Monday, March 18, 2013

March Stashbusting: The Empress' New Dress

I left you all yesterday with some silly pictures of my first experiments with Hisako Sato's Drape Drape book. I'll be honest, after I finished those pants I was seriously doubting myself and wondering if I was missing something. I even lamented to Mr. Cation, is there something wrong with me? Everyone seems to love Drape Drape and I feel like I'm the little boy staring at the naked emperor, wondering why everyone's convinced that he's wearing the most spectacular outfit ever! Only thing is, I truly wanted to be convinced that the emperor really had some great clothes on.

Look! Look at the emperor and his gorgeous new clothes! *awkward pointing poses*

Mr. Cation and I looked through the book together and decided that no, I hadn't lost my sense of style; it's just that most of the styles in the book aren't right for me. They're still cleverly drafted and *ahem*, artistically photographed, but I know I look best in garments that have a defined waist, and most of the garments in the book don't fall into that category. Still, while looking through the book, we did identify one dress that looked like it would work for me -- the V-neck dress, No. 5 -- with its slightly Grecian feel. I set about highlighting, tracing, and cutting the pattern pieces, and to my surprise it went pretty quickly! Although the pattern sheets look daunting, they're not bad once you get the hang of it. Same goes for interpreting the pleating diagrams in the book, although the number of pins required is still ridiculous. 

I am so fascinated by the shapes of these pattern pieces!

I sewed up a size small, and once again I'm glad I didn't go with my recommended size. I ended up having to take in the side seams a little bit and do a SBA on the gathered bodice pieces, and even then, the stretchiness of my fabric means that it's almost indecently low-cut in front. Since I was working with a stretch fabric, I also didn't bother with the back zipper, and I also modified the back bodice pieces to be higher and overlap so that my bra strap wouldn't show. 

More white wall pictures. 


Summary: 
Fabric: 2 yards of 54" wide mystery knit from the FIDM scholarship store, purchased last year. It's part of my stashbusting challenge pledge, so I'm pretty excited about using up so much of it. I think I have enough left to squeeze out a long-sleeved not-a-Renfrew. 
Notions: Elastic to stabilize the waist seam
Hours: Seven? I spent quite a bit of time fiddling with the bodice fit. 
Will you make it again? Probably not, as it's a pretty unique look. 
Total cost: $3
Final thoughts: I've seen some really gorgeous versions of this dress out there, but it wasn't until I saw Amy's paisley version that it occurred to me that this could be made up in a patterned fabric. I know I'm totally succumbing to the put-a-bird-on-it trend, but I love how there are birds swooping all over this dress! The drapes are definitely a great design element on what could otherwise be a pretty ho-hum V-neck dress. It's comfortable (I tested it by wearing it to a ten course Chinese wedding banquet) and elegant without taking itself too seriously. 




So, the verdict is, I'm so glad I gave Drape Drape another chance! I may not quite be a convert to the whole draping cult, but at least the emperor appears to be clothed now. Now, if you are of the opinion that these patterns are all that, or if you're like me and want to give them a try, here's your chance: Laurence King Publishing not only gave me a copy to review, they graciously provided another copy for one of you! Leave a comment saying you'd like to enter the giveaway by 11:59 pm PST on Friday, March 22, for a shot at your own copy of Drape Drape. 

And because I couldn't resist, I had to do a (loving) mocking imitation of the model's awkward pointing poses. 


My theory is that the models didn't know what to do with their hands. Obvious solution: hold a cat. 

Last little bit of randomness: we were at a B&N killing time before a birthday party, and I came across a similar-looking (but unrelated) Japanese sewing book called Shape Shape. When I showed it to Mr. Cation, he proposed that somebody put out Japanese sewing books called Tape Tape (garments all made entirely from duct tape), Cape Cape (all capes, obviously), and Grape Grape (clothes made from grapes, like Lady GaGa's meat dress). You see, that is why I love this man. 

76 comments:

  1. I think the photos from the book look goofy and when you mimic them you look better than the models.

    I like this dress and I love the fabric you chose but most of them in the book are just a bit weird.

