Dress: DIY from Colette “Peony” pattern
Shoes: Wittner
Well, here’s my first attempt at my second Colette pattern!
Peony is rated as a beginner pattern, and the instructions and pattern are certainly pleasantly straightforward. Moreso than my beloved Macaron with its sweetheart bodice and contrasting yoke.
Unfortunately I found that the pattern had a lot of fit issues on my figure, and I had to do a lot of tweaking in my amateurish way in order to get it to a wearable state.
The arms were way to wide, so I had to bring the seams in dramatically. The neckline was throttling me at the front, so I had to deepen it. After I attached the skirt I realised that although the bodice hit my waist perfectly at the front I had acres of spare fabric that billowed at the back making me look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I bodged together a fix that I’m quite proud of, but the fact remained: This was not a dress pattern cut for my figure.
Still, I’m not deterred, and I’ll try again when I get the chance. I think next time I’ll make the bodice a size or two smaller, and possibly in a stretch fabric.
I decided to forego the sash as I found it unflattering on my figure, but I liked the addition of lace trim at the hem and cuffs.
I used the same blush pink fabric that I used on my Space Macaron, it’s got a decent amount of weight, and a lovely texture that’s reminiscent of raw silk. Looking at the pics, I suspect I love the shade more than it loves me, and perhaps I ought to use it more sparingly in the future.
So, overall, not a resounding success.
Oh well, next time!
I think that could be a great style for you, but a smaller size to fit your shoulders with a full bust adjustment (google it there are lots of tutorials) would fit you better. A muslin first would have led to a better fit
I know…. I’m so lazy though, I can never build up the motivation to do a muslin. I definitely need to take a bit more care next time if I intend to make the dress again though!
What a shame! I actually think this colour is really elegant on you, especially with your hair tied back like that. I find it hard to find dresses that fit comfortably on the top as well as the bottom as I have small shoulders, boobs and waist but huge hips. This has potential – it would be great to see this well fitted on you.
I’m definitely going to give it another go. I’ll try it with a smaller bodice size and a FBA. And maybe stretch fabric 😉
anyway, you did a great job! you look soooo goooood!!! this colour is very elegant on you (on me, well, I would look like zombie :-D), and I would add pearls to complete the this princess-like outfit 🙂
huuuugz
I do look suspiciously like I might be suffering from consumption, but I love that blush colour so much!
The lace trim at the hem and cuffs is my favorite feature:)
Mine too 🙂
Colette patterns are NOT made for anyone over size 10. I’ve tried three patterns, and they have given me nothing but misery. The company owner refuses to address this, so I just stopped buying them. You did a good job with your fix-up!
Oh that’s a shame. The only other Colette pattern I’ve had experience with is the Macaron, and that always worked pretty well for me, but this one just didn’t work for me at all!
Ignore me if you already know all this, but it sounds and looks like the pattern needed a full bust adjustment and maybe a swayback adjustment. Fit for Real People is really excellent for figuring out what adjustments to make before you even touch your fashion fabric, but you can find online tutorials for those changes as well.
Yeah, I think that’s definitely what I’m doing wrong. Smaller bodice size, but lots more room for the “ladies”! I might have to invest in a french curve though, by the sounds of it.
You look gorgeous! I think the color works for you, but if you’re worried about being washed out, would a statement necklace help brighten things up?
Again, so lovely xo
I think that’d be a good idea, actually. I tried it with pearls, but it didn’t do much. Maybe something a bit punchier would work though
I stumbled across your blog and am loving what you do! My figure is very close to yours and I get lots of inspiration! I actually LOVE this dress on you and think it is very sweet and elegant. You look gorgeous!
Thanks Helen! I think it needs a little bit of work, but it’s definitely a pattern I’m keen to work with again.
Oh! You look totally ADORABLE in this dress! I think you did a great job! Go YOU!
Thanks Pip! And thanks for dropping by to say “hi!” too, Love your work!
Oh I think it’s a lovely color on you! I’ve this pattern but haven’t tried making it yet. I’m so excited that you’re sewing! How fun! I have long admired your style. I think you could try it again, I concur with a smaller bodice size as you mentioned. And probably the FBA mentioned above too. It’s not hard, but it can be daunting if you’re somewhat of a beginner to altering… The sewing blogworld is full of helpful people though. Debbie Cook of Stitches & Seams (http://stichesandseams.blogspot.com) has wonderful tutorials for a whole host of adjustments and alterations. I would start there if you’re looking for a fit solution for the bodice. 🙂
Good luck! I can’t wait to see what you make next!
ps…I am over a size 10 and I’ve had rather good luck with Colette patterns, and their style suits me very much. I think it comes down to altering the pattern to fit your particular body quirks. I hope Danielle gives them another try, although I understand fit frustration..sometimes it really is better to move on to something new. There are plenty of patterns for everyone.
Thanks Angie. I’ve seen a few really good FBA tutorials, so I’ll definitely have to give that a go next time. I fit the Colette Macaron pattern pretty well, so I don’t know what made this one such a messed-up fit. I’ll keep trying though, it’s too nice a pattern to give up!
I personally think this is a lovely look on you.
Nice work!
Thanks Tanya! It’s such a classic shape, I’m definitely going to give it another go soon.
I love the lace but I think a little more color suits you better! It’s a very pretty dress!
Yeah, I think the delicate blush colour makes me look a little pale. Probably at 34 I’m too old to wear it, too, lol!
Oh i love the lace trim it is gorgeous! I think this looks lovely, i can see where it may have caused problems but overall just lovely and the colours are perfect.
Thank you! I do love a lace trim – I’m thinking of getting a skater dress from Dream Diva and using the excess lace on that in a similar way 🙂
I think the dress looks great …. It can be hard to tweak patterns to fit & I’m always to impatient to make a muslin!
Oh God, me too! I’m a very impatient sewer – I usually try to turn a sewing project around in a day. Definitely not a measure-twice-cut-once kind of girl, lol!
I love the colour, although agree it maybe washes you out a little, although you still look lovely in it, it’s nice to see you in something completely different. I adore the lace details, beautiful.
Thank you! It’s nice to step outside the comfort zone sometimes 🙂
Oh that’s darling. I would buy that dress in a moment if I saw it.
Thank you, Laura! I have to admit I love the idea of it better than I love the dress, but it didn’t cost too much to sew, money OR time-wise 🙂