fluttery sleeves, but, yes, I totally understand. Why would you wear only one colour when there are so many others out there?! It just makes no sense...
ReplyDeleteit does not compute!!!!
DeleteThe color is beautiful and so is the texture. Seriously, just finish the dress and ROCK it!
ReplyDeletei may just keep you in my head for inspiration... you would look ahMAZing in this!
DeleteWHY DON'T YOU MAKE A FUNKY BLAZER TO GO WITH IT - LIKE THE 'BY HAND LONDON' ONE??? SoOrry for the capitals but I just wanted you to notice my comment, hee! Bet it would look great like that, and you could even use some of the fabric from it to pipe round the neck and sleeves or something ...
ReplyDeleteHA!!!! YOU KNOW I LIKE THE USE OF ALL CAPS!!! hmmm....maybe that printed organza could be a cropped blazer?
DeleteOOh, now there's a good idea....
DeleteThe dress is lovely, but maybe not your usual style. Do you embroider? How about embrodering some large scale floral motifs on the skirt portion in bright colours that compliment the teal? I'd maybe go for an outline rather than a filled in shape.
ReplyDeletei ran the embroidery idea by ruggy, he raised his eyebrows. but i like it! and it would give me some handsewing whilst away from my machine...
DeleteOk, so let me start by saying that I also belong in the print-aholics anonymous weekly meetings. I'm just too happy being addicted to really do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteMy solution? I'd hack out those side panels and do some color blocking. And, by color blocking I mean fun print blocking.
That being said, this silhouette is gonna look rockin on you! Get it done!
i think if i hack this dress apart, she's never coming back together again :) she's hanging on by a thread as is!
DeleteHA!!! Heehee...Oh no... Gorgeous as this is, it, unfortunately, does not say "Oona"! And that's a shame! I agree that the silhouette (and color - omigod I haven't forgot how stunning you looked next to that color!!) will look freaking fabulous on you - but if it's boring you, then it's boring me!! There's a kazillion awesome ideas here for how to Oona-fy - but whatever you end up doing is going to rock!!
ReplyDeleteand even worse.... once i see what you do with yours, i'm going to want to set fire to mine!!!
DeleteThis is going to make a beautiful dress as it is, but if you have to make it crazy I vote for a removable peplum, then you can always have it 'plain' if you ever want something a bit more sober.
ReplyDeletei mean, removable crazy seems the best option to keep everyone happy...
DeleteI love the color. I love the cut and fit of the dress (well, at least looks like it will fit beautifully). It will look fantastic with a huge black (or color) belt and cool boots! Way to turn Fall into a super fun season -while running away form all those earth tones. :)
ReplyDeletei think i need to actually try the damn thing on! the bodice is great, but i was so MEH i haven't tried it on since. i like the boots idea, i didn't think of the dressing down possibilities.
DeleteNearly everybody else has said this already...finish this dress, and accessorize the h*ll out of it. Chanel your internal Carmen Miranda. There are so many good ways it could go. It wants a multi-colored silk chiffon scarf, or a big red rose, or really good shoes (the multicolor heels that shout Bienvenido a Miami, maybe), or that parrot pin, to put your stamp on it. I wouldn't have thought a turquoise dress could be a wardrobe staple, but this one is awesome!
ReplyDeleteyou're turning my head with multicolored scarves!
DeleteThis looks like it'll be terrific! You could funkify the hell outta this, you know it. :) What about embellishing the dickin's out of it? Let's see if I can find the pic I'm thinking of...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tauntonstore.com/sewstylish-fall-2013-034031.html?source=WF001UPS
Hope that worked without mucking things up too badly.
You may not like the "solid colour" thing, but ruggy's right, it will look great on you, and while it may seem neutral it sure as heck ain't beige! *lol*
that. is. INSANE. i do have some more peacock feathers. muuuuuWAAhAHHAAHhAAAAAA.
DeleteI say finished it as planned. Wear it a few times and then if need be, redo it. But first, finish it. You never know....
ReplyDeletei am indeed resigned to finishing. (that's why i'm procrastinating online!)
DeleteI adore single colours on other people and aspire to be that classy, but just like you...I can't resist a funky print. Leopard, flamingo, floral, dotty...anything but plain! I really wish I could be more minimalist in my fabric choices as I might end up with a beautiful capsule wardrobe. But, I don't see that ever happening when crazy prints are out there calling to me! Saying all this though, your blue dress IS looking delicious!
