Sunday 22 February 2015

My first Christine Haynes Emery dress...


Apologies for the short break from blogging. This was due to work (lots to do at the moment), the flu and a Lunar New Year holiday to Bangkok. During this time, I have been sewing, but just not getting chance to take photos. In the next couple of days I will update you on my most recent makes. 

The first one I would like to introduce you to is my Emery dress. It's probably one of the most tweeted/blogged about patterns that I had not yet tried. I got the pattern as part of my Christmas gift from my Grandma-in-law and had been waiting for the perfect fabric to make it up in. 


On a recent visit to Sham Shui Po fabric market, I managed to pick up this stunning little number. A lightweight cotton chambray with a red/pink rose print. I had to buy 6 yards as it was a cut length. But for only $120HKD, it was a complete bargain! 



The actual process of making this dress was fairly straight forward. I had to make some minor adjustments on the back shoulder darts as it was gaping at the neck. I made each one 1cm larger, which solved the problem perfectly. 

It had been a while since I added pockets to the seam of a skirt, so I had to follow the instructions quite closely. Even doing this I made a slight mistake. I actually set the pockets down about 4cm from the waist, which in the past I had done on all side seam pockets. These ones are in fact supposed to be attached to the waist seam. The finished result does not have any ill effects from this and they're actually at the perfect height for me. I think raising them would not make them as comfortable.

Overall, i'm really pleased with the outcome. This dress shape and style will be perfect for both work and play. I think that I need to make one with a contrast collar and maybe a softer fabric in the not too distant future. I'm so happy that the Emery worked out as well for me as it has done for so many people! 


What do you think of the 'oh so popular' Emery dress pattern?

4 comments:

  1. Looks really comfy and stylish at the same time. Glad the pockets worked out for you x
    That chambray fabric looks lovely - I like the fact its sort of feminine and practical at the same time.

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    1. Thank you! I'll be rocking this one next term for sure. I think it's just about smart enough.

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  2. I love emery it is my go to dress for fit and comfort. I have just made one in pink and grey Llama fabric! Just waiting for a sunny day for a photoshoot.

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    1. Pink and Grey llama fabric sounds awesome Claire! I will look forward to seeing it! It's so difficult trying to schedule photoshoots around bad weather, hence the indoor shots that i've done recently!

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