A Harlequin for me

September 14, 2016
Handmade
DIY, dress(children), fabric, handmade, jersey, patterns, serger, sewing, sewing machine

I have a subscription for the La Maison Victor magazine for some time now. The first issues, however, I missed out on. The Harlequin dress in one of those appeared to me to be an ideal selfish sewing dress. Two pattern pieces (+ facing), I should be able to put that together fast? Maybe then the selfish sewing would actually happen.

So when I was asked to test a pattern, I didn’t hesitate! Bring on the Harlequin!

It took me ages to choose the fabric for it. Eventually I went with a jacquard (I think) with a little stretch and a nice shine to it. Very difficult to crease and pleat, easy to iron is what that means to me! I hate ironing and do it as little as possible!

As always, I chose 2 different sizes to accommodate my pear shape. But I ended up with an even smaller size at the top. Say whaaaaaat? Yes, a SMALLER size. Made my day, let me tell you.

And behold, the finished dress. A classy, well fitted, elegant, simple… dress. I can think of at least a dozen more adjectives. I put in a blind hem with the machine (hello, lazy!) and I think that went well!

Sorry about the sullen look on my face. I’m really happy with the dress, I promise… 😀

I did a few adjustments. First of all the different sizes for waist and hips. The top differs 3 sizes from the bottom. Pear shaped, clearly! I also deepened the neckline in the front, it flatters my bust a little more.

I don’t think this will become an every day dress, more one for special occasions, like parent-teachers meetings at school for example.

I was on a roll and wanted to make a dress a bot more smooth, loose and comfortable… (insert other adjectives here). I finally cut into the über soft Chat Chocolat fabric I had been saving for myself and turned it into a super fast ‘unfinished’ Harlequin.

Wonderful to wear, I can assure you! I made the dress about one and a half hour before I had to attend my birthday party. Cutting it a bit short but I showed up in my new dress. I got a looooot of compliments that night. I’m in love. In love with the fabric, the dress, the pattern. More will follow, I’m comfortable swearing by it!