I know, I know. You all think I swan around like a Vogue/Steven Meisel photo shoot, lighting candles, patting my childrens’ heads indulgently, tangoing in the ballroom with my husband and directing the activities of the minions who keep my gorgeous life on its well-oiled tracks. And of course, wearing fabulosities like the Pippa Gala Dress on a regular basis.
Hahahahahahahahaha! Snort!
In truth, if I did any WIWT posts, they would all look the same: jeans, boots, knit top. Done! My wardrobe is only interesting on special occasions.
Where was I going with this? Oh yeah. A special occasion is coming up – Christmas! Alas, I’m not singing these days, but I still want something nice to wear. And since I lurve my Pippa dress, I decided to make another one! Here’s the specifics:
Pattern Description: Same as the last time
Sizing: Same as the last time
Fabric Used: Malandrino Wool Jersey in Burgundy. Can you believe it? I actually got to sew with a fabric that isn’t sold out!
Needle/Notions Used: Stretch 75/11 needle. Thread. Pro-Tricot Deluxe Interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply. Beads from the leftover lace in my Gala Pippa Dress
Tips Used during Construction: Easy Way to Hold Beads, Right Side of Knits, And Now, a Word from the Pressinatrix
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? The StyleArc Pippa only comes in the formal length, so not entirely. But aside from the length, yes.
Construction Notes: With Phyllis‘ help, I cut this down to knee length. I kept all the fitting adjustments from the first Pippa, and I took a little out of the hip. I used the original one-piece cap sleeve instead of my self-drafted two-piece. Since I was using a jersey instead of a woven, I basted the CB seam to see if I could skip the zip. The answer? Yes! So I sewed the entire back seam closed. I didn’t line this version. Instead, I used the neckline stay pattern pieces to draft facings. I turned the under-arm seams in and stitched them down.
As I was trying the dress on, and trying it on Shelley, I realized that it needed a little something at the neckline. I didn’t want much embellishment, but a little to draw the eye. So I tacked beads at 1-inch intervals to the neckline.
Cowl pulled back to show the beading on the front.
And on the back
Likes/Dislikes: I love that this pattern works equally well for a very formal gown as for a dressy dress. I love the lines. I love the fit. I’ll get tons of wear out of this. When I’m not wearing jeans, boots and knit tops, that is.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I did make it again, and yes, yes, yes!
Conclusion: Love. It. I can’t recommend StyleArc’s Pippa heartily enough. Here are full length shots of the front and back.
Front
And back
It’s worth noting here that this dress works beautifully in jersey. It’s fitted enough that you can use knits. Check the fit by basting first, but my experience was great.
Happy sewing!
What a great Christmas dress. Looks good in this version too. Thanks for the tip on using beads. Such a simple tip……..why didn’t I think of that?
Gorgeous, Ann, gorgeous! Yes, it is wonderful in the jersey. If only I had the bod to wear this design…
Beautiful dress and love the color. Now, what is WIWT? I know I’m going to be embarassed. :-\
No need to be embarrassed! It stands for “What I Wore Today”.
Great dress – it is interesting to see it at a different length and it works really well. The little peak of beads is cute!
Ooo that one is so pretty too – love that wool jersey. I have yet to sew with it but man I wanna. Crap – you’re having a sale too! There goes my fabric buying ban! -)
Another beautiful dress Ann , if only I could conquer my fear of Bias ….
Just as lovely in a knit; I think you’ll need to make one for every season!
This is pushing me over the edge! I have little (no) use for full length gowns but could totally imagine wearing it like this. Just beautiful!!!!
Really beautiful, I like how the beads make it special but don’t take it over the top. Hope we get to see you in it!
This is just as beautiful in the shorter length as it was in the longer length! Just love the color you chose and the simple but classy embellishment!
I love it in jersey.
Another lovely dress! And thanks for the tip on tape for the beads. I’ve seen others suggest using a terrycloth towel or similar, but I don’t always want or need such a large item sitting next to me to be bumped. Or the cat to decide to sit upon.
I have a question – I have thought that this would make a great top, since I don’t wear dresses. Is there a way to make a better educated guess if a dress pattern would work as a top? Do some need the weight of the skirt to make the bodice hang right? Thanks!
Gail, I would imagine this would work for a top. You could just cut it to hip length (or whatever length you prefer). I haven’t really thought too much about any algorithm for determining whether a dress would work as a top. I guess the one type of dress I would avoid making into a top is one with a defined waistline seam. And one that has a lot of volume up top, that would require the weight of the skirt. I’d love to hear if anyone else has any hard and fast (or soft and slow) rules for making the determination.
I love this version. The perfectly spaced delicate beads were just the thing to define that inner neckline, and to make the dress really special. You will look beautiful wearing this for Christmas.
Wow, what a lovely dress!! I love how you made it in a jersey. I would never have thought to do this but it’s perfect. Happy holidays!
Fantastic! Love the beading detail. It adds just the right touch. I think I “need” this pattern for a LBD.
Such a lovely dress long or short!
I think the beads are a perfect touch.
Ann, this dress is so special! I adore the beads…the perfect touch.
You know, we should ALL do the WIWT posts! Then you’d feel so much better when you saw me posting “husband’s thermal shirt, baggy-butt comfy jeans, mismatched socks” day after day ad infinitum… When I get dressed up, I’m so uncomfortable I can’t DO anything!
I love your dress, both versions. Do the beads show on the front at all when the cowl is in position, or only along the back neckline?
Lovely dress and so smart to use that pattern again! It is perfection on you.
Hmmm, yeah your world is much like mine, but everyone needs at least one fabulous holiday dress. This version is perfect – and the beads add that little extra finishing touch.
Gorgeous! I loved the gown version you made and this looks equally lovely. Just wondering though, do you think the pattern will suit only particular body types? I’m petite and not well-endowed in the chest.
I think it will look fabulous on a petite, Maria. I did a FBA. If you recall the original Pippa, she’s teeny and it looked stunning on her. Go for it!
The Christmas dress is perfection, Ann! Would you whip one up for me too?
My style question: would this work for the pear-shaped petite?
Nina