I know, I know, I've been promising pictures of stuff I've sewn, especially Duros, for ages now, haven't I? Well, here's one …
This is made up of some of the Liberty I bought in London, along with some solid quilting cotton for the banding (which my friend Brad helped me choose — he has a remarkable eye for color, unsurprisingly). It was very difficult to get the right warm brown to match the brown lozenges in the print!
I really like the brown-and-blue combo (I like brown with most other colors, actually). It's fairly lightweight, which means for autumn and winter I've been wearing it over a ecru long-sleeved scoopneck shirt and tights. That makes it mostly warm enough.
Here's a closeup of the bodice (I made only an impressionistic ironing attempt, so excuse the remaining creases):
I think the only alteration I made from the original pattern was to lengthen the waist ties so that I could bring them around and tie them in the front, which I prefer. It's easier to tie, for one, and it looks a little more grown-up than the ties in the back.
All right. There you go. I made two other Duros round about the same time as I made this one, and I don't think I've posted pictures of either of them, so I'll try to take them tomorrow or over the weekend. Wish me luck!
Love it! You did a great job on that dress. I love the colour combination. Blue and chocolate is my all-time favourite colour combo.
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I also love that color combo. It has shown up mostly in pottery and placemats at our house, though. (My mother quilted placemats to match the pottery many years ago.)
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Great dress, Erin! Only thing better would to see it on you. Love the fabrics.
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It’s really, really pretty, and interesting, and beautiful Bravo!
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Purdy!
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My goodness! Your friend Brad does such fascinating things. I’ve been wandering through his website and links for an hour.
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Ohhh, I like that — it looks like it the midriff band hits the natural waistline, which I think is flattering to more figure types. The neckline looks awfully low, though. Can you wear the dress without a camisole and still maintain your dignity?
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Good call with making the ties longer! My only complaint about my Duro are the girlie ties in the back. I think I will have to make another one and borrow your idea đŸ™‚
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Gidget, sadly, no. But I like doing the camisole thing (I buy the tanks from American Apparel) because it lets you do yet another color contrast!
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Great colors and I love the dots! I just picked up a new patterns today (something I don’t do often). Several Duro tops . . . New Look #6677. Armed with my new sewing machine you’ve inspired me to spend my Saturday sewing!
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Lovely. Would look perfect if the ties were tied obi style in front.
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Good luck ;-)Looking forward to seeing more pictures. Didn’t you promise to show us your XMAS-present from Mr. Dressaday too?Love the colorcombinations…you have a real gift – no wait, several gifts: combining fabrics, sewing, writing, writing funny….If you are also tall and skinny I’ll have no choice but to hate you!
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I love that print. It looks Flintstones-esque. The long tie idea is perfect.
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This is so beuatiful! Your blog is a real inspiration for me. You made me order the pattern right away today.
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Gorgeous, gorgeous colors. I love that brown, and of course the liberty print. Nice call on which color to pick up for the solid; and great ties. Well played!
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What a pretty dress. I definitely agree with tying it on in the front, instead of the back.
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You are an inspiration!
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