Thursday 11 July 2013

The Date Night Dress Debut

I was over.the.moon when the gorgeous April Rhodes asked me to test her latest pattern, The Date Night Dress.

I had really enjoyed the hype around the Staple Dress and I knew this too would be a wonderful pattern. I was not wrong.

In the purposes of being through, I have made two versions of the dress, with a third ready to be cut! And only because I am through you understand-not because I am addicted to this dress ;-)


thedatenightdress take 1

Firstly I made a *very* sheer chiffon dress, which would have made for a rather revealing date night dress ;-)

Thankfully the clever April included a Simple Slip with the pattern (two dresses for the price of one!) So i whizzed up a little black slip in a slinky viscose to layer with my dress. And I mean literally, it was a very quick make.

The dress itself is a dream to sew. With clear and well written directions, easy pattern pieces and simple techniques that combine to make the most beautifully shaped dress.


the date night dress detail

I really, REALLY love the shirt tail hem, it makes me feel so swishy (is that even a word?!) I choose to shirr this dress to pull it in and give it some shape, infact after the photos I added a couple more rows which I think made it look more balanced.

I think this dress will also be a great beach cover-up!


the date night dress take 2

My second version was made up from the same soft light viscose as my slip. It was a delight to wear today during the untypical British heat! I exaggerated the dipped hem on this one and brought the front up slightly too, rather hard to see in this photo whilst I am being cat attacked!

This one I left un-shirred, so I could belt it. I LOVE it! The dress is so quick to make up, the beauty is that it has french seams throughout so it is unbelievably comfortable to wear, whilst still looking glamorous - the dress, not me that is ;-)

For my third I am going to shorten it into a top, I cant wait to sew it up! If you need a new dress in your life, or if like me you really don't because you have about 30 already but can't resist a new addition, I wholly recommend you try The Date Night Dress, I believe it is set to release this week coming, yeay!!!!

Now all I need is my lovely husband to take me on some dates to wear my new dresses!

18 comments:

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Looks lovely, but all that chiffon and slippy fabric is making me fearful!

Canadian Abroad said...

It looks brilliant in you, but I'm with Hadley. Slippy fabrics scare the bejesus out of me.

memmens said...

Gorgeous - what's a date night in the middle of nowhere? A stroll across the fields with a hamper of drink and food?

Lucy | Charm About You said...

stunning!! You and the dresses :)

Nat at Made in Home said...

Love it!

Nicky said...

You are so beautiful Emily you would look great in anything! And yes hubby should definitely take the dress out - with you in it of course!

tlcukjourney said...

Very very lovely dresses, the first one is my favorite!
Have a great weekend!
Tammy

Cindy said...

You're so cute in your happy new dress. Loving version 1 - so free, delicate and pretty.

Charlotte said...

looks fab! And nice pins ;-)

Louise Boyce said...

Wow Emily you look amazing in that gorgeous dress! I hope your husband is taking you out somewhere nice this wknd :)I definitely need that dress in my life it would be perfect for Italy....

Sonia said...

Such gorgeous dresses - i love the first one :) Perfect weather for it too!

Teresa said...

I LOVE it. I thin the solid black one is my favorite...I have plans to make one in a black knit...wonderful pattern!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Gorgeous - that's you and the dresses! I think you'd look fabulous in a sack, though...

pennydog said...

I have a very similar pattern (in this month's Sew mag) but struggling to find nice viscose as I reckon cotton won't cut it for this shape- am I right? Yours are lovely!

Pam said...

Please do not save them for a date night you look stunning so wear them as often as you like, you could even have a date night at home, after all as it is said. If you've got it flaunt it. I may just have to have a go at that myself in a fine cotton lawn.

Annabella said...

Great job Emily - lovely photos, love the first dress espesh and yes, great pins!

Fiona @ Poppy Makes said...

It's gorgeous and you look fantastic!

Katy Cameron said...

I was just about to ask if she'd sent a date to go with it ;o) They do look lovely though!