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  2. Your version is just stunning and looks fantastic on you! Perseverance paid off!

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  3. Ahahahaha! Mr. Cation is funny!

    I love your new dress - it really looks fantastic on you! I don't know anything about this book, but I'd be game to give it a chance!

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  4. I love this! I think this dress is a real winner (not too low cut at all, but I am not known for concealing the girls so may not be subjective). Also, anything that can handle 10 courses is fine by me. I would love to give some of the stuff in there a gander! Some of those tops could work with a beautiful bra underneath...

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  5. Well, I would jump at a chance to get this book, the esthetic is exactly where I leading, so yes put me in the queue for the giveaway. Please oh please random number generator (or your helpful assistant Walnut) please pick my name!

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  6. The dress looks great, good thing you tried again! I think this is the only design from the book that has ever appealed to me, but you never know what you might discover in a new look... and I'd like to enter the giveaway because of that.

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  7. That dress looks fantastic! I'd give it a go if I won the book!

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  8. Gorgeous dress. Love it. The draping looks incredible on you.

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  9. Your dress is so pretty! I like the fabric.

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  10. lol, i love the tape tape idea. quick, you guys should make one!

    love the dress, and this is probably my first time commenting after following for months- love your blog!

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  11. I love the dress and the fabric print, can't believe it only cost three dollars to make!

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  12. Ha ha ha! Mr. Cation sounds like a keeper!

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  13. Not a fan of the drape drape clothes (which is why I don't want to enter the giveaway), but I have to say, your dress is stunning and amazing and sophisticated. It looks like a very expensive dress from some high end store.

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  14. You're not alone in your aesthetic, I too like a defined waist and wouldn't wear anything in Drape Drape (so don't give it to me) but this looks gorgeous on you, absolutely stunning. The front neckline I think is tres sophisticated too. Even adoring this on you I don't think I'd make it for me though, I don't need the extra on my hips!, but it is nice to see something from this book look so good. You nailed it.

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  15. Wow! What a great result with that dress! I would like to enter the raffle for the copy of the book (is the deadline really March 15?. If so, then I'm too late). Thank you for the opportunity!

    Rose in SV

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  16. what a great dress! i'm also on the fence about the drape drape styles. they look amazing on the models and the techniques seems interesting to say the least. but i have a hard time picturing myself in those styles. i, too, want to show my waist! and i'm not sure how they woud fit my lifestyle... but that dress looks fab! and very wearable. and I love the birds. who cares that it is trendy?

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  17. You coordinate with Walnut perfectly! I, too am on the fence about the drapery. Being short and curvy, and my style tends towards more fitted. This dress looks fabulous on you!

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  18. LOVE this dress! I think the fabric really makes it something special - paired with all the pleats and draping elements, it's a spectacular dress!

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  19. I am standing right beside you nodding, the emperor is definitely naked! But every now and again someone posts an amazing version of one of the patterns and I go back and look at my book too. Congratulations, welcome to that club :) I think the photos in the book just don't do the items justice so it's good that brave bloggers have a go and produce amazing versions so that we can ohh and ahh and then go and try it ourselves :)

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  20. Nape nape? A collection of handmade scarves.

    Nice dress. I like you haven't been quite convinced about this new trend but I do like your version.

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    1. Ps forgot to say, please don't enter me in the giveaway, someone who really wants it should get the chance...

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  21. I'd like to enter the giveaway, please!

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  22. I'm so glad you went with this pattern. It's definitely my favorite! And, those birds are awesome! (Since I have the book, no need to enter me into the giveaway.)

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  23. Enter me PLEASE!!! I'm dying to get my cheap little paws on one of these books. :)

    I really like this look on you. Great job on the bodice fit. The print really makes it a fun dress. You have one amazing husband. Looking through a pattern book and helping you decide what to make, pretty spectacular! His book ideas a pretty good too.

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  24. I'm so iffy about the line drawing of this pattern, doesn't it look a bit odd? You make it look fantastic though, definitely much more in proportion on a real person!

    Still want the book though. Being a fan of cowl necks,I think it would work pretty well ;)

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  25. The posing in this one is a bit weird and I think you improved upon the book! This dress turned out very pretty, I'm glad you gave it another try.

