This very pretty embroidered cotton was found in a local fabric store, but unfortunately it was only in a small piece. So I planned to make a bib dress with it, combining it with this denim-like blue cotton/linen fabric. I was ready to draft a pattern myself when I found this Wenlan blouse pattern in Burdastyle, the pattern is actually for a blouse and the recommended fabric is flowy materials like chiffon and silk. My blue fabric is a bit stiff, but I think I can use this pattern for my dress, so I went ahead and bought the pattern for $7.99.
And it is indeed a good pattern! I omitted the tie collar (which was impossible anyway with the stiff fabric) and lengthened the pattern to make a dress. The embroidered cotton is a bit thin, so I lined it with plain cotton in broken white. The neckline was finished with bias binding, so were both of the armholes. I also added a pair of hidden pockets on the side seams because all dresses should have pockets!
The stiff fabric makes the dress really looks different than the original. I especially like the sleeves, they stuck out like a pair of shoulder pads or mini wings. Love this bib dress! I’m thinking of using the pattern again to make other dress in absolutely different kind of fabric.
And have I told you how I love my new sewing machine? I will tell you again, I love my new sewing machine! It sewed this dress like a dream, I finished it in just a few hours.
Pattern is Wenlan blouse pattern from Burdastyle.
Thank you very much for your answer to my question, that’s very kind of you. I bought 2.5 metres of chambray cotton in the end, just in case. I’ll let you know when I’ve made it, and I’ll be putting a link to your blog on my blog, letting everyone know you inspired me to make this dress. Thank you again. Vanessa x
Hello, what you did with this pattern has inspired me to buy the pattern myself! I love the way you model everything you wear, the photos are always beautiful. I hope I’m not being too confident here in trying this pattern, as I haven’t done a lot of sewing, still, it’s good to start somewhere isn’t it?! Could I ask you a question……….. how much fabfic did you need for your dress? Sorry if this is too much to ask. Thank you. My warmest wishes, Vanessa
I use about 2 m of fabric and still have enough left for making a b ag. But I’m very small so other people might need more. The easiest thing is buying fabric twice the length of the intended dress
Cute dress, and I love the little cap sleaves.
With a pattern and your imagination you can make so may looks with different fabrics and textures. I used to sew a lot, and your blog makes me want to start again.
[...] {source verypurpleperson bid dress} [...]
[...] 10th, 2010 in: WomenswearShareI’ve used the Wenlan blouse pattern from Burdastyle to make this bib dress before and really loved the result. This time I use the pattern again to make these floral bib [...]
omg its so cute!!! LOVE it with the red stockings
.-= little bird in a beehive´s last blog ..more bees =-.
Perfect! By far my favorite.
[...] fabric on one side of the bag is leftover from my bib dress. I found this interesting fabric with orange and brown pattern in the nearest thrift store for less [...]
This dress suits you perfectly ! I enjoy browsing through your pages…
This dress is so so lovely, and such a clever way to show off a small bit of fabric. Well done you!
I just wanted to say, I love EVERYTHING you do. I’m so jealous of your eye for fabrics, and the simplicity of your designs, but the gorgousness of the finished garments.
You have the cutest kid by the way, so stylish. Keep it up
in love with your dress. btw, im a fan of your blog and just recently you inspired me to sew too…now im starting my sewing blogsite. yey!
Beautiful, as always!
[...] [Novita Estiti] [...]
Very smart and nice dress.The fabric also looks very gpod to me …a bit stiff in nature which suits the style.
So many lovely comments! Thank you! ^.^
I am so impressed that you were brave enough to use a fabric that was not recommended on the pattern. That shows just how talented you are. Really really cute!
Soooooooooooo cute!
But, I am in love with your tights too!! They are with dots, right?
Yes, they are red tights with white dots. I found them in a thrift store in Omotesando, very cheap too!
this dress is soooo beautiful! your skills are impressive!!!
Its soooooo pretty!!!!
I am so in love with that dress! It is so pretty and it looks so great on you. Loooove the tights!
.-= Rose´s last blog ..Special Delivery =-.
love the dress!
I’ve been contemplating on buying this pattern. seems like a must have
.-= lunatepetal´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
Wonderful dress!
Too cute! I love the red tights with it too.
I’m afraid a dress like this would look terrible on me, which is a shame, because I love the look on you. You look very pretty!
.-= Karin´s last blog ..It’s My Birthday! =-.
Such a lovely dress! I like that you put your own twist on the Wenlan blouse pattern. And I love the embroidered fabric and cross-weave linen together. Made me
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Layered Ensemble =-.
Such a fun dress! And you look so pretty in it.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
this dress is so pretty! very feminine and perfect for spring (and cherry blossom parties!). i would love to make a dress like this someday. thanks for sharing details about how you adapted the pattern. i wouldn’t have thought to do that.
Terribly cute, the association of delicate lace and denim works really well here! Funny that you made a Japanese style dress out of a Burda pattern^^!
.-= cecili´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
you really do make the cutest dresses.
.-= krista´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
The dress is beautiful on you!! Congratulations on your new machine, I can see how happy you are with it. Happy sewing to you, Novita!
.-= yoshimi´s last blog ..<a href=\ =-.
Thats a wonderful dress!
.-= ktrn´s last blog ..allrounder =-.
Wow I love this dress, it suits you so much and I’m so envious that you did that in just a few hours!