Oh.my.word. It is sunny today! After a monumental year of rain (well that’s how it feels) the sun is out, the sky is blue & I could actually consider bringing out my summer clothes! (May the 12th everyone. That means that my summer clothes could get, hmmm, let’s figure it out, 3.5 months’ wear this year? And I think you can guess that summer clothes make up a significant proportion of my wardrobe)
Anyway the sun made me feel like getting *that secret* dress out in the lush garden, finally….
What’s that I hear coming over the hill? There’s a massive rumbling …. the earth is definitely shaking….my gosh! Have you ever seen so many elephants??!?!?!
Well you know that this is made using the Lisette Traveler dress pattern (sorry links still not easy, so I have to forgo them until I get my rear into gear & fix my browser problem), but here’s the pattern on the left to remind you.
This dress bumped its way to the top of my sewing list, actually I’d say it possibly stampeded over every single other piece of fabric I had in my pile for summer sewing to raise its very attractive bright redness in my face & blind me with its gorgeousity.
Here came the fabric of fun, my task was to create a dreamy dress. I had in mind a shirt dress with gathered skirt, & after much thought (well, just a bit) I plumped for the gathered version of the Lisette Traveller dress. (Thank you Debbie for the idea!).
The great things about the Lisette patterns I have found is that they are usually a quick & efficient make. Hand sewing is negligible & machine finishing is primarily suggested in the directions. I had wanted to make this dress for a specific event, therefore my aim was to be as effective as possible in its construction.
What I did differently -
I cut the interfacing first -usually I cut out the main fabric & then make may way to the interfacing, resenting it as it keeps me from getting the sewing started. Cutting out the interfacing first seemed to help with this weird psychology of mine. I am not sure it saved any time, but it was a great feeling to cut out the last piece of the dress fabric & know I could start!
I did make an effort to cut the ellies in line as stripes (apart from the button bands). That was worth it. I also found the print was not in line with the grain, & this time went with the pattern (oh how we learn from our mistakes!)
The other thing I did was to tissue fit the bodice to Barbarella (my dummy)- I needed to know that it was a reasonable fit. It seemed to pass on that front, so it was full steam ahead.
The dress was a lovely make. I can’t fault it. The collar & stand is all one piece which I think works well & is quicker to put together. I also rounded the corners slightly on the collar as I like curves.
But what I adore the most is the sleeves – they are gathered slightly puff sleeves on a slim band. Delightful. It makes me feel quite young actually, not that this was my intention! Think yourselves lucky I didn’t model this with white ankle socks & a satchel…
It is funny that recently Tilly wrote about procrastinationon the details. When I read it I thought “no, that isn’t something I suffer from”. However, THIS dress or Tilly’s post changed all that. Button colour. I had in mine egg yolk yellow. But when I went to the habbie store I not only bought some yellow ones (not quite the colour I had in mind), but also red & shiny white as well. Gosh did I dither! I ended up turning the yellow buttons & using them upside down.
Now where you may ask is the piping or the rick rack? What details did I add? OK, to start with I topstitched in off-white with a triple stitch to show up a bit. This went around the collar plus each edge of the button band. And piping? None this time. Rick rack?
You got it! I added some to the hem for a scalloped loveliness. Something was missing though. It is a cold May afterall. So I made a petticoat out of the posh lawn I accidentally over purchased. Sweet cotton lace, yellow ribbon & my pintucking foot all conspired to create this wistful reminder of the petticoats I wore as a sixth former, also deliberately hanging out from under my skirts.
Am I trying to relive my youth? Is this my very own 80s revival? If it is what song could I possibly be leaping around to?
What went wrong this time? Well my overlocker developed a blockage (ahem). It is a Babylock Imagine Wave which has “air threading”. ”Air threading” is a dream, you just poke your looper thread into the correct duct & pump. The thread magically pops out of the correct looper, no probs. But when it gets blocked there is no amount of pumping (ha ha) that gets it round. After a phone call to my very understanding sewing machine vendor/ font of all sewing machine knowledge I tried poking jewellery wire into the looper, but it kinked & didn’t get around the right angled pipe. So in the end availed myself of aforementioned very understanding sewing machine vendor/ font of all sewing machine knowledge & he cleared it out in a jiffy. A clump of red thread. Not from this dress though. With my overlocker out of action I had to revert to zig zagging, and that just felt plain “wrong”. I am officially the spoilt brat of sewing machines now, & I will tell you how much. I am mid “Ginger”, making a red linen mix version. I had finished all the edges with zig zag, but I just know it’s going to show through when I iron it, & months down the line I will be throwing the iron around on it, caring less. When my overlocker returned after its colonic I went over all of the edges & re-finished them. Ahhh, that’s better.
So folks, sorry for a glimpse into the digestive problems of my overlocker. Fancy seeing a close up of the MOST awesome brooch I recently got from LadybirdLikes on Etsy? (I will struggle to get this link working, as it is worth it)
It’s only from a vintage sewing pattern cover on laser cut wood. Gorgeous & essential accessorizing for the sewster do you not think?
