Black Tie Event Dress

[Meaghan]

I am looking for some inspiration for a New Years Eve outfit.  It is black tie and in Miami.  They always have the air conditioning turned WAY up and I am always cold.(wrap myself up in the tablecloth cold!) I am a SAH and my usual wardrobe is casual to say the least.  I have scoured the Nordstroms website and all the styles seem to be sleevless or halter style.  I am thinking maybe a beaded twinset and skirt but I also have a beautiful piece of brown/multi color burnout in my stash which I could also use.  I am feeling uninspired and thought you girls might be able to provide some guidance.  I don't really have any figure flaws except that I am only 5'2'. You all do such lovely work, I thought I might turn to you for direction.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated by this permaneant lurker!

[fzxdoc]

Meaghan, I love these two styles for burnout fabrics:


Vogue 2778 photo credits at www.voguepatterns.com

(The sleeveless one with the pants is my favorite.  You could add a stole to stay warm)


Vogue 2779 photo credits at www.voguepatterns.com

It's hard to find good styles for burnout, IMHO, without looking like Ray Romano's mother--you know, that big-top-over-everything look.

Your burnout sounds gorgeous.

I also think that a simple twinset over a Burberry-type plaid skirt is a great look.  Here's a link to one that I made a few years back:

Burberry-type long skirt

I've gotten a TON of mileage out of that simple skirt.

[Martha]

I always reach for the "little black dress".  If you'll be dancing, you won't get cold

[LindaE]

Meaghan,
I like those two patterns Kathryn pointed out they would look good in a burned out.

I made the following

I used vogue pattern 8089 from Sandra Betzina collection.



From www.voguepatterns.com

[Meaghan]

Kathryn ,your skirt is georgeous. I love the idea of the plaid to.  Thanks for the inspiratuion.  I know what you mean about the " ray's mom" look.  I have a few of those upstaire in ths closet right now!   I may save the burnout and go for the skirt idea instead.
**Kathryn, I love your photo galleries.  I have been following your work like a stalker for a few years!  Everything you make is exquisite,  Where do you find the time.  You are truly an inspiration to me.
Linda, your kimono jacket is georgeos.  Thank you for the pattern suggestions. I will probably try one of them.  As my teenage daughter says, you cannot be an outfit repeate!.  So, I am off to shop.

Thanks girls, I knew you could help. 

[fzxdoc]

Gosh, Meaghan, thank you so much for the wonderful compliment!  I'm glad you enjoy my photo galleries.  I finally had to split off to a second one because the first one got up over 100 albums. Maybe if I posted photos less and sewed more, I'd get more accomplished! 

Seriously, though, I love looking at project photos.  I always get so inspired looking at so many of the fantastic garments and projects made by our members here!

Kathryn

[marciae]

On the Louise Cuttings Patterns thread Louise talks about the black outfit she wore to a similar event in Florida (forgot what city she lives in  )  Anyway, it was a pair of one seams with the ABO jacket - in black tasmanian wool.

[angie.a]

HA!  Meaghan, too funny.  I've stalked Kathryn for a few years myself, LOL 

Can't help on the outfit...but I love the first vogue pattern (pants suit) too.  Beautiful!

[fzxdoc]

Oooh, Angie!  I love having my project photos stalked!  I'd better get busy sewing up some more stuff!    Thanks for being a sewing stalker!    Really, though, thank you for the flattering compliment.  It's nice to share some things about sewing, since I learn so much from others when I come here.

[angie.a]

LOL Kathryn, you're welcome!  I still have white minky dot in my stash...with snaps & ribbing to totally steal your jacket design for my dd!!   (Heck, I"d almost wear it myself, if my erm, midriff, was in better condition )

[Arla]

Hi I am out of lurkdom to agree with Angie and Meaghan about being a stalker of Kathryn's photo's of projects.  They have satisfied my sewing urges as I completed my teaching degree

Kathryn I love your garments and have bought many a pattern after seeing you make it up. Keep up the great inspirations.  Jacqui in New Zealand

[cassi27]

Kathryn WOW!! I love all the designs. I agree with Angie, that Minkie jacket is great my DD might get one too... I also agree with everyone else the lavander pants set is a beautiful pattern. Though if you weren't going for something warm I would go for the black tank pattern, might be getting that one for myself. What a change that would be I have yet to sew anything for myself

[fzxdoc]

My goodness, Arla, Cassie and Angie, I'm really blushing now! Thank you all so much for the kudos! 

Funny you should mention that minkee jacket, Angie, because I'm thinking of making another one with the leftover fabric.  I never got around to it last season after I finished that one for DD.  This one will be waist length, though, and will be for me.  Oink, oink.    I loved the look so much that I just HAVE to make one up for myself! 

[Fox Valley Patti]

Wow - thanks for posting this!

I have a couple of weddings to attend next year and am pondering what I will wear.  For one of them, we are Godparents to the bride, so I will need something special, the other we're just friends - but I could wear the same outfit to both.

