Sunday 2 July 2017

Grainline Studio Farrow Dress


Grainline Studio Farrow Dress

I joined in the MAGAM sew along with @sarahlizsewstyle last month on Instagram, for the first time. The theme for June was 'Sew New Season'. I decided a lovely winter version of the Grainline Studio Farrow Dress would fit the bill.

My MAGAM sewing plans posted on IG

The fabric is a poly cotton jacquard that I bought at Spotlight. It was quite a heavy weight fabric and I thought it would have the ideal structure and drape that would work well for the Farrow Dress. And as it turns out, I was right. Don't you love it when your fabric choice works out? My plan was to top stitch the main seam lines to make them stand out in this busy floral design. Unfortunately, the fabric frayed like crazy when cut, and I had to handle it with a lot of extra care, not to mention the mess it made in my sewing room.


I persuaded hubby to take some photos on our front stairs this morning and I like how these shots emphasise the quite structural design lines of the Farrow.  It's not just another A-line dress, it's a little bit more than that.


The high low hemline is quite dramatic and I love it. The length is quite short in the front and sweeps down to knee length at the back.


I was initially concerned that the dress would be too voluminous and look like a tent dress, but my fears have been dismissed since viewing the photos. My measurements put me between a size 10 and a size 12 and after reading the amount of ease allowed, I decided to go with the smaller size. This may have been a mistake, as the sleeves have turned out uncomfortably tight. In fact, it was difficult to perform normal elbow bending tasks such as cleaning my teeth and applying make up. The fit through the shoulders and bodice, both front and back is spot on so next time I would allow a bit of extra width in the sleeves to make them more comfortable. I probably do have enough fabric left over to cut new sleeves and replace these tight ones. We'll see if that happens...


I don't like high choking necklines and they are not at all flattering on me, so I removed 2.5cm from the entire neckline. This meant that the facing needed redrafting to match the new neckline, so I took the easy route and finished off the neckline with some lovely black satin bias binding.


The hem line was also finished off with the black satin bias binding. All hems were hand stitched so they would be invisible from the right side. I did use the sleeve facings but I found them very fiddly to sew as the wrist openings were quite small and would not fit over the free arm on my machine.


The pockets are quite cleverly designed and are hidden in the angled seam line. The top stitching was done with a triple stitch, using normal sewing thread. I am very happy with the result. The seam lines have been highlighted very effectively. I did follow along with The Farrow Dress Sew Along and it was very helpful.


Very happy with my new Winter dress, apart from the sleeve issue, so I really should make the effort to fit new sleeves.

Happy Sewing

Jean.

32 comments:

  1. Such a lovely winter dress! I like how you changed the neckline. I like a narrow sleeve on a A-line dress but being able to blend your arm is a nice feature. It's almost like the sleeve was drafted for knit fabric, so little ease. Hope you can fix it!

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    1. Thanks Marianne. I do like the look of the narrow sleeve (it would be perfect in a knit) but in a woven it is just plain uncomfortable. I will replace the sleeves, but I'm not looking forward to unpicking them first.

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  2. Gorgeous! Your fabric choice instincts were right-on: it really shows off the shape of the dress. And of course, you've styled it perfectly with the semi-sheer tights and those ankle boots! <3

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Abbey. I am very pleased with how the fabric shows off the shape of the dress.

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  3. Lovely and I like how you have styled it with the tights and boots.

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    1. You're too kind Vicki...I have been living in these ankle boots this winter. They go with everything.

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  4. Great dress. Love the pockets. Your fabric and styling choices are spot on too.

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    1. The pockets are a great feature of the Farrow, Sewingelle. Thanks for the lovely comment.

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  5. This is a lovely dress. What a perfect choice of fabric for this dress. Just love it!

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    1. Thanks so much Carolyn. High praise indeed, coming from one of the world's best curators of fabric.

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  6. I really like this on you, Jean! As usual, your sewing is excellent and the style suits you perfectly. At first look I thought it was a baby cord fabric, as I have one in stash that is similar. I really like the clever pockets, too. Seems though I rarely manage to actually sew a garment, I want every pattern that I see!

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    1. I really appreciate your comment Nursebennett, thank you. I also want to buy all the new patterns as they are released, but must exercise some restraint.

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  7. Fabulous dress. It looks great. It will great in this cold weather.

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    1. Thank you mandy c. It's lovely to have a new Winter dress.

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  8. I really love your style.
    I watched you all the way though Me-Made May and was truly impressed. You have found designs that suit your body and that you are comfortable in - a winning combination.
    Are you working out? I'm noticing a distinct 'toning' in your legs and looking really good.

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    1. Awwww Ruth, what a lovely thing to say. I do try to sew practical garments that I know I will wear. I'm sorry to say that I have not been working out lately, especially with the shorter days and freezing weather we have been experiencing, but I have been dieting and have shed around 7 kilo's since March. The huge bonus is that I can now fit into all my handmade clothes again. Thanks for noticing!

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  9. Beautiful dress! Lovely shape and gotta love those pockets!

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    1. Thanks so much Ann. The pockets are a nice feature in this pattern.

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  10. I love the shape of the dress and as usual, it looks beautiful on you.

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  11. What an utterly adorable dress! You definitely matched fabric to pattern well!! Love those pockets!!! :)

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    1. Thanks so much Lisa. I was unsure of my fabric choice for this dress until I saw the photos, but I was pleasantly surprised and relieved.

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  12. I'm very impressed with how this dress turned out. Sometimes tapestry florals can look a little old fashioned, but this modern cut is just perfect for it. I like the structure of this dress, it suits you. I am so thrilled the dress worked.

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    1. Thanks so much Sarah Liz for your thoughtful comment. I'm so glad it worked out well too.

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  13. I don't think you could have picked a better pattern for this fabric. It looks great on you.

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    1. Thanks very much Paola. I bought this fabric at your Nowra Spotlight too.

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  14. This is a perfect dress for winter. The pockets are great and all those topstitching details look sharp on this cool floral!

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth. I was really happy with the top stitching. Using a triple stitch certainly made it stand out against the floral.

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  15. I have a go to A-line dress pattern but this one is just a bit different. I love the hemline and pockets. Your fabric sets it off so well

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  16. Absolutely gorgeous. I love it in the more structured fabric! And I love your top stitching and change on the neckline, looks awesome!

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    ReplyDelete