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  26. Ape Ape: simians in dresses.

    okay, this is the first dress i've seen that makes me want this book. this is STUNNING!!!!! i mean YEAH. road testing it at a wedding says it all.

    (but i guess don't enter me. though i really really want it. i feel bad taking a chance away with stores like the strand just a walk away....)

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  27. OMG!!! I love it and I want one :)

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  28. Your dress is beautiful. I'm sure Walnut is happy being photographed as a cat as opposed to a faux monkey. I'd like to be entered into the giveaway.

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  29. I love this dress! It's such an interesting shape and looks so wonderful and comfy!
    Would love a shot at the giveaway!

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  30. Your dress looks great! Definitely more "you" than the pants! But then I'm more in the like-a-defined-waist camp myself.

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  31. I love this dress! The print with the birds is perfect for the sweeping drapey look. I would definitely have to try this dress if I were to win the book! And you gotta love great hubs :)

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  32. Great dress! I would love to enter the giveaway!

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  33. This dress is the opposite of the Aladdin pants. So lovely and it does look quite comfortable. The fabric is excellent. People may say what they will, but I don't mind random birds on things.

    I'm not sure that Drape Drape is for me, but I won't pass by a chance to check it out in person (so please so enter me in the giveaway)!

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  34. lol - I have always found the doubled word titles of Japanese things amusing, and I love Mr. Cation's suggestions!

    Your dress is lovely! I really like how the print takes it down a notch from being really dressy. I'm also very glad you didn't go with boring black as the photo in the book shows. I'm pretty sure I would have picked the same dress to make from the book - I like a little bit of actual fit to my clothing. You did a beautiful job on all the gathers and pleats!

    (I don't need to be entered - I've always thumbed through this type of book and never felt the need to own any of them even though they fascinate me.)

    ~ Brooke

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  35. I don't want to be entered in the drawing. That dress is beautiful on you and I love the print!

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  36. Wow! The dress looks amazing! You did such a great job with it.
    (I'm not confinced by drapery designs for my own body, so I don't need to be entered)

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  37. The dress looks great, and somebody should mention that grape-grape idea to the publicity people in the Nappa valley. I can just see the models holding a glass of wine in those Japanese book postures...
    I would only look at this book, so send it to someone who will actually make something from it!

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  38. I'd love to be in the draw for a copy of Drape, Drape, please! Some of the patterns in there fascinate me. Love your version of the dress. :-)

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  39. Wow, gorgeous dress! I have to admit, I'd dismissed Drape Drape as more of a coffee table book than a treasure trove of patterns (no waist = 12 year old boy lookalike) but that dress has me reconsidering... If you're picking a "worthy" winner maybe put me in the second round offers pile - someone who wants more than just one pattern out of it probably deserves it more!
    (Grape Grape..he he!)

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  40. I love this so much better than your little shorts! Makes me want to get the book now! (And be in the draw of course!)

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  41. I thought this book looked ridiculous, but I obviously don't have a good imagination in this area. This dress looks fabulous on you! I would never have thought that you could transfer this design into a wearable dress. It's really very elegant.

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  42. You really did a great job on this dress. I make dance costumes professionally, and rarely motivate to make for myself. I would love to give this book a try!

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  43. Now that I see this gorgeous dress I would love to have this book. I think this may be my favorite of all your creations. Beautiful.

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  44. You are so clever, I love that you can see on your face how happy you are with this look compared with the shorts. I would love the book, I like those drapey clothes and my girls do too I would love to see how some of it is done. It's my 40 th on the 21st so if I won it would be an amazing late birthday pressie.

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  45. That is a beautiful take on that dress! I love the fabric! Put a bird on it indeed :)

    I'd love a copy of Drape Drape! I've always wanted to see how those patterns are put together.

    katherine.jones13 [at] gmail.com

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  46. Such a pretty dress! And it looks super comfortable too. The Drape Drape styles are not exactly in my comfort area, but I would jump at the chance to try some of them out!