Love that Anna Sui pattern!!

[fzxdoc]

Patti, you'd look really cute in that pattern!  Will you be making it with burnout, do you think?

Kathryn

[Fox Valley Patti]

I have two absolutely fabulous fabrics that I could use ....

I have a length (shortish though) of the funky mesh from EOS - that black mesh with the floppy flowers loosely sewn all over it in black.

And a larger piece of burn-out from Michaels bundle sale - that is black with ovals which have some long metallic-y hairy pieces - hard to describe, but stunning!!

I think I'll use the Michael's burn out most likely.

[fzxdoc]

I think I remember that Michael's burnout.  It sounds pretty spectacular.  You're going to wow them, Patti!

[Fox Valley Patti]

And - I quick ordered that Anna Sui pattern, because I noticed it was on Vogue's OOP list 

[Dia]

Other suggestions?

http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V7852=x&TI='7852'&page=1 = Vogue.

http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.F9317=x&TI=22003&page=3 = Marfy.  I have made that dress and it fits very well.

Sorry, not able to copy the pictures from Vogue site to here.

Thank you Kathryn for your Anne Sui pattern.  I have the lace for that kind of pattern.

Yes Kathryn I have bought a digital camera.  I have pictures of the dress made with the Marfy pattern.  The hard work now is to transfer all the pictures in Yahoo and make a connection with this forum.  I have printed the instructions of Lisa. 

[fzxdoc]

Dia, how wonderful that you now have a digital camera and we will be able to see your creations soon!  That Marfy pattern is so pretty--it's going to be quite a treat to see it in real life!

[CassandraW]

Kathryn--I too go to your website regularly because you are my sewing idol!  I aspire to sew like you!  I wish I could match pattern and fabric like you do!  Every outfit is absolutely beautiful.  The fabrics are lovely; where do you find all of these pieces?

Cassie

[fzxdoc]

Oh, Cassie, thank you for the delightful compliment.  I travel a fair amount, and always make it a point to fabric shop in whatever city I find myself.  Most of my fabrics come from across the US and a few cities overseas as well.  Plus, I enjoy fabrics from Michaels Fabrics , Fabric Mart, Sawyer Brook Fabrics , and many other online sources.  I wish my stash was smaller, but I love the pieces in it.  I just aspire to finding more time to sew them up, just like most other sewists I know!     Thank you again for your kind words.

Meaghan, you should read Terri's link in the SWAP 2006 folder.  It describes what is in style for holiday parties.  With your plaid taffeta skirt and twinset, it sounds as though you will be the height of fashion!  Here's the link  Terri's link .

Edited to add: the Michaels Fabrics link doesn't seem to work today, although I know it is correct.  I'll check on it and come back to edit it if necessary.

Kathryn

[Meaghan]

Thanks Kathryn, that is a great article.  Don't you love the NY times!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!! I am hiding out in my sewing room and letting my DH and MIL do the cooking.  I truly am thankful!

[Dia]

Kathryn,
I have successfully loaded my photos.  I can't believe it, it works.
I wanted to change the cover of my albums but was not able to do it.
The dress I have made under the Marfy pattern is under album Dress - Christmas 2005.

Dia

[mardel]

Dia, I was just trying to catch up with everything that has happened here at Stitcher's Guild and I came across your photos.  Sooo beautiful.  I will have to look again when I am more awake, but I love the details.  And the Marfy dress is beatiful!

[Arla]

Dia I love your Christmas 2004 dress as well as the 2005 Marfy.  I have managed to restrain myself so far from buying any Marfy but what you have done is beautiful.  How is Christmas 2006 model coming on?  I am interested to see what you come up with. 

In New Zealand Christmas is much more casual with us often having a BBQ or chili mince burritos ( the kids all time favourite meal).  If I manage to get into a dress out of capris I'm doing well!

[fzxdoc]

Oh, Dia, I am jumping up and down with joy!    Your collection is such a delight to look through.  I have a ton of questions about the fabrics, techniques, and patterns used.  I hardly know where to begin.

First of all, your work is absolutely impeccable--beautifully stylish with wonderful fabrics and perfectly executed techniques.  A real visual feast.  The two Christmas evening dresses are gorgeous.  The Marfy one is a real eye-catcher with the sheer inset.  I was skeptical of the sleeves when I saw the Marfy pattern, but your dress looks wonderful.  Did you use silk chiffon?  What is the main fabric?

I absolutely love your dress collection, especially the sheaths with the contrasting band at the neckline which "V" in the back.  What pattern did you use?

And your jackets--oh, Dia, your jackets!  Yummy yum yum!  Each one is so beautifully done.  I nearly swooned over this one, since I have wanted to make that pattern up for ages and ages.  How exciting to see it in real life!

  Dia's orchid suit

Your tailoring skills are amazingly beautiful.  The collar details, the pocket details, the cuff details, the perfect matching of the checks or shaded areas of the tweeds--all are a virtual feast for the eye.

