The Electric Petunia Belladone Dress

Hurrah I finished my radioactive purple Belladone!

When I was in London for the last meet up I went to the Village Haberdashery. I love surfing the online shop but wanted to see everything in real life.

Ecstatic to see independent patterns neatly perched on a rack, I bought the Deer and Doe Belladone pattern using birthday money from my little brother. Well done little fro, well done.

I was really keen on using chambray for the pattern… fast forward 2 minutes and I’m umming and aahing over the gorgeous chambray in stock. After a quick chat Annie ordered me this purple from the distributors and shipped it to me a few days later. How’s that for customer service!?

For the dress I cut a straight 38. It fit almost perfectly out the packet (love it when this happens). I just made a teeny adjustment to the waist position and to the back skirt pieces.

(This doesn’t even do the colour justice. It’s soooo rich. Crocus is a great name for it!)

This is Robert Kaufman’s Interweave Chambray and its definitely bright. It has a really good pink undertone that makes it pop.

Crazily I had the perfect size coordinating purple metal zipper in my stash. Throw in hot pink bias tape everywhere and an old bobbin of “Petunia” sylko thread for my top stitching and my colour scheme was set (remind anyone of My Little Pony?).

(Damn, remember how good and plastic-y MLPs used to smell? Have I gone too weird for you? Let’s get back on course…)

And of course I made some alterations (why keep anything simple Amy).

(THIS ONE shows the kapow colour of this chambray)

I made the neckline a v-neck like Anna’s latest version as I think that is a touch more flattering on me. For crazy reasons I put in a handpicked lapped zipper. The hem is finished with bias tape turned inside. Plus I added a waistband facing in the same chambray.

One alteration I didn’t do was line the skirt. Arrrgh why didn’t I do it?! I’m a fool. I totally hate sticking to my tights. And I know I don’t own a good quality slip. Plus no one wants to flash their work colleagues… err unless you’re in a very unusual workplace?

Eléonore has made such a simple but elegant dress pattern for us all to play with. I found the instructions excellent. It’s fun to have options with the bias tape – lots on show, some on show or none on show! The English translation is great and the pictorials are very clear. I didn’t really get the need for a hem facing but guess it could come in handy for some fabrics.

Options for Next Time!

(yes, yes of course there will be a next time)

1. Lining. Definitely the skirt, possibly the whole thing. Though I will use something nice and lightweight (getting my zipper sewn in through the double waistband was NOT fun).

2. Play with stripes, polka dots or gingham! Lauren’s version is mega. So is Amanda’s. I seriously love monochrome dressing. I’d like to try a black and white (or a red and white) gingham or plaid with solid coloured (black or red) bias binding in as an accent.

3. Alter the bodice to make a top; Skip the waistband and just start the bottom of the bodice from there. And move the zip to the side? Crazy or genius?

4. I’ve already tried this but it’s not fully realised. Turn the bottom of the dress into a skirt on its own; You make a waistband facing and insert a smaller zip. Simple! I got the idea from Rochelle who made a Cambie skirt!

5. Finally, can I try a different skirt on the dress? Those pockets are adorable but this skirt is a bit too close fitting for my comfort. I prefer a nice bit of gathering and a bit of swish. Not sure how that would look though. Hmmm…

Okay that’s enough from me. Look out for the Ladybird Likes giveaway winner announcement this weekend!