Sunday 12 February 2012

Finished: Rosy Peony

When the Peony dress was first released by Colette patterns, it seemed to pass me by for some reason. I was only swayed into buying it because of all the delectable versions that kept popping up on sewing blogs.  But I'm SO glad I did - I can see myself making this perfect little dress over and over again.  I love the classic lines, the neat fit and the fact that it has a vintage 1960's vibe whilst still looking modern.  So without further ado, let me present my version: the Rosy Peony.  

It's made from a textured, almost waffley cotton fabric (I'd be interested to learn the official name for this type of fabric if anybody knows). The fabric is relatively thick, but also soft, which was important as I didn't want to end up with pointy darts as forewarned by Karen in this invaluable post.  Taking Karen's advice, I made a muslin of the bodice and by some miracle, didn't need to make any adjustments to the front.  The back was a different matter though and I encountered my usual problems of busty front versus narrow back.  The changes were still only minimal: I increased the top/shoulder darts and made a tuck across the back.  I was sporting quite a smug look on my face at this stage, which was soon wiped off once I'd sewn the bodice up in my fashion fabric.  Yes, I encountered the old chestnut of different fabrics behaving in different ways, grrr. I used a plain woven cotton for my muslin and failed to take note that the waffley fabric actually had quite a bit of stretch to it. You've guessed it, the fit was now too big, doh!  The overall shape was good though so it was quite easily rectified by simply taking in the side seams from just below the bust dart.  

Apart from the fitting of the bodice, the pattern was the usual delight to sew up and only  took a couple of hours to make.  I added black piping to the neckline, (gifted to me by Zoe and Claire when I couldn't make the Brighton De-Stash meet up, thanks ladies!)  This was my first time working with piping and I couldn't believe how easy it was!  It seemed to work like magic, I'll be piping everything that moves from now on.  
Admire my piping
...and my overlocking - couldn't resist a gratuitous inside shot
I also didn't bother with the cummerbund belt - if I need a belt, I'll add this little number instead.  

I've got a party to go to in a few week's time and I know this dress will be perfect.  I think it will also be good to wear with sandals and a cardigan in spring, so I'll definitely be making another version before the year is out.  I think the Year of the Dress has got off to a good start. x

59 comments:

  1. Oooh I LOVE it! The peony has passed me by a little too but after seeing your version I am definitely tempted. The fit is perfect, and I love your fabric too. The styling with the belt is fabulouso...fantastic make!

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  2. Absolutely beautiful, Jane! I love it. I can't get over how different each version of the Peony I've seen is. I'm working on my second one as we speak - underlining my fashion fabric right now!

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    1. I agree, they all look completely different! Can't wait to see your next version. x

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  3. Oh Jane, this is just sweet. Perfect for a dinner out but at the same time seems like the fit would be very wearable. It's just beautiful!

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  4. Gorgeous dress, and the black and white will be so versatile! I'm wondering if your fabric might be cotton pique?

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    1. Thanks Andrea. Oooh cotton pique, that sounds much more elegant than "waffley"! x

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  5. Lovely, lovely, I really like the peony, in fact I was looking at the flickr group earlier to see different versions and to see if there was an example in my body type. Just a little worried about the high neckline. This version is lovely, when I saw your fabric the other day I knew it would be great.

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    1. Thanks. I'm not a fan of high necklines at all either but this one is so wide you don't notice. x

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  6. Lovely, Jane. I really must get this pattern! The red belt really makes it 'pop' too. Thumbs up! :)

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  7. I absolutely love it!!! Well done, both on the pattern and the fabric choice. Very inspiring! :-)

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  8. I love it. That fabric. That fabric. I hope they still have it when I am more mobile. I just ADORE it. I also like the piped neckline. It adds a really nice touch to the dress.

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    1. Let me know how much you want Dibs and I'll get you some the next time I'm there. x

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  9. This dress is gorgeous Jane. I love it with your red belt and lippy.

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  10. Beautiful dress. The fabric is gorgeous!

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  11. The dress is so pretty, Jane - great job with the fit too x

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  12. Prettiest Peony I've seen. I haven't seen anything special about this pattern at all until I saw yours - It's beautiful!

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  13. Nice! I luv your fabric choice too! Great job on the piping. I've been scared to try that, maybe one day. I do like how it looks.

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  14. So very lovely Jane. Lovely fabric and that colour looks great on you, especially with a touch of red. I've only ever had one rubbish attempt at piping but that was with some horrid synthetic velvet. I must give it another try sometime. I can see how it finishes off things so neatly.

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  15. This is fantastic. I have just brought the Colette Sewing Handbook and will work my way through that before I attempt the Peony but it has been on my wish list since day 1. I think I will order it this week just so I know its there waiting. Hope mine comes out half as good as yours.

