Author Topic: Denim dress (Read 4721 times)

Elaray · « **on:** January 22, 2008, 11:45:20 AM »

I want to make this BWOF dress using denim. Rather than using a contrasting fabric, I want to use the wrong side of the denim.

Two questions:

Fabric.com lists denim in ounces: 12, 10, 8 and 6. I'm guessing the lower the number - the lighter the weight of the denim. 12 oz. might be too heavy for a dress, but 10 or 8 would be more suitable. Are my assumptions correct?
Am I hopelessly stuck in the 80's in wanting a denim dress like this?

BeeBee · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2008, 12:10:23 PM »

I would say it isn't my favorite look. Denim dresses do kind of scream "home school mom". As an aside, too, I think that dress makes the model's butt look big. I'd be afraid of what it would do to mine.

Liana · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2008, 12:29:11 PM »

I think it could be cute in denim, and I think the lighter weight denim will work better. It can be really 'boardy' otherwise, and you want some movement/drape or your gathers/tucks will stick out unattractively. I believe 14oz. denim is what old style Levi's are. 6oz. might be too light, but I'm not sure. You may want to ask for swatches, or I wonder if Julie from Timmel's might give you a good steer to the right weight? I'm sure there are others who sew more with denim than I do, and most of what I've done, I haven't known the weight anyway.

corinne kelly · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2008, 12:34:15 PM »

I think that in a lighter weight denim with topstitching details this would be very cute and not at all momish. You do beautiful work,so I don't think that there is any chance of it looking homemade. Go for it!! Please share when you get finished.

Elaray · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2008, 12:34:31 PM »

Quote from: BeeBee on January 22, 2008, 12:10:23 PM

I would say it isn't my favorite look. Denim dresses do kind of scream "home school mom".

BeeBee, you candor is appreciated. I asked because my sense of style abandons me at times and I don't want to look like I'm living in another decade. $:-\$

BeeBee · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2008, 01:02:36 PM »

Maybe I was too harsh, others seem to like the look, but you asked

. And it could be cute, be sure your fabric drapes not folds and nice detailing . Maybe I'm just afraid of looking like my neighbors in their home-make denim ankle lenght skirts.

Though I honestly can't picture them anywhere near a Burda pattern.

Or maybe I just see so many beautiful fabrics out there that I wouldn't want to spend my time on denim. Anyway, that's where I'm coming from.

sweet petite · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2008, 01:05:08 PM »

Elaray, that pattern is a really fresh take on a shirtwaist dress. My vote goes with the lighter weight denim, prewashed several times to soften it up. I think that the darker the denim the more dressier it will be. and vice versa. The placket and other details will be perfect for topstiching. My last denim project was a diaper cover for my nephew. It was a heavier denim and would not have been appropriate at all for a dress, even after two prewashes. I trimed it with a plaid flannel and it was really cute. The 3/2005 Burda WOF shows several outfits mixing denim with boucle which also looked great. Just a thought in case you decide you don't like the reverse side of the denim. Good luck, and can't wait to see the end result.

J Culshaw · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2008, 01:19:02 PM »

I agree with sweet petite, the lighter denim is the way to go. If the dress was totally straight like a jumper, you could go with a 12 oz. weight but this one has shaping plus set in sleeves, two piece collar. Don't go heavier than 10 oz.
And be sure to wash and dry 100% cotton denim three times, as it continues to shrink.
However, I wouldn't use the wrong side of the denim. If you are looking for a kind of bleached look, there are so many denims available that I would shop around and find one that looks the way you want it. The wrong side will look like the wrong side.

I dont' think you are stuck in the past with your desire, obviously that style is coming back. And denim will be a wardrobe staple. you would wear a dress like that over and over. Julie

LindaF · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2008, 02:46:28 PM »

I think that style is coming back. HP just released a pattern for something like this here.

