Dresses

Denim Belladone

Today I have a lot of topstitching to show you. Some good… some bad.

I’ve been holding off posting this dress because I’m really unhappy with the quality of the pictures. I think the focus isn’t working properly and the white balance seems off. If anyone has any good suggestions for replacements please let me know in the comments.

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

But first some key details! This is my Minerva Blogger Network make for July. I originally planned a denim Kwik Sew 3830 but this denim was a bit too heavyweight for that. So I thought how about a Jolie Marie Louise Léa dress or a Deer and Doe Belladone? Belladone won out as you can see.

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

The denim is a black blue visible weave 7.5 oz denim. It would be good for structured dresses, mini skirts, and jackets. I wouldn’t recommend it for trousers as its pretty crisp – but Katie seems to have nailed it so I could be wrong. There is only a teeny amount of stretch. It has a undefinable smell to it too. I can’t quite compare it to anything other than to say it smells really denimy – yes I have lost my mind from sniffing too much denim.

The Belladone seemed like a good match because the cool open back feature needs stability. Plus I played with topstitching on my original belladone and had a hoot.

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

I used a denim needle and blue polyester thread throughout the main construction. My topstitch was done with gutermann topstitch weight thread in an orangey code #362. I took my stitch length up to 4mm and most of the time used my stitch in the ditch foot as a substitute topstitching foot.

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

So if you’re not familiar with this dress its selling point is a diamond cutout back but it also has yoked pockets, and flattering A-line skirt and I easily converted this to a v neck at the front. I used bias for the arm and neck holes but there is a facing for the hem which you can see let me have a nice deep topstitched hemline. It does make the skirt hem a little undesirably stiff though.

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

A word of warning for fans of tights: It doesn’t have any provision for lining. It doesn’t even face the waistband. I used the denim for a waistband facing but this was very thick so I do regret it.

Ahhh the neckline and armholes topstitching. They came out so dodgy! This was because without my special foot I had to rely on following a chalk line and that wasn’t working for me. This is the best of three attempts.

I’m still really happy with dress because it looks pretty smart, the skirt looks great and it reminds me of a Michelle Williams dress I have had pinned on Pinterest for a very long time. Triple win!!

almond rock denim belladone minerva crafts

(27) Comments

  1. Way cute! I’ve been hankering for a denim dress and also thinking I should make another belladone sometime… I know what you mean about the smell, I think it’s probably the dye? After a couple of washes it’s gone and it softened up nicely too (I wear those jeans so much!)

    1. almondrock says:

      Ohh that’s good to know. Might pop it in the wash asap to see what that does. I don’t think I’ve seen your belladone, must take a look!

  2. A great dress and I think the topstitching looks lovely! Well done!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! It’s a relief it turned out neat

  3. Love it Amy! Very sophisticated and I think the top stitching is really great. I can’t do it anywhere near neat enough as yours!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks lovely! I bet you could if you had a little foot like me. Really is a big help

  4. stitchedupsam says:

    This is lovely Amy. The top stitching looks pretty good to me!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I am happy with it. I just wish there was a foolproof method!

  5. Ooo! Snazzy top stitching! Your dress is fab – I do have a weakness for Belladone, it’s such a lovely pattern. I think it does suit a heavier fabric for the back cutout, and also the pleats on the skirt.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks Lynne! Your belladones are great. I am really pleased to add this one to my wardrobe

  6. Wow, what a beautiful dress. I’m definitely adding this pattern to my ‘to do’ list.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks! I definitely recommend it

  7. It’s lovely – I think your topstitchng looks great, well done 🙂

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I wish there was a foolproof method though

  8. Swirlyicing says:

    Well done! With that top stitching. Cute dress. X

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks Mum xx

  9. The Belladone has such a great shape and the denim holds it well. I’m just one click away from buying it myself. All your topstitching looks great for enhancing the features of the dress.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I’d definitely recommend it. Gotta love a unique feature like that back

  10. Amy I Like and like, especially the hem, I know you say it makes it stiff but I think that makes it a ‘design feature’ way to go……
    bestest D x

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! It’ll be interesting to see if it softens over time or holds its shape x

  11. This looks great on you Amy: the denim really suits the shape and the topstitching looks fab.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I’m intrigued how it will soften after a few washes

  12. Super denim dress, love that topstitching!

  13. This is really cute! I love how this pattern looks in a more structured fabric!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! It’ll be interesting to see if it softens after a few washes

  14. Looks great! I do really like the Belladone dress but was a little disappointed there isn’t at least a waistband facing. I actually managed to line the bodice when I made it but it was a quite tricky, to get my head around at least.

    1. Hmm my username seems to link to an old blog. Not sure why. Should be http://gingerella.wordpress.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.