ReplyDeleteexactly, i wish for that wardrobe too, but it just ain't happening. if i could only force myself to sew like, 5 solid interchangeable items, i KNOW it would help, but. meh.
DeleteHow about wearing a pashmina/scarf in another colour or pattern over the shoulder and secure with a belt around the waist. It's how Scotsmen traditionally wore their national costume and simply solve your dilemma?
ReplyDeleteAlison.
COOL idea alison!!
DeleteI love the color and it will look gorgeous but it doesn't look like you. It needs more "oona"!
ReplyDeletei know, it's like there's an alien on my dress form!
DeleteOkay I'm going to say something startling - not meanspirited or hurtful even but...okay here goes. How about adding a funky scarf and acting like it's you. I mean you're an amazing actress and I think you could sell it so wear it and act the hell outta liking it! ;)
ReplyDeleteactually, that's an incredible compliment. if i'm good enough to pull off liking the look of this dress, i've reached DeNiro proportions :)
DeleteLong-time lurker, but just have to de-lurk for this. What an absolutely gorgeous dress! LOVE the colour, the fabric, the cut ... and now I just have to have a dress in that exact hue ... :)
ReplyDeleteI like the removable peplum idea, either in a print or a contrasting solid colour and I also second the the idea to accessorize it - preferably with other strong colours - pink, orange, lime-green, purple, bright green, maroon, melon, crazy prints - either one of them or even better a combination of ... the colour wheel is your oyster ...
Karin
thank you karen, and welcome from the land of lurk :)!
Deleteimagining the color wheel as my oyster... i want to embroider that phrase and frame it.
Add a contrasting zipper, with brass teeth, sewn down the outside then punch some studs around the sleeves and trim with a fine chain like the flock denim,( which is fab by the way........) Just a thought....
ReplyDeleteyou know i love me some contrasting zippers!
Deletethanks for the denim love. i could indeed see studs on this girl...
This is a seriously frigging awesome colour and it's nice and bright - you know which is KINDA your style. I think this would be completely awesome with a SERIOUS statement necklace. You know the sort that doesn't want to compete with a print fabric. The sort that wants to scream LOOK AT ME!!! Consider this dress a blank canvas for you to rock out some seriously attention needy, glamorous and IN YA FACE accessories....
ReplyDeletei have a bunch of statement necklaces that never seem to work, and your words are the lightbulb WHY.
DeleteI think that if you finish sewing this, and put it on, it's going to be truly stunning on you. Very Audrey Hepburn, classic bombshell. Take the patterned silk organza you mentioned, that you have that works with it, line it with a really luxurious cotton velvet, in a contrasting color, and make an elegant wrap. Add heels in that same strong color, and you'll rock it. Wrap yourself in a print, leave the dress as it is for your loving husband, you both win.
ReplyDeletethat sounds tres delicious.... i am *this close* to adding another yard of turquoise & some cotton velvet to my shopping list.
DeleteOk, I must admit- I assumed it was a muslin- because it was a solid color. My gaudy soul loves your work- solid colors make me uncomfortable- surely this can be saved with amazing accessories and attitude!
ReplyDeletei know you feel me!!! i'm going to have to photograph this one AFTER cocktail hour.
DeleteThe dress is beautiful, but you have to listen to the inner You. It can be gorgeous, fit beautifully, but that little voice you hear is the real you screaming, "I am not this!" Your projects are projecting the real, unfiltered, unmuffled You. I think you have to flow with what is authentic for you and no one else. You are unique and special and your creations telegraph that. Stop worrying about what to wear for auditions, yada, yada. If you want to worry about that, get a black ensemble that covers arms and legs just for auditions so there's nothing to look at but your face.
ReplyDeleteClothes speak and send messages. Let them speak the truth of your own, special beauty!
this is so, SO beautifully put. thank you. (and i like your audition ensemble!)
Deletepick a clashing thread? do topstitching as a contrast?
ReplyDeletelike this example (1960s Geoffrey Beene Top Stitch Dress):
http://www.1stdibs.com/fashion/clothing/day-dresses/1960s-geoffrey-beene-top-stitch-dress/id-v_68591/
or the collar on this dress from Asos (Dahlia Top Stitch Collar And Button Front Tea Dress):
http://www.asos.com/Dahlia/Dahlia-Top-Stitch-Collar-And-Button-Front-Tea-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1515613&cid=0
oh, that topstitching is VERY cool. i did rip out all of the red thread, but maybe a classier combo could work?
