The Heidi, Now With More Fish

Since I started making multiple iterations of the BurdaStyle Heidi dress, I've gotten lots of email about it. Some folks want advice on lining it, others want to know about fit issues, and still others are worried about the printing-it-out-and-taping-it-together part (don't worry about that, it's easy). No one, however, has written to me to say, "Erin, that's a nice dress and all, but you really need to ADD MORE FISH."

However, I knew that was what was in all of your hearts, so, behold:

Koi Heidi

I've had this fabric for more than THREE YEARS. Obviously, it was biding its time, waiting for me to meet the dress that would be its destiny. And what a destiny that is:

Koi Heidi

I love the pixilated, dappled look of this fabric. Several folks did not even notice the fish, when I wore it. So here, have a fish closeup:

Koi Heidi

And in case you were wondering, yes, this fabric IS nearly impossible to match to anything … I have four pairs of pink shoes (yeah, that's a topic for another post) and NONE of them matched. (And I made this for a wedding — if you can't wear pink shoes to a wedding, where can you wear pink shoes?) But I don't care, because: FISH.

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36 thoughts on “The Heidi, Now With More Fish

  1. Delurking to say bravo! I love that kind of print, where it appears abstract to the casual glance, but upon closer inspection an actual picture or pattern becomes clear.This might have pushed me over the edge finally to make my own Heidi!

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  2. Several folks did not even notice the fish, when I wore it.I was going to ask if they were displaying staggeringly good manners, not staring at your bust/midriff area, but then noticed the fish swimming neckwards on your left shoulder. Were you wearing particularly bedazzling spectacles and lipstick, by any chance?

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  3. well, fish. Of course! And no pink shoes. Just throw on some disappearing neutrals. Done. You are making reeeeeeaally want to try a Heidi.

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  4. Oh hooray! I have this fabric, too, and have been wondering what to do with it. I made something awful that doesnt fit well at all, but I still have tons of it left to make something decent. Im glad to see something decent in it!Meanwhile, Id say wear red shoes or cordovan. That was my solution (red patent leather) the one time I wore the awful dress I made with this fabric.

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  5. Fish, of course. And so artfully placed on the bodice. I would wear this in a minute. And, the world needs more Heidis. I just finished mine. Next up, birds.

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  6. I headed over to PatternReview, thinking why are all those silly people asking you about your experience when they can just go read your review…. Oh. Just a suggestion, but it might save you time.

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  7. Love the sumi-e painted fish, tooo cute! Is the dress salmon, not pink?(almost a joke in there someplace), but seriously, on my monitor its a salmon/melon color–what about white strappy sandals, youre in Calif. now (right?), sandals are appropriate year round…

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  8. Lovely dress! One of your best Heidi versions šŸ™‚ Id say wear it with brown leather or wooden-type sandals, much easier than trying to match the pink.

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  9. this is so awesome! I want to see a shot of your closet with all th elovely dresses you have mad!

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  10. Because: FISHThis is wonderful writing, wonderful indeed. Just like I imagine you talk. My husband said.If you knew each other, youd be friends. Just from your writing style. Because: FISH.Go for a neutral metallic shoe. Bronze strappy sandals.

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  11. Beautiful fabric and dress! This could look really dressed up with some gold or bronze metallic heels, or dressed down with brown sandals.

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  12. I can never resist a fish print and I have just bought the perfect shoes for that fabric. Now what does it take to persuade you to send that dress to the UK (and make me shrink a few dress sizes)? Love it!

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  13. Love the fabric! As far as shoes, I like the idea others have had – metalic bronze. My other choice would be a neutral (brown/nude/bone) for a basic color, or if I wanted color – turquoise.

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  14. Oh, fish!I would wear a pair of sandals I have with peep toes and sling backs that are green and decorated with leaves in various greens and creams.Because if nothing matches, then everything does!

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  15. Love that fabric! And so perfect for springtime. I wonder how hard it would be to add sleeves to the Heidi….

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