Tag: dress

16-6 Sleeveless dress Sister Mag by Two Sewing Sisters

Sister Mag Pattern 16-6 Sleeveless dress

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Pattern Testing, Sewing Project

When Sister Mag Patterns approached us about making one of their patterns we were excited to explore their collection.  We were drawn the details of the 16-6 Sleeveless dress with the collar, epaulettes and unique tuck detail through the armhole.  The dress features a pleated skirt that has a playful swing and long zipper in the back.

The pattern comes in at an at home A4 version and print shop A0 size.  We opted for the A0 zero option and made sure to turn off the layers we did not need and just printed our size.  

Fabrication

For the fabrication, Sister Mag recommends virgin wool, cool wool fabrics or a fabric that has a nice slightly heavier drape. 

We ordered a lovely ink blue Cora 8 Wal Corduroy from Fabric Deluxe and ordered a little extra so that we could lengthen the skirt. We love the mod style of the skirt but are looking to make a dress we can wear into the office so a longer skirt was needed this time.

Construction Process

We are very visual when it comes to construction instructions. The instruction booklet features a set of dotpoints so we took photos as we constructed our version of the dress and have shared them below with a combination of their instructions and our own notes.

16-6 Sleeveless dress Sister Mag by Two Sewing Sisters

Alterations

The fit of the pattern was great so the only pattern alternation we made was 1cm lift for a sway back. In fabrication we didn’t use leather instead a lined side panel and continued the lining throughout the bodice.

As we mentioned before, to make it suitable for our office spaces we lengthened the skirt but kept the original line and fullness of the skirt.

Due to the heavy weight of the fabric we inserted an exposed zipper compared to an invisible zipper which would be suitable for a lighter fabric.

Step by Step

  • We lengthened the skirt to be below knee so measured from the existing hemline down.
  • Mark the points on the pattern for the fold breaks of the skirt
  • pin and stitch the pleats together 3 cm
    in at the top edges
  • Iron in the pleats in all skirt panels, noting they are box pleats
  • Sew the pleats to the top edges, keeping the pleats in a little on the inside, so there is no tension.
  • Overlock the side seams (we did an open seam due to the weight of our fabric). Sew side seams.
  • Draw darts in the front panel. Press darts up
  • Iron the folds along the drawn lines to the inside. Sew shoulder seams.
  • Create side panels by placing right sides together and stitch along the top – there was already seam allowance included in the pattern piece.
  • Understitch the lining and press
  • Place strips for epaulettes right sides together and sew together on the long edge, press and then one short side, turn and top-stitch foot wide.
  • Attached the epaulettes at the shoulder seam, only pinning the folded edge.
  • Mark seam line on lining
  • Cut back excess lining to include 1.5cm allowance
  • Pin side panels to the back panels and the front panel
  • It looks a bit messy but you can sew from the waist over the shoulder all the way down the back in one line
  • We pinned down the tuck
  • Top-stitch the fold over 4 cm / 1.6 in wide and sew on the side panels and epaulettes. We stitched from the inside as we could see an even line.
  • Ensure the epaulettes are free from the top stitching. This is how the bodice will look from the outside
  • Inside of bocide.
  • Interfacing the collar
  • Place 2 collar panels right sides together and sew together, leaving bottom edges open.
  • Understitch on underside of collar
  • Place right side together and close both ends of the collar
  • Turn through and press
  • Samwich the collar between the colour stand
  • Understitch the collar stand on the inside
  • Close ends of the collar stand
  • Place the collar on the inside of the neckline, stitch, press the seeam allowance up.
  • Fold the seam allowance of the outer collar stand under and pin. You can now top stitch or hand stitch to finish.
  • Place epaulettes over shoulder seams, stitch in place.
  • Press hem inward and stitching. Attached the skirt to the bodice
  • Overlock the waist seam and center back seam. Insert the zipper and done!