Later next week I shall be holding a giveaway with different one of these gorgeous brooches included in a bundle of stitching loveliness. Just for fun you know. Keep watching 
& have a wonderful weekend….
I think this is such a great make. I have this pattern in my stash but I am at a loss to what fabric to use!
hope you can let loose now on your fabric choices – this dress is also shown on the opattern front as being made to look like seperates – that threw me at first!
Teehee, you are so cute!
I love the dress. When my local craft store started stocking Lisette patterns, I checked them out but decided against buying one. After seeing this, I may just have to buy this pattern!
I love the rick rack at the bottom. The blouse I am working on at the moment has that exact size and colour rick rack sewn in between the peter pan collar and collar lining. So cute!
it feels like we are “rockin’ rick rack all over the world” I blame my brother for that Status Quo interlude….
This is an awesome dress! Elephants are now definitely part of your signature style. I’m sure you’ll get loads of wear out of this one. xx
I so agree with the fact that cutting interfacing is painful. I will follow your advice, sometimes I can try to trick my brain
I love your dress, those elephants are great! and this brooch is wonderful!
I’m glad I’m not the only one!! Maybe it’s just my impatience to get on with the actual sewing. I think sometimes even the cutting out takes too long in my “fever” tosew.
Love your dress! All the little details, and most importantly the elephants, are delightful!
What lovely elephants, rampaging all over your dress. I adore that fabric, but I fear that I would get a lot of comments from my DH if I dared make anything from it. Only fabric with little whales on it would be more risky!
The petticoat is just right, and a pretty finish.
Thanks Tilly, Susan and Michelle ….these elephants ….only clear that they are elephants when you get closeenough. I think that’s part of the charm….from a distance they look polka dottish …squashed polka dots perhaps!
I don’t know where to start! You are almost certianly dancing to “Come on Eileen!” in those boots. And the petticoat is the one I always wanted but somehow never had. But the dress, the DRESS?! Love the sleeves and the ricrac hem and the buttons and the elephants and the redness. Why did I not put my ellie-print fabric to such awesome use?
Oh Roo! Thank you & I think “Come on Eileen” has to be one of the possible songs at this particular disco! There’s a bit too much fancy footwork for it to be “Town Called Malice”!!
Super, super cute! I love this dress! The shirtdress style looks great on you!
I agree with Roobeedoo, either Come on Eileen or Swords of a Thousand Men by Tempole Tudor, there’s got to be a Hoorah hey in there somewhere! Having seen this beautiful creation in real life, I can vouch that it’s just as awesome as it looks in these fine photos. Simply Goy-jus.
I don’t think I can wait to chance my luck in a giveaway for one of those brooches, might have to hop on over there and purchase one NOW! xx
Jane, inspired choice of song! I thought you’d have a track or two in mind!! Much better choice than “hi ho silver lining” which never got me that enthusiastic…..
Adorable, as usual! I’m a sucker for a shirtdress in an unexpected print.
Oh yes stacey. Some of the prints you work with are awesome….
I love this dress! I have some of this fabric in black and am thinking of making a top with it as it’s just so darn cute! Really impressed with your use of ricrac again and the petticoat is divine! I’m hoping your dancing round to some Duran Duran or Kate Bush or something! hehe!
Ha ha! Duran duran “rio” is a possiblility….but i think my moves are a bit too bouncy for dear kate. Altho she still features on my 2012 playlist
This is lovely – I should have known there was a top sewing project being photographed when I saw the sunshine today! I have this pattern and haven’t made it up because although I liked it, I thought it was a bit dull. Your lovely scarlet elephants have changed my mind! Oh, and I remember lace hanging out petticoats v. well – I used to skip around in mine, listening to Kate Bush…. oh dear!
Mrs exeter, hope you get crazy with this pattern, its funny that sometimes pattrn illustrations aren’t as inspiring as they should be. All this katebush talk will make that the nextthing I listen to ….thank you!!
It would be impossible not to smile and dance in such a fun dress.
Thank you formaking me
Very gorgeous and very fun, just like you Scruffybadger! I love the petticoat. And I can definitely hear Come On Eileen playing when I look at you cavorting.
That is the perfect word, cavorting! Thank you for choosing dexys…its a good one full of fun memories
what a terrifically fun dress and i love how happy you look in all the pics! i love the details you put into it, the topstitching in white, the colored buttons and rickrack and petticoat. brilliant!
Thank you, I think id blame it on the sunshine ( and maybe the boogie helped!)
I have this pattern and have always wanted to make it up. Love it in red elephants! And your boots rock.
Make it in animal print tigra!!!! Go on!!
Oh Winnie, this is a wonderful dress and the fit looks spot on! The ric rac on the hem is a really sweet touch, I need to pay more attention to detail like that too! I love how you just whipped up a petticoat to go with it as well!