DeleteI just came across your blog and I have to say WOW!!! I added you on my blogroll and will definitely be coming back! I love your daring styles and fabrics. I used to be much bolder in my sewing and then I toned it down so I could wear some garments to the office. I think my inspiration is back! Thank you ;-)
ReplyDeletewell thankya lisa! what a lovely thing to say!! i will try to keep inspiring...though i may be getting on the train to boldtown with this dress soon :)
DeleteIs this crazy talk that's about to come out of me...what if you used it for a dye or print experiment? Take some bleach on a paint brush to it. Dip dye it. Try Sharpie dying http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYr4SK9L79I. Carve some blog prints and stamp the hell out of it.
ReplyDeletehow i would LOVE to throw this dress in a vat of dye. or go stamp crazy. that would be therapeutic, to say the least.
DeleteI feel the same way about solid colour. But this dress is absolutely beautiful. The fabric looks expensive, and the colour is far from boring. I really really like the style of this dress. Please don't do anything crazy. Just go with it...just as an experiment if you need to give yourself a reason.
ReplyDeleteyes, i've been looking at it scientifically.... but this morning i awoke with a crazy idea that may have to happen , if i cant get the damn skirt to fit...i think this dress shrunk on me just to taunt me.
DeleteWhat!? Boring? To start, you're beautiful - that's what goes best with this simple dress. Then accessorize the heck out it. You're too creative to allow this fine silhouette go uncompleted.
ReplyDeletedelicious flattery! i have an idea, but it's QUITE different from this current silhouette. i may do a before/after...
DeleteI fucking love that you have a go-to rebuttal for all things at the moment - When the bathroom is finished! Those moments create sweet victory every time (while they last). I've been a silent, silent stalker here for some time.... but I have been around (albeit drowning in a mass of sewing for tiny people - EVERYONE IS BLOODY BREEDING! NO MORE FUCKING RUFFLES!). Sorry. Anyway, I love the dress but being alteration and accessorisation deficient as I am, can't offer any blazing wisdom or inspiration to Oona-fy it. My advice would be drink a cocktail. Maybe six. Inspiration may come with the hangover. It's a theory I worked on in Fiji.
ReplyDeletei mostly just say it softly under my breath, like stuey in family guy. it's fun.
DeleteWHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN GIRL?! there is no sewing for children! we have been over this! children are for carrying wine to their aunties!!
They ARE for carrying wine! And if you can get them to stand still enough their heads are a perfect height to act as a coaster at standing cocktail parties....
DeleteSome of my nephew's first full sentences were "Wine. Aunty Manda likes it," and when showing up to the house on a rare occasion without wine, "Oh dear! Aunty Manda no wine!"
I've definitely been reading, just not so much with the commenting. Life and work delivered a combination kick to the face which resulted in trouble with words putting into sentence doing. But I'm coming good now! I've had my first holiday in three years, I have duty free alcohol and I have cocktail zen :)
God/dess but I hate peplums! They really don't look good on anybody or anybody's body. A dangly bit of fabric that flaps in a breeze and bounces when you walk - U-G-H!
ReplyDeleteMaybe this dress is ... destined for someone else. You can donate it to a charity auction, gift a friend, or leave it on the street for pickup. You don't have to love it or wear it, but you will have finished it.
don't worry, the peplum is TRAShED! it was terrible.
Deleteit may indeed be destined for another.
I love it (but then again I'm a "omg it's a print I CAN'T wear that" kinda gal). A thought since it's just basted. Re-cut the bodice side/back panels in a print you like, make a matching belt and and subsitute the bottom 3 inches of the skirt with same said print. Dunno, just a thought.
ReplyDeletebut katkat! PRINTS ARE EVERRRRTHANG!!
DeleteHere's a thought...maybe extend the princess seams down the skirt and then quilt the side panels of the dress in horizontal stripes? I love the quilting on the recent Ralph Rucci pattern in Vogue, it really jazzes up what would otherwise be a plain dress....
ReplyDeletehrm.... going to look that up...
DeleteHas anyone suggested that you rip out those sleeves and replace them with floaty, printed silky flutter sleeves? Oh, or fancy sheer sleeves, you know the ones that are held closed at the top by only one or two buttons and a cuff.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. Thanks for being awesome in public.