If you are looking for some light denim that I think would be perfect for a denim dress, check out fabric mart. They have some here. I don't know if it is the same that is in this month's mailer, but the sample that came in the mailer is a nice light weight denim. I think it is the same weight as a 2 yard piece I received in a free bundle from them. I have not been able to stop thinking about that HP dress or skirt since I got it.
Linda

J Culshaw · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2008, 02:53:30 PM »

What a cute dress. I think the very dark denim is really nice. I had a denim shirtdress made from a Palmer Pletsch pattern years ago and wore it A LOT!
Before I used to always think of gold topstitching thread on denim, now I am thinking very dark denim with white topstitching. Is this a current style? I must have seen it somewhere. Julie

annenet · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2008, 03:54:28 PM »

Another option might be to go with a slightly heavy chambray. That simulates denim to an extent but is a lot softer.

Enid E · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:31:07 PM »

I think this dress would be perfect for the 6 oz. denim.
I have used light blue topstitching thread on dark indigo denim and it gave it some spark.
This is a great style for denim and really will look top notch.
You will problably live in the dress, like I do....

lyra · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:34:57 PM »

Gorgeous fabrics has a herringbone denim up on the site, which looks wonderful, but I'm not sure how it would work in a shirt dress. The herringbone pattern might be a little too busy.

If you do go with denim, I'd get one as dark as you can.

Anyway, prince of the city denim herringbone.

J Culshaw · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:42:04 PM »

I think you will want a denim that is substantial enough not to wrinkle much. If the denim is too lightweight (and I would put chambray in there too), the dress will appear wrinkly much of the time. The beauty of the right weight of denim is that it will stay neat while you are wearing it. Medium weight denim keeps its shape better than the lighter stuff.
You don't want anything as heavy as jean denim, but it should be heavier than what you would sew into a shirt. To me, this would be around the 8-10 oz. weight. Julie

Liana · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2008, 10:36:23 PM »

Topstitching colors can run the gamut. I just remembered a dark denim skirt I had once that had purple topstitching. It was really cute!

Elaray · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2008, 03:40:05 AM »

Thanks for the suggestions.

I saw a reversible denim on Nancy's Notions website. I can use the reverse side as the contrast. It might be too heavy, though.

fzxdoc · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:24:13 AM »

Elaray, I think you would love a denim shirtdress. I have a couple of denim sundresses which I love to wear in the summertime. I agree that the double faced denim might be too heavy. You could just order two different denims of the same weight, and keep the same drape and hand. I'm going to love seeing this shirtdress come to life! It's such a cute idea.

Kathryn

Cathyici · « **Reply #17 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:50:25 AM »

Quote from: Elaray on January 23, 2008, 03:40:05 AM

Thanks for the suggestions.
I saw a reversible denim on Nancy's Notions website. I can use the reverse side as the contrast. It might be too heavy, though.

I think your ideas re: pattern & fabric, are great. Denim garments are very popular every year. If I may suggest that you look at some denim with stretch, be very careful about the length of the skirt, & think about black denim. Also check out the high end[$$$$] stores & see what their collections show for denim. From the pictures that I have seen of your work I am sure you will turn out another masterpiece! Good luck

lessalt · « **Reply #18 on:** January 23, 2008, 05:50:12 PM »

Wouldn't that Burda dress look fab in these two denims? I am tempted myself. It certainly would be way past "home school mom".

fzxdoc · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2008, 06:38:08 PM »

Ohmigosh, that would be so kewl, Lessalt. I love those two Maggie London denims. I say go for it!

Kathryn

Karrol · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2008, 12:00:49 PM »

Did you all see Project Runway last night with the denim challenge? There were some pretty cute dresses there. All out of "re-purposed" denim. I think the thing to avoid in denim is the old button front mid calf a-line skirt. Just way overdone. But a cute dress with some nice details and topstitching? Maybe even use jean pant buttons (you know the typical ones you see on jeans) for the buttons? Too cute!

peachykeeeeen · « **Reply #21 on:** January 24, 2008, 12:28:01 PM »

I bought several yards of a great medium-weight, but very drapey, denim jacquard from fabric.com that I was planning on using for a dress as well: https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=28ac341a-c4ea-409c-8050-d46a2622b3a0. It's Sadly, it looks like they're sold out but if you found something similar it would work really well as a reversible denim to use as you described. I still haven't decided which side I want to use from this because they're both so pretty - I might do what you are thinking and make some of the accents from the other side of the fabric! My only concern is the 4% lycra - but that's why I decided on dress...

