Thursday, January 23, 2014

My winter Malvarosa

And so my drop waist obsession continues. As happy as I am with my self-drafted drop waists, I feel it just wouldn't be fair of me to pass through this phase without exploring some of the other like-minded patterns out there. I would like to introduce you to my Malvarosa, by Pauline Alice. It was made using grey merino wool ponte from Tessuti Fabrics.



 
The design is very clever and yet so simple to construct. I love the seamlines of the drop shoulder and the pockets are genius. I chose to sew the dress in a knit so I topstitched most of the seamlines to help the sleeve cap sit flatter. At first, I didn't really like the shape of this dress (mainly the boxy shoulders and wide boat neck), but 24hrs later, I think I am falling in love, especially with the cropped sleeves rolled or scrunched. I chose not to sew the pockets into this dress, purely because I wasn't sure how stable they would be with the knit fabric.

I did find the sizing to be extremely large. I know the dress is supposed to be loose fitting, but you may find you could go down a size. The great thing about this pattern is that it also includes the finished size of the dress which I would definitely recommend paying close attention to. I knew I would need to size down because of my fabric choice. I sized all the way down to a 36 (33" bust) when in most patterns, I would choose a 34" bust measurement in a knit or loose style. I could have gone smaller.

Did I make any other modifications to my Malvarosa? Not really. In adjusting for my rather long length, I added 2cm to both the arms and bottom hem. I also interfaced the neck facing pieces before stitching them down with the twin needle. After I trimmed of the (significant) excess, the result is a very stable bound neck which looks lovely and neat.





My finished dress is very comfortable and beautifully warm. I quite like it paired with my new leather arm warmers and maybe even a scarf (although I didn't get them out for the photoshoot). And my feet, you ask? Yes, still without decent shoes.



8 comments:

  1. ChristyJanuary 23, 2014 at 7:48 PM

    You must have boiled outside modelling this! I agree the sizing is generous. I like the charcoal colour and your lovely purse.

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  2. Debbie IlesJanuary 23, 2014 at 7:57 PM

    We do 7am photo shoots usually (up early in this house!) so it wasn't too hot. But I couldn't believe how hot leather was to wear (a while back).

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  3. SewJillianJanuary 23, 2014 at 10:47 PM

    You are too funny! Enough drop waists already! I'm totally joking, they do work on you. But can I be truthful? I far prefer your self drafted ones, they fit your body so well. But at least this will keep you warm when you move. The others will have to wait for a Northern summer :)

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  4. Debbie IlesJanuary 23, 2014 at 11:15 PM

    I actually agree with you 100%. My own ones fit me much better and will remain my favourites. I was pretty disappointed looking in the mirror for the first time, but after looking at the photos and trying it on a few more times, it has slowly grown on me. ;-)

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  5. sallie oleta barbeeJanuary 24, 2014 at 6:35 AM

    Love that gorgeous grey! And this is indeed a very interesting pattern! The sleeve shaping is so artful! Made in a nice, thick knit makes it sound like a perfect cozy wintery dress!

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  6. Debbie IlesJanuary 24, 2014 at 7:34 PM

    Thank you. Yes, the sleeves are pretty cool. I think the shape would show up a lot more sharp in a woven.

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  7. KirstyJanuary 24, 2014 at 9:46 PM

    The sleeves on the long sleeve version are really interesting and I have been thinking about making one up. It almost makes you look like you are wearing shoulder pads - which is a cool effect I think!

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  8. Debbie IlesJanuary 24, 2014 at 11:39 PM

    That's exactly it! The shoulder pad effect.

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