Finished Sister Mag 16-6 Sleeveless dress

  • 16-6 Sleeveless dress Sister Mag by Two Sewing Sisters
  • 16-6 Sleeveless dress Sister Mag by Two Sewing Sisters

Sister Mag 16-6 Sleeveless dress Details

Explore the pattern

Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: 16-6 Sleeveless dress supplied by Sister Mag Patterns
Fabric: Ink blue Cora 8 Wal Corduroy from Fabric Deluxe

Styling Little Black Dress for MIMC

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events

The Melbourne International Millinery Competition (MIMC) is hosted by The Essential Hat. This year was the sixth year the competition has run and invited milliners from across the globe to respond to the theme. For 2021 the theme was Little Black Dress. The idea is that everyone will have their own ideas of what Little Black Dress means then design and make a hat to suit it.

Two Sewing Sisters was thrilled to be invited to be part of the team and style the photoshoot for the competition. See all of the entries and photoshoot here.

For us, the Little Black Dress meant something that had diversity and could be styled in different ways. Each milliner was creating a piece to represent what the theme meant for them and we needed looks that could transform to match each hat.

Base Dress

We created a base slip black dress for each model. This would form the foundation, a classic fitted bodice shape to be able to style piece over the top. We selected Gertie Butterick Pattern B6453 as the base and constructed it in black polished cotton for each model.

  • Gertie Butterick Pattern B6453 Seam Dresses
  • Gertie Butterick Pattern B6453 Seam Dresses

Chic Jacket

This black lattice lace formed a textured finish to create an iconic Little Black Jacket to be worn over the dress. We used the Pattern Union Felix Jacket with square neck and satin bound collar.

Floral Tribute

Keeping a diverse range of options in front of mind, we wanted to create a very pretty and floral option. We used a vintage Simplicity pattern with ruffle features that allowed us to showcase the fabric’s scalloped edge.

Striking Leather

A strong and striking leather cropped top using Vogue Pattern V1486 created a bold option for a modern aesthetic. The top had raw edges and an exposed open-ended zipper down the centre back.

Starsation

We wanted to make sure we had an option with large sleeves to balance the presence of larger hats or headpieces with a modern fabric choice. We found this star tulle fabric and created a combination of Schultz Apparel patterns using the bodice from the Ottilia Top with a long sleeve from the Minna Dress. We have made these before in striped cotton and strong blue print.

Glitz and Sequin

We could not have a sequin option! We took the cape of Vogue Pattern V 1579 and bound the edge with a satin bias. We have made this pattern before in jacquard and loved the line is created.

With hats and headpieces for all occasions we called on a few pieces from our collection including a vintage top Mum wore to work in the 1980s, a textured knit and tulle overcoat vintage pattern.

Congratulations to Catherine for her work hosting the MIMC competition and The Essential Hat Team. The crew for the photos included
Photographer: Stavros Sakellaris 
Stylist: Two Sewing Sisters
Location: LCI Melbourne
Models: @_simran._ @federicacosino@trulycharliejean
HAMU: TCAamakeup_hmua

See all of the entries here
Lauren with Catherine Ellen

Lexus Melbourne Cup 2019

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events, Sewing Project

Melbourne Cup is known as the race that stops a nation.  The day is about celebration and vibrant colours.  We wanted to outfits that had feminine lines with full skirts while remaining true to the spirit of the day.  

Lauren’s Outfit

  • Melbourne Cup - Vogue 1172 and skirt Vogue 1486 - Darn Cheap Fabric - Two Sewing Sisters
  • Melbourne Cup - Vogue 1172 and skirt Vogue 1486 - Darn Cheap Fabric - Two Sewing Sisters

 

Pattern: Bodice Vogue 1172 and skirt Vogue 1486
Fabric: Darn Cheap Fabrics
Beret Hat: Lauren J Ritchie
Shoes: Siren Shoes
Earrings: Timber and Cotton

Erin’s Outfit 

A modern day Marie Antoinette out for Erin was inspired by the stunning shoes from Irregular Choice. The quirky design and hues gave a striking base for this outfit.

The cobalt blue fabric was a challenge to work into the curve of the pattern we chose. Both great elements however for future makes we would use a natural fibre for this pattern to be ensure the line around the bust sits flat.