I have seen similar jacquard-type denims even at my local JoAnn's that would be great if you used the reverse because it doesn't really look like the reverse side.

Elaray · « **Reply #22 on:** January 25, 2008, 09:34:23 AM »

Quote from: lessalt on January 23, 2008, 05:50:12 PM

Wouldn't that Burda dress look fab in these two denims? I am tempted myself. It certainly would be way past "home school mom".

I love the denim with the clipped and frayed areas. Maybe I could cut the contrast on the cross grain for visual interest. Ahhhh … the possibilities!

Karen Roth · « **Reply #23 on:** January 27, 2008, 08:54:25 AM »

I have fallen asleep three times trying to watch that Project Runway denim episode...

Love that herringbone denim! That would work in an environment where I hear someone was sent home to change from a jeans jacket.... I like the new HP pattern but would prefer something shirtdressy with a narrow straight skirt rather than A line (suggestions?)
I think the "home school mom" look only applies to certain denim dresses... I'm thinking back to late 80s, early 90s? But even then I had a friend who would accessorize her denim dress so she could have walked off a runway, she had a great talent for picking good accessories and shoes. With different extras, her dress would have fit right into that description...
Somehow it always seems like denim, even w/nice accessories, shoes, just seems to feel more casual and comfortable... even if it doesn't look that way!
Now to see if I can watch that PR tape...

sewmom · « **Reply #24 on:** January 27, 2008, 12:45:37 PM »

Yesterday I picked up the Burda # 7827 at Joann's. It is a raglan sleeve shirtdress. Sorry, I don't know how to post the link--need to visit the sandbox to learn-- but you can see it at Patternreview under New Burda 2008 patterns. I really like the raglan sleeve and the belt carriers are a nice thing too. It reminds me of a twill dress I got from Lands End almost 20 years ago and I wore that a lot. I don't think it's frumpy.
It just needs to get warmer now!!! It has been snowing since yesterday here with about 8+inches new and not stopping......Hopefully the power won't go out again and lose this post. It did a few minutes ago and I lost my original post here.
Think Spring!!

fzxdoc · « **Reply #25 on:** January 27, 2008, 05:31:26 PM »

Here's what Burda 7827 looks like:

photo credits at www.burdamode.com

Kathryn

sewmom · « **Reply #26 on:** January 27, 2008, 09:41:47 PM »

Thank you Kathryn for posting the photo!!!

I just found out we have the day off from school tomorrow due to all this snow (+ 14 inches). First snow day since 1996. So, I'll have some time to sew, yipee!

BeeBee · « **Reply #27 on:** January 28, 2008, 01:20:20 PM »

Okay, okay, I'm over ruled, lol.

Now prove me wrong

(that's a not so subtle hint for: show me the pics.

).

Diane P. · « **Reply #28 on:** January 28, 2008, 01:58:13 PM »

What a great discussion. So many viewpoints. That's what makes sewing so wonderful, we can each do our own thing and make it our own.

Since I have still not received my copy of Burda Plus, I checked the pattern through Elaray's link. I think the reason her rear looks big is because of the angle of the pose.

I do like the raglan sleeve Burda pattern that sewmom referenced and Kathryn posted but would have to do without the flap and pocket highlighting the bust. The jacquard that peachykeeeeen posted is wonderful, might be worth a google search. Who knew there were so many denims to choose from?

Elaray -- go for it. You do wonderful work and really have a sense of what works for you. Can't wait to see what you choose.

homeschoolgirl · « **Reply #29 on:** December 20, 2008, 04:52:46 PM »

i just wanted to let BeeBee know that very few homeschooling moms or daughters wear denim dresses and skirts anymore. i would know. i used to be one of them. if we wear denim its cute hip stuff. and also u can make denim dresses and skirts very cute

Threads · « **Reply #30 on:** December 22, 2008, 01:38:24 PM »

I love the drape of tencel - if I were doing a denim dress I would try a fabric like this:

http://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-denim-fabric-tencel-denim-indigo.aspx

And if I didn't have a big order on the way from FabricMart I would order some myself.

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Author Topic: Denim dress (Read 4721 times)