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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
27 Comments
Katie
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!)
almondrock
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!
Alex
A great dress and I think the topstitching looks lovely! Well done!
almondrock
Thank you! It’s a relief it turned out neat
Sabs
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!
almondrock
Thanks lovely! I bet you could if you had a little foot like me. Really is a big help
stitchedupsam
This is lovely Amy. The top stitching looks pretty good to me!
almondrock
Thank you! I am happy with it. I just wish there was a foolproof method!
Lynne
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.
almondrock
Thanks Lynne! Your belladones are great. I am really pleased to add this one to my wardrobe
Sew Little Time (@michellerussel9)
Wow, what a beautiful dress. I’m definitely adding this pattern to my ‘to do’ list.
almondrock
Thanks! I definitely recommend it
charityshopchic
It’s lovely – I think your topstitchng looks great, well done 🙂
almondrock
Thank you! I wish there was a foolproof method though
Swirlyicing
Well done! With that top stitching. Cute dress. X
almondrock
Thanks Mum xx
Helena
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.
almondrock
Thank you! I’d definitely recommend it. Gotta love a unique feature like that back
daisy jones
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
almondrock
Thank you! It’ll be interesting to see if it softens over time or holds its shape x
sewmanju
This looks great on you Amy: the denim really suits the shape and the topstitching looks fab.
almondrock
Thank you! I’m intrigued how it will soften after a few washes
elise//honigdesign
Super denim dress, love that topstitching!
gingermakes
This is really cute! I love how this pattern looks in a more structured fabric!
almondrock
Thank you! It’ll be interesting to see if it softens after a few washes
gingerella
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.
gingerella
Hmm my username seems to link to an old blog. Not sure why. Should be http://gingerella.wordpress.com