For TMS’s first weekly challenge of #IMP15 I decided to make The Geogia Dress from BHL. It called for a fabric with a little stretch to help with the close fit. As I’m trying to sew more quality than quantity I knew I needed to make a muslin.
I traced the size 14 (U.S. Size – I like being 2 sizes smaller so sticking with it!!), then rummaged in my stash. I couldn’t find anything suitable, so delved into my ‘clothes to be refashioned’ box. I found a pair of my hubbies old jeans, and then after further searching in another box I found a gorgeous piece of Egyptian cotton. The latter had been chopped off my mum in laws duvet cover when she wanted it making smaller. Neither had any stretch but it would give me an idea of the fit and also enable me to check out the construction.
The dress went together really well. I didn’t take any pix when making it up as I only ‘threw’ it together to get the fit right. I was more than shocked when I tried it on – not only did it fit, but it actually looked ‘ok’, apart from being ridiculously short – I’d not added the bottom panel at this point.
Once I realised I might actually wear this out in public I added the trim down the front and sewed some extra fabric on the bottom to make it a wearable length. I also edge stitched around the bodice and straps to give some stability to the edges.
Before it became a ‘real’dress this zip was just added as it was the right length and would hold it all together for fitting.
I’m so pleased with the nearly finished result. I say nearly as it’s innards need tidying up, and I think it would benefit from some boning to help hold the bodice up. The straps push the bodice to my body but the bodice offers no support or has any structure on it’s own.
Although I love it and it’s totally wearable, for my next I’m considering making a slight FBA if I use a none stretch fabric. I love that it’s not fitted on the hips and gives an A line shape. Usually I prefer things fitted on my hip as it’s about the only part of my that slim! But I’ve found the A line makes me appear a better shape, if that makes sense. I just love optical illusions!
T H I M B E R L I N A 
I have always loved this pattern, especially the version with the thick straps, and have been looking around for more versions sewn up. Looking forward to see what you do for your next version!
Thanks Carolyn, I bet I spend ages choosing the fabric and it won’t be half as nice as this 😃
A line skirts and dresses are my favorite too! Cute dress!
Thanks! The denim really helps it to keep its shape, love it! ❤️
I love evrything about this dress! You look absolutely gorgeous! Would you have thought to use denim and cotton for this dress were it not a muslin? Serendipitious! Now you have a designer dress👏👏👏. Love that about sewing😃.
No, I don’t think I would! I was lucky there was enough to add length to the bottom as I don’t think it would have looked right with anything else.
I think I’ll call this my lucky dress! 😃
Look at you doing colour blocking! 💕💕 Looks fantastic!
I know! I’ve been patting myself on the back! Thanks Del! Like your emojis ✂️🎉✂️
You’re my inspiration!
Funky dress! The shape of it definitely suits you. I love the denim in it!
Thanks Beth! I think it’s supposed to be really fitted, but I think if be too self conscious, I love how it’s ended up! 😃
I love this dress on you!! It looks completely fabulous in the denim and cotton 🙂 don’t you just love that about sewing 🙂
Yup! It’s so fab when something turns out better than expected too! Makes up for the occasional disappointment 😃
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It’s lovely! I like the colour blocking and the totally different fabrics in combination.
Thanks…I can’t wait to wear it! I know no one will have one like it, that’s for sure! 😃
Lovely dress – really looks good on you 🙂
Thank you! Hopefully if it’s stops raining it’s going to make its debut this evening 😃
I would never have guessed it was a muslin! It’s fabulous. Next stop Milan?
Thanks Lucie!
On a completely different note I’m in touch with Amanda & Neela trying to sort a date for the next Spoolette meet up in the summer hols. Struggling with Saturdays. Is it there any chance you might be able to get a Wednesday off? 😃
Terrific upcycling! Love when a muslin turns out wearable. Really cool effect with the denim and cotton.
Thank you! I could tell pals I’m going to go out in my hubby’s jeans, I bet I’ll get some funny looks! 😃
I’ve been meaning to try the pattern. The fit is great!
Thanks! 😃
I love this – it’s really unique and a bit of a show-stopper! It would probably suit me too as, from your publicly declared measurements, it appears we have identical figures. Except I’m only 5’2″:)
Same size?! I’m coming to raid your holiday wardrobe next time I go away! 😃
Looks really good on you. Definitely make another one!
I’m hoping to soon, struggling to sew at the minute due to living room makeover! 😳