Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Brussels: Chocolate

9/29/2015

6 Comments

 
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This is the second version of McCall's 6696 I made to bring along on vacation. Making five versions of the same pattern in different fabrics is an interesting experiment in textiles. Oddly, each of my dresses fits me slightly differently, despite being cut and sewn using identical methods. 
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To start, I should probably recap the modifications I made to the original pattern. At the onset of this experiment, I determined that I would smooth the gathers from the back bodice in exchange for a flat, fitted top. I also shortened my bodice by an inch and removed 1/2 inch in height from the collar. Next, I narrowed the shoulders of this pattern by 1 1/2 inches each.  I wanted a fitted waist, so I used a zero ease measurement. Finally, I lopped 6 inches out of the skirt length. 
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My chambray version of this dress fit nearly exactly the way I wanted it to (I could shorten the bodice a bit more to be 100% happy), so I was very surprised to discover that this version of the dress was so snugglebuggle.  I'd used the same construction methods and modifications, which leads me to believe that the fabrics are to blame for the differences in fit. 
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The fabric I used in this dress is a linen/rayon blend from Joann Fabric. It has a really beautiful hand and a fantastic drape.  I still love the dress, but it's definitely not the sort of dress I'll wear to enjoy a large meal. So, it's ironic that I wore it the day we decided to explore Brussels' chocolatiers. 
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This was another day of exploration and scavenger hunting. We made ourselves an offline map of the chocolate shops we wanted to visit. Our list included: Frederic Blondeel, Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Laurent Gerbaud, Passion Chocolat, & Leonidas
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We made it our mission to try as many varieties of chocolate as we could from each of the shops we stopped in. It was divine, especially the hot chocolate we drank at Laurent Gerbaud. I can't honestly say I tasted a chocolate I didn't like. But, there was a clear winner, in my opinion: Neuhaus, Rigoletto. My mouth waters just thinking about it. 
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I was overjoyed to discover there are Nehaus locations in New York. Sadly, I've learned they do not stock Rigoletto. This leads me to the very reasonable conclusion that I will have to go back to Brussels to buy more. :-D 
6 Comments
tanyamaile link
9/29/2015 10:32:45 am

More shirtdress perfection! Such lovely photos and your styling is top notch. I bet you fit in in France!

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crab&bee link
9/29/2015 12:51:08 pm

Whooaaa that's a great-looking dress. How strange about the fabric; I'm sure it depends a lot on the weave but the linen-rayon blends I've used have bagged out like crazy! So hard to tell.

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Heather link
9/29/2015 04:25:55 pm

I don't think it would be possible for you to make something that I don't like. This dress is beautiful and your photos are perfect! As someone who makes lots of multiples, I have found the same thing, the fabric can definitely affect fit. I would think the chambray would have a bit more give than the rayon, although linen always stretches a bit doesn't it?

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steph link
9/30/2015 01:31:23 pm

you look so very very chic!!! great dress.....and looks like a wonderful trip (anything that includes chocolate is wonderful, right?!)

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Amanda link
10/1/2015 08:59:51 pm

I love the look of this dress and the fit changes you made (even if you're saying they don't quite work for you with this version). And the setting is so nice!

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Gail link
10/10/2015 03:39:32 pm

What a pretty dress! These colors are perfect for your coloring. Good thing you only ate chocolate that day though! ;-)

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