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  47. Your project turned out SO great! Your husband is a dear and the beautiful cat is the perfect antidote to flailing hands. I'd love to peruse a copy of the book and find even more inspiration. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thank you! Good luck to all who enter!

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  48. Ooo, I would love to get a copy! More cool things to learn!

    ~Kelly, wyndsung@gmail.com

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  49. Wow, this is beautiful! And I love your pointing poses--they made me giggle :)

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  50. Your draped bird dress is divine! Perfect for a wedding! Please include me in the giveaway.

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  51. I think you look great in that dress -- it's a good thing you decided to give it a try after the pantaloons. Please enter me in the giveaway

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  52. Woot-woo, you look absolutely fabulous in your dress :) The fabric is perfect. I often get paralysis trying to decide fabrics for patterns. I have been longing for a drape dress pattern like this. I so love drape dresses, since discovering they add some volume through the hip area, where I am flat (!) so they help me try to achieve that lovely hourglass look :) I have made up NewLook's 6948 knit tank dress, which goes great with or without a belt, but unfortunately I bombed out with McCall's M6321 - the bodice was all puffy and the drapes didn't fall well on it so it has since been hanging in my wardrobe for ages waiting for me to care and figure out how to fix it! I'd love to put my hand up and have a go and winning your giveaway copy of the drape drape book thanks. I love your blog and I guess I'm somewhat a fellow geekess - I'm an entomologist and my hubby has always lovingly called me a nerd :) PS I'm Australian so I'd pay postage and handling :)

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  53. Best. Name. Ever. I would so read Grape. Grape.

    Can we take a minute to say that this looks absolutely smashing on you!!! I love the fabric and it this is totes perfect for a wedding. Epic work!

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  54. Love your dress! It's gorgeous and you wear it so well. Would like to make one for myself, so I'd like to enter your giveaway!

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  55. your dress looks really great! i would like a go of it myself!!

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  56. Gah, I love it! This dress is gorgeous! I've been sort of intrigued by this book as I've seen it reviewed around the interwebs, because I love complicated jersey dresses but am looking for more, uh, normal garments than most of these. But now I just really want to make this dress! Count me in to the giveaway!

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  57. Oh Wow - this dress looks AWESOME on you. You have done a fabulous job - the fit and the fabric are perfect and it suits your figure so well. I love it. Wish I had your sewing skills!

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  58. I would love to be included in the book giveaway. Your fabric is amazing and good job recovering the fit!

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  59. I'd like to enter! Sign me up for a copy of Cape Cape, while you're at it. Your dress is so beautiful! Super flattering and I love the fabric choice.

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  60. Your dress is beautiful. It's so elegant. Love it. Well done for persevering with the book. I'd love to be included in the giveaway.

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  61. Great dress! I'd love to give Drape Drape a go...please enter me into the drawing! Thanks!

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  62. Honestly, this is the first time I've seen something from this book that has made me really want it! GORGEOUS!! And please enter me :)

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  63. Turned out wonderfully, love the fabric too

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  64. Ooh, this is really pretty and totally wearable! Great job, girl! You can leave me out of the drawing, though... I'm overwhelmed by the number of patterns I have already! :)

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  65. I love it. Great dress. I'd love to give it a try.

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  66. I'm interested in the giveaway - please enter me :-)

    And may I suggest the following book ideas:
    Jape Jape - for jesters and buffoons
    Crepe Crepe - only one recommended fabric
    Snape Snape - for fashion-forward Slytherins

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  67. How funny...I just did a couple of posts on pieces from ShapeShape! (http://ecb.edesignsfashion.com/2013/03/22/two-way-stole--shapeshape.aspx ...more recent of the two) I'd love to try out DrapeDrape too...so toss me in the drawing!

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  68. Just found your blog through pattern review. Awesome dress. I love the put-a-bird-on-it trend too. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  69. I'd love to be in the draw, love the dress you made!

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  70. oh oh please enter me in the drawing!! :)

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  71. I think I might be too late, but if not :-)

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  72. Wow, yes, just for that dress alone, I'd love to enter the giveaway! I do own Shape Shape, but again very little of it is real-life wearable! You did a great job!

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