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  16. Just gorgeous Jane! I really love the fabric - it sound's like pique to me too.

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    1. I think you and Andrea are right Sherry - I've googled pique and it looks very similar. Thanks! x

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  17. Ooh piping love! That neckline really suits you and the fit is great. I can see why you want to make it again!

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    1. Thanks! I wasn't sure about the neckline at all at first (you know what I'm like with high necks!) but I think it's very flattering and would suit anybody. x

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  18. Very nice! Can you point me to a piping tutorial? Please!

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    1. Hi Lynn. I used this one from the Colette website which explains exactly how to add it to a neckline: http://www.coletterie.com/sewalongs/rooibos-sewalong-all-in-one-facing-and-piping. My piping was ready made but there's also a tutorial on the Colette site for making your own if you so wish! x

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  19. It's gorgeous, and the red belt really finishes it off. :)

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  20. Beautiful! And as usual the fit is perfect.

    I also love the piping around the neckline. I went through a phase of piping everything, bought loads of it in advance in every shade I could find (including lovely vintage stuff and 'double piping'), only to never use it again and have it all sitting there in a bag... Your dress has inspired me to dig it out and start piping away again, thank you!

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  21. Gorgeous dress! The print is beautiful on its own, but the red belt really looks fabulous with it.

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  22. Well done! It's sooo pretty! I made my Peony is bias cut plaid.

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  23. Oh Jane, you stunner! This dress is sheer perfection...the fabric print, the style, the piping! Wow!

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  24. Oh it's gorgeous - very chic and very you. Well done!

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  25. Gorgeous, gorgeous!! And your piping is just perfect! x

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  26. Ooh this is lovely. The shape really suits you, and the fit is bang on! I made my Peony just after Christmas, but still haven't hemmed it. Perhaps I should finish it now!!

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  27. Just lovely! Looks perfect on you! And I really love the piping - brilliant touch!

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  28. Beautiful! And I agree with all the previous commenters - the black piping adds something really special to this dress :)

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  29. Ooh I love how the piping accents the neckline, lovely peony you have!

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  30. So pretty and I especially love it with the belt! I'd love to know what the fabric is too - I used something similar for a different dress and I have no idea what it is. lol

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  31. Ooo, lovely job! I really like the piping at the neckline. I was also inspired by all the lovely peonies out there that I just ordered this pattern as well!

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  32. Brilliant. It looks lovely both with and without the belt. Such a good print as well.

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  33. Jane its a stunner ( as alwYs!). I too am getting more and more persuaded that I need the peony pattern. The only thing saving me from buying is the queue of other projects . The piping looks tops, such a wonderful finishing touch and you know I'm a fan. Fabric is lush - is say good multi seasonal.hoorah!

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  34. So gorgeous! I really love the fabric that you chose and the addition of the piping! I keep eying this pattern, but since I have several vintage patterns that are so similar, I keep talking myself out of it. rofl. We'll see how long that lasts...

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  35. Oh how fun! I love what you did! The fabric is really interesting. I'd be very curious if you find out what it is. I recently made a peony of my own that you can see on my blog. It really is a great pattern :)

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  36. Oh Jane, your dress turned out beautiful! It really suits you.

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  37. Rosey perfection! I am so in love with this pattern, so excited to see all the different versions popping up :D

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  38. ah it's precious especially with the piping well done you :)

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  39. This is just adorable. Love the fabric. Love the piping. Love the pop of colour with the belt. Adorable!

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  40. Oh wow, this looks gorgeous on you! Lovely work, especially your piping detail. I've got the Peony pattern sat waiting for inspiration - this is definitely giving me some!

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  41. It's a beaut dress! The fabric is divine, and the piping adds a little extra zing to the grey and black. Really lovely job you've done!

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  42. Beautiful dress! It looks great on you, and I love the piped neckline.

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  43. It's lovely, Jane. Particularly like the neckline and choice of fabric. xx

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  44. Jane, Who says roses are red. Grey ones are beautiful too. The piped neckline makes it a bit special too.

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  45. I love this dress - it's fabulous. I think that fabric is called cotton pique. Oh that's if one of the last 53 commenters haven't said.

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  46. What a fabulous dress. Where did you get the fabric from...I love it.

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  47. What a gorgeous dress, as are the other 3 variations! you've inspired me to hunt down this pattern :)

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  48. I searched for this one straight away, Jane! It is such a wonderful fit, and really interesting to hear how you made it so. I'm wondering if you're still putting piping on everything that moves, because I hardly ever use it but I really noticed it "pop" when I saw you wearing this dress, and am thinking perhaps I need more piping in my life!

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    1. Thanks Helen! It's so funny you should say that about piping because I don't think I've used it since! I do love it on this dress though so maybe I should use it more. x

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