Your skating dresses are so nicely done as well.  Is that stretch illusion that you use on them?

I love the fabric in this top: Dia's grey/blue top  It looks so cuddly.

When you have time, and if you have the inclination, it would be wonderful if you could go to each photo and add a comment about the fabric or the patterns used. If you don't have the time/inclination, that's fine, too--they are a pleasure to look at all by themselves, without the embellishment of descriptions.

Thank you so much for taking the time and making the effort to post your sewing collection. It has been a great way to start my day!  And what a cute little dog!  Maltese?  Poochie appears to be a real photo hound while Lili appears to condescend to posing for only a few photos  .

Oh, and to add a cover for your albums, just open the album and under the menu at the top, click on "Edit".  Then click on "Cover" when the drop down menu appears and follow the instructions.

Thank you again, Dia, for posting your beautiful collection.

[fzxdoc]

Arla, chili mince burritos?  They sound wonderful!  What is in them? 

At Christmastime in New Zealand, what is the weather like--summery?  I'm guessing so, since you often do barbecues. (Pardon my ignorance--I often get confused by global climates  )  A cute new pair of capris sounds ideal for a nice, relaxing Christmas Day celebration.

So what are you sewing on now?

Kathryn

[Patti]

Dia, thank you for starting my Sunday off on such a high note. What a spectacular feast for the eyes--sophisticated, impeccable, and the details (trims, buttons) are pitch-perfect. A truly breathtaking collection of garments; I don't think I could name a favorite, but, like Kathryn, I am really taken by the orchid suit. What jumps out--in every garment--is the workmanship. But I would love to 'pet' the fabrics as well. Do you have a favorite fabric source?

Thank you again--I am speechless!

patti

[mardel]

Dia, my second perusal of your photos, fully awake this time, only confirms my first impression that they are truly awesome.  I agree that the attention to detail and workmanship really shines.  I will also second Kathryn's request for more details, if you manage to find time, but as a visual feast, your photo spread is impeccable, and yes, I was dreaming about that orchid suit last night.

[LindaE]

DIa,

beautiful jackets I love them  I Agree if you have time move details.. The details on the garments is excellent

[LindaL]

Wow!, Dia your jackets and other clothes are gorgeous.  So inspiring! 
I am glad you shared them with all of us!

[Liana]

Dia,

I got to see your photos too, and have only had time to really look at your Marfy Christmas dress so far, but I can't wait to get to the others!  But, that dress is so beautiful!  It's such a lovely design, and your fabric choices and your workmanship only serve to enhance it.  I'm sure it was great fun to wear, and I hope you still are finding events to merit it, as it's just lovely!

[AnnRowley]

Kathryn,
I have successfully loaded my photos.  I can't believe it, it works.
I wanted to change the cover of my albums but was not able to do it.
The dress I have made under the Marfy pattern is under album Dress - Christmas 2005.

Dia

Dia, your Marfy dress -  and everything else - is absolutely lovely! What a wonderful body of work. I'm going to have to spend serious time looking at all the lovely details, thank you for sharing it all.

I still have the "old style" Yahoo album so can't give you precise details on how to change the album cover, but you ought to see somewhere "Edit Album" That should enable you change the cover.  You should also be able to add comments - like pattern number, fabric etc to individual photos. It all takes time and just to have got it all posted is a great achievement.

Perhaps someone who has the new style Yahoo can help further.

[Arla]

Arla, chili mince burritos?  They sound wonderful!  What is in them? 

At Christmastime in New Zealand, what is the weather like--summery?  I'm guessing so, since you often do barbecues. (Pardon my ignorance--I often get confused by global climates  )  A cute new pair of capris sounds ideal for a nice, relaxing Christmas Day celebration.

So what are you sewing on now?

Kathryn

Hi Kathryn
At present decorating a tutu for my youngest's ballet exam.  I am sewing on sequins and beads for lots of sparkle, I have just received Claudia Folts Classical Tutus for Children and plan to make a tutu following her methods.  I made one last year using a mixture of Kwik Sew and Simplicity patterns and have got hooked on them.  I love extravagant fabrics but rarely have a chance to wear them.  This is one way that I can still buy them but use them

Other than that I am trying to get to a Jean Jacket have used Jalie and Sandra's vogue one but now want to try Kwik Sew version and will probably morph bits from each to come up with the ultimate JJ

Yes Christmas is usually summery although every now and again the weather gods like to confuse us and send down a real wintery day, as the Crowded House song goes "...4 seasons in one day..." is not unusual in our island climate.  Chili mince burritos are homemade flour tortillas (my friend Elena from New Mexico's recipe), refried beans, chili mince, lettuce, avocado, tomato, sour cream and cheese all wrapped up.  In fact we had them tonight by older daughters request for birthday dinner.  Really enjoying this site.  Jacqui