  • Melbourne Cup - Mccall's 7187 - Irregular Choice - Two Sewing Sisters
  • Melbourne Cup - Mccall's 7187 - Irregular Choice - Two Sewing Sisters
  • Melbourne Cup - Mccall's 7187 - Irregular Choice - Two Sewing Sisters

 

Pattern: Mccall’s 7187 with adapted waist line.
Fabric: Unique Fabrics Brunswick
Marie Topper: Lauren J Ritchie
Shoes: Irregular Choice
Brooch: Rob Humphries Jewellery

See the outfits we wore to last year’s Melbourne Cup here, or check out our other outfits from the 2019 Spring Racing Carnival. 

Magenta Lame – Lawyers Weekly Law Awards – Simplicity 1651

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events

When your sister is nominated for National Law Student of the year it calls for a new dress for the occasion. Erin was nominated for the award as part of the Lawyers Weekly Law Awards with the presentation hosted at The Star in Sydney. Mum, Dad and I were lucky to be able to attend the awards.

Construction

Looking to show off the stripes of the fabric the detail in the pattern, Simplicity 1651 has a twisted feature and center front panel. This meant the front panel could have the stripes run vertical while the side panel the stripes could sit horizontally and run through the twist.

The skirt is a rectangle that had a series of 16 darts stitched into the waist line before being gathered. The hem was supported by wide width crinoline.

Details of the Outfit

Pattern: Simplicity 1651
Fabric: Black Cotton with magenta lame from Darn Cheap Fabrics
Shoes: Wittner
Headpiece:  Lauren J Ritchie

The 2019 Lawyers Weekly Law Awards were hosted at The Star in Sydney. See Erin’s outfit for the event here.

Millinery Association Drinks

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events

The Millinery Association of Australia is a not for profit organisation. It encompasses a diverse range of millinery, from traditional hats to costume. They host events that showcase quality millinery with professional and enthusiastic members that unite to raise the profile of millinery in Australia.

Each year at the end of the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington the Millinery Association hosts an evening event for their members. As Lauren is a member the Two Sewing Sisters attended the event.

Erin’s Outfit

Pattern: Over layer Butterick 9764 Under layer Simplicity 4070
Fabric: Spotlight, South Melbourne
Hat: Lauren J Ritchie
Shoes: Irregular Choice
Bag: Olga Berg
Earrings: Northside Southside

Lauren’s Outfit

Pattern: Over layer Butterick 9764 Under layer Simplicity 4070
Fabric: Spotlight, South Melbourne
Hat: Lauren J Ritchie
Shoes: Wittner
Bag: Oroton
Earrings: Northside Southside

T-shirt dress – Literally

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project, Travel, Upcyle

Looking to create the ultimate casual dress, semi fitted, stretchy, sleeved with high neck with protection from some sun the first thought that sprung to mind was a tshirt dress… literally.

Starting with two preexisting tshirts meant already finished seams but also a great chance to develop some upcycling ideas. To get enough length for the skirt it started with the largest size that could be found and a medium that was the best size to fit across the bust.

Cutting the smaller size to waist length with enough extra for seam and allow for slight blousing. The larger shirt was cut across below the neckline then to the hem. Closing up the sides using the existing hem before joining the bodice to skirt.

To pull in the waist, keeping with the use of only one machine in this case an overlocker, elastic was secured on the seam.

Royal Ascot 2018

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events

The outfit for Royal Ascot all start with the shoes!  Irregular Choice shoes to be exact, and aren’t they amazing!?   

The dress was made from McCall’s 7279 with a circle skirt added for a softer line to match the delicate lavender lace sourced from Spotlight in Melbourne. Construction involved tacking the lace to the matching poplin backing before stitching the darts of the bodice.

  The details of the make included black piping around the cream Peterpan collar and turned up cuffs

The finished look for Royal Ascot was paired with a black Review belt to highlight the piping and worn with a Lauren J Ritchie Lenox Boater.