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

Tres bien ensemble

Laurel.

4/29/2013

24 Comments

 
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Trendy- not exactly a word I would use to describe myself. Still, even an ostrich like me can pick up on the dominate presence of the ombré phenomenon. And, when I read the categories for the Colette Patterns' Laurel contest, I decided to employ the technique for my submission.
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Prior to this endeavor, I'd never attempted to dye fiber or fabric, so I wasn't really sure where to start. Fortunately, there are a slew of really helpful tutorials on the RIT website, including this one on ombré technique.
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Still skeptical, I headed to Joann in search of a piece of fabric I wouldn't cry over ruining if things went terribly wrong. I had my heart set on fabric with a bit of texture, like the Missoni dress I pinned to my inspiration board, but I didn't have any luck finding a replica. However, I was delighted to find a rayon blend burnout- when did Joann incorporate natural fiber fabrics into their collection?
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After a pre-wash I dyed the entire length of fabric, leaving roughly 6 inches at the border white.
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I hand washed, rinsed and hung the fabric from the shower rod, light side to dark, to avoid color bleeding.
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The colors dried considerably lighter and less saturated than I expected them to. But, the effect was there.
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I laid my two body pieces side-by-side, making sure to match grain and color lines between them. The sleeves were cut from the darkest portion of fabric. I turned the sleeve cap to match the coloration at the points of contact, so the deepest shade is at the cuff.
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Construction was a breeze. I didn't refer to the directions at all, so I'm not sure whether or not I made any modifications. I did use a self faced underlining on the body of the dress. I left the sleeves unlined, but attached them with French seams, so there wouldn't be any slop peaking through.
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I used a lapped zipper closure up the back. And, I machine stitched my hem(s).
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I was amazed at how quickly this dress comes together. I waited to start cutting/sewing until Saturday evening, and I had a completed dress Sunday morning.
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I wore this out and about during errands and appointments Sunday afternoon. It was easy to wear. Very fuss free.
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The sizing on this pattern is worth mentioning. I am fairly out f touch with the sizing on conventional patterns; however, this seems vanity sized-TO THE MAX- I cut a size 4 with no modifications. And, I'm swimming in it. I know there is some intentional ease, but I think I easily could have cut the zero and still had room.
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Since I typically use vintage patterns, I was really nervous to be cutting anything smaller than a size 12. And, i haven't fathomed wearing a zero since I was in grade school. Frankly, I find vanity sizing very frustrating. I wish women's clothing would change to a men's sizing system- makes much more sense. Certainly there are other numbers (IQ perhaps) we can weigh heavier than our dress size.

I digress.... You can check out all the contest submissions in the Colette Patterns flickr group. I'm entering under the categories of #laurelcolor and #laurelselfdesigned. Fingers crossed! 
24 Comments
laurie link
4/29/2013 12:44:53 am

I like this! The Ombre dye affect you achieved is marvelous and creative! :) Isn't it funny how whenever you have something in your mind and you head to JoAnns they don't have it? Frustrating! But you hopped on a different path and did quite well. Nice work!

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beki link
4/29/2013 12:49:33 am

Very nice! After making a few Sorbetto tankls this weekend, the Laurel is next on my list. Your ombre version is great!

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lorr
4/29/2013 12:53:04 am

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Jenn link
4/29/2013 01:43:00 am

It's beautiful - I love the shades of blue on you!

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PendleStitches link
4/29/2013 01:52:49 am

Your ombre is beautiful. A wonderful dress.

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Marie link
4/29/2013 01:59:59 am

It's beautiful and thanks for sharing how you achieved the lovely colour on it too!

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Chris
4/29/2013 02:22:41 am

So cute! I love the hint of design showing through the different shades of blue.

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Renee Anne link
4/29/2013 03:10:57 am

You sound like my husband about the sizing. He doesn't get it either. I don't either, to be honest. The dress is cute, though :)

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Michelle link
4/29/2013 04:35:00 am

Super cute! Now I want a dress with an ombre effect. Perhaps also in blue... haha! Though you say there is a lot of ease in the dress, it seems to fit you quite well in the shoulders. Maybe all you need to do is take in the side seams?

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Sue link
4/29/2013 05:27:36 am

Super dress, I love the texture to the fabric and the dye effect, very clever

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Sezza link
4/29/2013 09:54:03 am

This is utterly gorgeous on you, I love how your fabric turned out!

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Jennifer Lauren link
4/29/2013 01:57:50 pm

This is such a beautiful dress on you...I've only ever dyed fabric once but I loved it (must do it again!). Great job :)

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Elisabeth Andree link
4/29/2013 06:37:20 pm

Love the fabric!

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BlackLabel link
4/29/2013 07:09:21 pm

BRAVO - you absolutely deserve an award for that perfect ombre. the dress looks amazing!

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Trollemor link
4/29/2013 09:43:47 pm

Hi!
Imagine my trill when I came across youre blog and realised that it is both a sewing AND a knitting blog! Just my kind of blog;) I will be adding you to my Bloglovin! Please, feel free to stop by my blog as well, wich is allso a knitting and sewing blog:) http://trollemors-hverdag.blogspot.no/ (Stitches & Pearls)

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Lisa link
4/29/2013 11:42:16 pm

Love this dress! You are so brave, dyeing your fabric, and it turned out beautifully. I'm afraid if I tried to dye anything, there'd be more dye on me than on the fabric. ;)

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Stephanie link
4/30/2013 07:05:23 am

Michelle this is amazing! I just love how it turned out. It's so cute how the little flowers didn't catch the same amount of dye. I really love it!!

I've been considering dip dying my silk archer shirt once I finally finish. I swear I thought of it before seeing your post! ;)

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Jennifer link
4/30/2013 07:55:16 am

Wow! I absolutely love it. You did a beautiful job with all of it. And you look really great in it, it's very flattering and looks cool and comfortable too.

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Alison link
4/30/2013 10:29:18 am

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
I've never been enticed to consider sewing my own clothes but after seeing what you do I might reconsider.

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Nat @ Made in Home link
4/30/2013 03:58:23 pm

Oh I love the ombré effect! It is a great success for a first time, and laurel seems to be a great pattern. Do you think it can be done in jersey? I may have a project in mind....

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Emma link
4/30/2013 04:21:11 pm

Such a simple pattern seems to cry out for something special, and this is really special! Bravo! You made a really plain-looking pattern look stylish, bold and clean.

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Alicia link
5/5/2013 05:59:20 am

This dress is amazing, I love the ombre effect! Do you have any tips for how to get started sewing ones on clothes for a beginner with absolutely zero experience? My fiance has a sewing machine and can show me how to use it but I have no idea where to even begin learning how to actually make things.

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crystalpleats link
5/16/2013 03:06:13 am

This has been a fun contest! Your dress is so simple, but the ombre so eye-catching. I would definitely wear it. I cast a vote for you!

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Weaveron Textile link
10/6/2019 10:42:46 pm

I like it your fabric design,very unique patterns...
Love it all! Great fabrics, gift, and lovely stitching!

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