Thank you to all of you that left constructive feedback on my last post. I am going to try to alter the neckline on the striped version and will try styling them differently. I’ll update more on that once I have had a chance to experiment.
Now returning to one of my favourite patterns, the Belledone in a sweet floral.
The fabric is a Denyse Schmidt print called “Flea Market Fancy” that I bought last year from fabric.com,now only available in grey (I do have the grey in my stash for a winter dress). However for those in Australia, this print in other colours has just come into the Spotlight stores in a Cotton Linen. No acknowledgement to the designer on that one though.
When the Belladone pattern came out, I knew this fabric would be perfect and I really wanted to pick out the red with the piping detail of the pattern. This time instead of using bias binding, I made flat piping and used this for all the trimming.
I had previously used the Colette method of making bias strips, however I find that this results in lots of seam lines which I find annoying especially if you are using it as bias. This time I used my method which I find eliminates this issue. I had bought half a metre of the trim fabric. Then using my metal ruler as a guide, cut strips on the bias. My ruler is the perfect width so I can use one side to line up against and the other as the cutting guide. These strips are usually long enough to use individually, but of course can be joined if necessary.
Aside from that, my construction of the dress was as per the pattern with no changes from previously.
This is my third version of this pattern, my others are here and here. Clearly I am a fan of this pattern, but just how many are too many? How long before non-sewers notice that I have several versions of the same dress? (The pattern is quite distinctive) Who cares?? I like it and why mess with a good thing? 🙂
Do you have a pattern that you are in love with and make over and over, or do you like to try new things? Me, sometimes I like the variety of trying a new pattern, other times it is nice to return to a favourite for a good reliable make.
Details:
Pattern – Belladone by Deer & Doe
Fabric – 2.2m of cotton from fabric.com
Notions – piping fabric, zipper & thread from my stash
Stash update:
New total = 162.3m
busylizzieinbrizzy.wordpress.com 
No such thing as too many 🙂 When you find a style you love and suits you, stick to it! That’s the beauty of being a dressmaker x
So true, it’s nice to have a reliable pattern for some comfort sewing sometimes 🙂
I’m guilty of Cambie excess! If you enjoy making & wearing them I say SEW! That’s why we make things 🙂
I’ve only made one Cambie so far but I think there will be more 🙂
It’s the Cambie Pox…
Definitely looked like it with my most recent one being spots!! hehe
That is so cute on you! I love it. Perfect fabric and suits you beautifully, especially the colour 😉 Have you been checking up on your colour chart again? You inspired me to look mine and my daughters up. I’ve mentioned you in a post coming soon.
I think this is much more my style. I think as much as I like stripes and beige, they aren’t really for me. Onwards with the colour!!
Can never have too many – for the past wee while I seem to make everything twice and if you count the muslin that would be three. Each one I try and make it look different from the other so you can’t tell too much that it is the same pattern. I love the red piping on your dress – the perfect touch!
Yay for getting good value on patterns with multiple makes!!
I kind of have the same conundrum with Moss Minis, but to be honest I’m not sure how many people actually pay that much attention to what others are wearing. I think we’re more conscious of it because a) we make what we wear (& therefore it must be great 😀 ) & b) we are either consciously or unconsciously checking out people’s clothes for inspiration. Anyway, I reckon if you love it, go for gold ’cause you’ll feel happy in it & that’s when we look our best! Looking forward to seeing MORRRRE fabulous Belladones from you 🙂
This colour looks fab on you, and if it makes you feel good then wear it, colour chart or no colour chart. I must say I’m enjoying the fabric/ stash updates too. One of my pet hates is having excess fabric left over from a
project which inevitably is never enough to quite make something else, but too much to throw away as scraps.
I completely understand regarding having excess fabric left over. Depending on the fabric, sometimes I keep it for pockets, linings etc otherwise I collect it in a bag for giving to a friend whose mother makes quilts for charity
I’m firmly in the ‘never too many’ camp. If you love a fit and style then keep on reinventing them in different versions – they’re always lovely to look at. I love this colourway with the lush piping.
Thanks so much, it is a darling pattern, such lovely and interesting detail and I am in love with the skirt. Full enough to be comfortable, but not so full I feel fluffy 🙂
Nah, I don’t think you can have too many versions of a pattern you love! Great use of piping to set off that lovely fabric.
Have you tried this one yet? I think you would really like it for when you eventually get summer!
This is gorgeous! What a fun version! I can’t wait for summer to give me an excuse to make a few more of these! This is absolutely beautiful!
You are getting a particularly nasty winter this year you poor thing, summer must seem forever away!
The answer to your question is that there are never too many! I love this pattern too, and intend to make one in cotton for what laughingly passes as summer in the UK! I’m on the look out for a bright, bold print. Yours is gorgeous. I love the fabric, and the red piping at the waist. It really sets the dress off. I must remember that!
Thank you! Cotton is just lovely in this dress, so cool, just what we need in this ridiculous humidity and heat!
Never too many and this dress is such a gorgeous fit on you. Love the piping contrast, it’s a beautiful dress x
Thank you!
the red bias just pops and really finishes the dress nicely. A beautiful frock!
I love the red, plus it means I can wear my red shoes!!
Pardon my French but who the hell cares what we all think? LOL!! Personally, I think you can never have enough clothing that makes you feel perfect, and the beauty of sewing is being able to replicate our favourites over and over. After 3 years of sewing I am still only starting to find my TNT patterns, so I say if you find one then use it obsessively – I know I will!! ^__^
So true! It has taken a while for me to find patterns that are my TNTs too, and also a while to define my style. I love when you do find a winner though
This is a great dress! I think you should continue making more of them – it’s very flattering on you and the color is fabulous. Love the red piping. g
Thanks! I am definitely making more 🙂
I love this dress, the fabric is great and I love the cut out detail on the back. How many is too many – when you can’t shut your cupboard door is probably time to stop.
or I could just buy clothing racks for additional storage!! hehe
When it suits you so well you should make ALL the colours and patterns!!! 🙂
Never too many…. This one is my favorite.. Love the fabric, and this style just looks so well on you.. Happy sewing.
The ideal number of Belladone’s is always n+1, where n = the number of Belladone’s you already have… hehe. It’s lovely!
Finally! Algebra I can use!
8. A lady should have one belladone for each day of the week. I declare this one perfect for a Sunday.
Oh so pretty! I think you can never have to many belladones.
I love the red piping, it looks so pretty against the pale blue 🙂
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