Thank you very, I am trying to counter my need for sewing quickly in the detail I could add….some less obvious than others!!
Way to rock the pachyderms. I’m more of a seafood person myself, but to each their own XD. Those boots are crazy Hanseln’Gretle!
Ye ha! Funny how we get into a theme ….I’m sure there’s some psychology to explain it.
I adore your elephants, this dress is so fun.
I love it, especially paired with cowboy boots. It would be a great dress to go dancing in.
Line dancing perhaps?! Thanks mela
I had an internet break while sewing my Lisette Traveler and saw you’ve made it too – I love the elephant fabric. I think my version has enough piping for both of us!
Will have to check out yours…piping! Yum!
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Oh my goodness, this is so gorgeous!! I love the colour, the elephant fabric, the top-stitching, the yellow buttons (definately the nicest of the three), the brooch and the petticoat. Happy wearing!!
Thank you lynne! It is a happy dress
What an awesome dress, it is so , so cute and you look fantastic!!
Love it. One of my students wants to make one and I was dithering as I have not used the pattern before myself and so your post was great timing. love the ele print and the boots!
Oh good that its helped. I think the pattern cover doesn’t do this version justice
I have so much love for everything in this post, I thinking may have a crush on it. The dress is super fun, the braid on the hem lovely, the brooch enviable and the smiles/giggles infectious! Cheered my Sunday night up no end – thanks doll!
And you mine also!!
Yay for elephants!
What a fabulous dress. It’s so joyous. Perfect mix of pattern, fabric and chutzpah! Divine.
I love this dress! the elephants are so cute! I will be following in your ziggy zaggy footsteps soon… but I’ve run out interfacing so have to wait until I get to the shops before I can carry on.
Oooh spreading zigga zigga ah! Like it!
love it! this dress is joyful in everyway.
shivani, you are the elephant fabric instigator! Thank you !!
Another happy dress with all the perfect touches. It’s amazing how well-bahaved elephants can be in your capable hands. And I love the interfacing tip. I often cut it in haste and sloppily, but this could make me reform my ways.
You are an excellent elephant handler, instead of being trampled by pachyderms the dress is wonderful in every way! And I needed that interfacing hint!
Oh my gosh! I want one just like yours! Or three!
Go for it! I haven’t planned #2 yet though – maybe you can inspire me?!
What an awesome dress, I totally understand why it speed-moved to the top of your sewing queue! I love your little additions of the ric rac and eyelet petticoat, very pretty! The brooch is also very cool!
Thanks Alessa…I am loving wearing it too, & that brooch is just too good…it’s been pinned & repinned on so many outfits since I bought it!
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This is adorable! I love the ellie fabric and I love all your little details. Can I just ask, how was it cutting by the pattern instead of the grain? I recently had that problem with a little quilt block and I went with the grain, worried that it would otherwise distort the shape of the square. But it was hugely annoying having the pattern unaligned. Anyhows fabulous inspiration. I’ve just started a shirt dress but it might be a while in the making!
Hi Janene, thank you
Errr, cutting off the grain was fine with this particular style, & the fabric has a degree of structure so it kind of kept its shape. I cut my pink ellies off pattern on grain (after lots of careful thought) & am also annoyed that the back yoke is so obviously off. Luckily it’s behind me …..but I know what you mean. Advice I’ve been given for off grain sewing includes using interfacing to strengthen / stop slewing. Could this be something that you could do with your patchwork block?
What a beautiful dress! I always love your fabrics and styles and details! I have seen this pattern and never gave it much thought but after seeing yours I might pick it up next time. I just finished some Lisette slim denim pants and the pattern was really well made.
Thanks justine. I agree, I like the lisette patterns, having made a few things now…
I just looove that dress! I love the pattern, the fabric, the details
I love your pictures too. they’re refreshing and fun !
Your dress has got me thinking and I’m planning a navy broderie anglaise version with a red lining. Do you think it’d be possible to make the skirt front with out the placket and buttons? I have 5 gorgeous and perfect buttons for my plotting, but not enough for a full length placket! I think it’d be possible to futz the pattern but was wondering if you had an opinon as you’ve actually made it! Thanks for the inspiration and any advice you can share!
Hiya, sounds lovely! I’d say that you probably need some kind of opening for part of the skirt as the waist is pretty fitted – I need to undo buttons below the waist to get the skirt on & off. Instead of a placket I’d cut a wider bodice & skirt front & face each edge with interfacing too….I have a vintage dress that is buttoned for the bodice, with a part sewn skirt front, with press stud closures for the top skirt. I think you’d need to play around with how much opening you need, but press studs could work with your buttons?
Good to know! Some press studs sound like the perfect answer…
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I made this dress too – click on the web link in my comment to see the picture of mine on Flickr. I mostly wear mine as a cool around the house dress – I live in Southern California where we have a lot of hot summer weather, but I get a lot of compliments on it.
Ooh, love it! I like the fabrics that you chose – really unusual & it does look so comfy