Cup Day is definitely a day to go big and bright! This year was no exception with our outfits. It was also the day that Lauren got to present her entry to the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award at Flemington Racecourse.
She had created the piece a few weeks earlier, submitted the entry online, and was then invited to showcase it on the runway. This meant we had a hero to work around and wanted to create a strong look to complement it.
Fabric: Taffeta from The Fabric Store
We wanted a material to match the red saucer that Lauren had made, so we set about finding an option online. We found this Poly / Silk Taffeta in Scarlet at The Fabric Store. While it slightly went against our natural fibres policy, it, at 70% Polyester, 30% Silk, we lined it with a matching cotton drill.
Pattern: Simplicity 8876
For the dress design, we wanted something simple that would let the hat be the hero. We have created Simplicity 8876 a number of times before and loved the fit of the strapless bodice. We adjusted the scoop of the bodice to have a greater curve at the center front and attached an aline skirt for a more flaired look.
Finished Project
Fabric: Ellie Whittaker Cotton Drill Blue
Hello, bright and fun Ellie Whittaker fabric! This is the blue colour way of her Rays Drill that we found at Spotlight. We had purchased it as we loved the print, but didn’t have a plan for which pattern. Then when we were looking at our outfits for Melbourne Cup Lauren was drawn to the idea of creating this fabric in a vest and skirt set.
Pattern: Simplicity 3108
Simplicity 3108 is a semi-fitted vest that has princess seams, a front button opening and flaps. The pattern comes with a flared with a shaped waistband and wide leg trousers, fitted through hip, have side front pockets. This is a very on trend but also stylish look at the moment.
This was a great pattern for the Ellie Whittaker fabric. We chose to line the bodice and skirt but the pattern does not require this. We just perferred the feeling of this finish.
Photo Credits
Red Dress
Pattern: Simplicity 8876 provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabric: Taffeta purchased from The Fabric Store
Multi-coloures Set
Pattern: Simplicity 3108 provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabric: Ellie Whittaker Studio drill purchased at Spotlight Stores
Photos by: James Christie Media
Millinery: Lauren J Ritchie Millinery
