Hi! I'm no longer blogging here, but you're welcome to take a look around. A catalog of most of my sewing projects, plus new projects sewn since 11/2011, can be found at lindsaytsews.tumblr.com. Thanks for stopping by. —Lindsay T

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Finished: First Lady Colorblocked Day Dress


Just a quick post to show you a dress I just finished. It's out-of-print McCalls 5975, made out navy doubleknit (from my stash; can't remember where I bought it) and medium-weight cotton stripe jersey from Mood. Hits mid-knee, slim-fitting and is very flattering to wear. I may wear it to our annual Father's Day buffet on Sunday, and if I do I'll post some photos.

My inspiration for this dress:
Michelle Obama in colorblocked dresses. (AP images)
This Michael Kors Colorblock Shift Dress
This Milly Belted Deni Dress
I took a separating zipper and made it into an exposed zipper. You may be able to see in this photo how I used a bit of navy grosgrain ribbon to finish off the exposed zipper tapes at the bottom of the zipper.
Other sewing details: 
  • I lined the bodice with a lightweight navy poly jersey. The pattern calls for facings at the neck and armscyes.
  • The most time-consuming part of construction was matching the stripes at the seams. I basted the seams first then slowly stitched.
  • Everything else was pretty straightforward.
I like this dress a lot, but would like it even more if I had Michelle Obama's slim arms and legs!

36 comments:

Capitol Sew and Sew said...

Oh I L-O-V-E this dress and the fabric choices. So I want to use an exposed zipper but was perplexed about how to manage the bottom! Thanks for the grosgrain tip! Any other specifics about the zipper application that you think would be useful??? THANKS MEG!

Irene said...

Oh, that's lovely!

Linda said...

Great dress. I too would like Mrs. Obama's trim and fit arms!

Lori said...

Very pretty dress, the fabric is fantastic. Navy and white, so classic and chic. The excposed zipper is another great idea.

JoanneM said...

Lovely dress. The stripe alignment AND exposed zipper look perfect. Bravo!

Little Hunting Creek said...

Great dress! Love the colors

SEWN said...

Wow, gorgeous dress. Can't wait to see it on you. I have mistakenly bought separating zippers to use as exposed zippers. How do you get them to stop separating?

cidell said...

Lindsay T you've done it again! You've made something that is *just* your style. I love the whole preppy Hampton's vibe you exude. So so classy :)

Pam~Off The Cuff ~ said...

stunning!

Eugenia said...

Oh, this dress is so chic and stylish and I know it's going to look fabulous on you (even if you don't have Mrs O's wonderful limbs!)

Karin said...

This is a "smart" looking dress, casual but slick. Thanks for pointing out your trick with the ribbon on the end of the zipper. MO's arms are pretty amazing.

Rosie said...

Love it!

Lindsay T said...

Glad you like this dress! I will do a post on exposed zippers soon. They are easier than you think.

toferet said...

very pretty!

Beth (SunnyGal Studio) said...

Looks great, love the color combo. I think color block dresses must be in the air this week, I am working on two right now.

Carolyn (cmarie12) said...

What a great dress! And please, please take a picture of you wearing it.

MB@YarnUiPhoneApp said...

Linday, I love the dress, it's darling. Can you tell me about the belt? Did you make that or is it RTW? I like the trick on the zipper, I've done this trick with self-fabric. But your dress I'm sure will be a hit. Congrats on a wonderful job, well done!

Lindsay T said...

MB@YarnUiPhoneApp, the belt is cotton woven (nautical) by American Living (Ralph Lauren brand) for JCPenney. I think it on sale for less than $10!

Pammie said...

I love color blocked dresses - and absolutely love your choice of fabrics!! Great job!!

Bunny said...

Fabulous dress and what you did with that zipper!

Jane said...

Really cute dress, love what you did with the zipper.

Trisha said...

Very nice dress! I'm looking forward to the post on exposed zippers!

Nancy K said...

It's a great dress. A picture on you would be lovely.

Rebecca said...

So cute and chic! I love the stripes! :]

Gail said...

Smart dress. Stripes of a great way of wearing a print that isn't a print aren't they?

Anne e le manine d'oro said...

Excellent use of fabric. Smart, smart, smart dress. Michelle Obama dresses so beautifully, your inspiration source is flawless. I love her muscular arms. Woaw ! Ok, I want to see you in it now.

gwensews said...

I'm sure your arms are slender and toned quite well enough to look beautiful in this dress! You will be a fabulous First Lady of New York Garment District!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

You are sewing up a storm lately! Love this classy dress. The color scheme is sophisticated but it is also fun.

Summerset said...

Love it - classic, yet up to date and very summer!

Cindy said...

love the exposed zipper! very nice dress for summer. enjoy it!!

Dana said...

WOW! A great dress for you!

Lynneb said...

Such a terrific dress! I LOVE it! It really has that modern retro vibe to it.

A Sewn Wardrobe said...

This is a perfect wear-to-work dress for summer. Great exposed zipper detail.

Tifagirly said...

Wow!...executed to perfection...beautiful design choice...thanks for glimpse!

Becky said...

I love that it's colorblocking with a stripe--makes it more interesting, IMO!

Sigrid said...

How very special. I like the color blocking and the fabrics you chose for it.