RTW Dress to be Copied
A beautiful Valentino dress from the 2013 Spring Resort collection
Original and Copy Pic
Detail pic of Dress
Pattern Sizing:
the usual for simplicity
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it looked pretty similar, taking into account the changes I made.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were. I sewed view A, which is the most straight forward view I think. The instructions cannot be blamed for my mistakes... I made my french seams too big and didn't take that into account and that threw the whole bodice off, then I stupidly sewed the two bodices together in way that it was impossible to flip, so out comes the seam ripper... :-/ Alls well that ends well though.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the princess seams and how easy it came together. I like the fullness of the skirt.
Fabric Used:
I used white lace for the body and a nude color crepe for lining. I hand painted the lace to approximate the Valentino fabric. That took about 4 hours longer than I thought it would, lol! I set out a big plastic floor covering, like for when you paint your house, spread out all my cut out pieces and went to town with my fabric paints and little foam brushes.
Paint Used: I actually used dimensional (3-D) paint and mixed it with a lot of water, (like maybe 1:10 ratio), and blotted it on the fabric scraps to see how the color was. It dried pretty true to the color it was wet. I chose this fabric paint because it doesn't need to be heat cured according to the directions. Just dried for 72 hours. Since the fabric was pretty delicate, with clear plastic sequins, I didn't want a paint or dye that I would have to iron. It was difficult to prevent bleeding, but I blotted it with paper towels to try and prevent it. If I wasn't trying to copy the Valentino look, I would have let it happen because the bleeding looked really cool actually. The paint did add a little stiffness, but that worked with the style and construction of the dress. I wouldn't do this where I need something with a flowy drape, you would have to use dyes for that.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the hem on view A and left off the bow and belt.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might make this in a more casual fabric .
Conclusion:
Decent pattern, but I don't recommend sewing under pressure for a contest! I made soooo many more mistakes than usual because I felt under pressure, but on the plus side this dress actually got made, compared to the usual projects that get abandoned half way through for another project, lol!
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I can't believe you painted the fabric yourself- awesome!
3/1/13 2:52 AM
Wow, amazing job making your own perfect textile! You nailed this look!
3/1/13 3:16 AM
What a fantastic dress. Even more fantastic when I read how you made it.
3/1/13 5:27 AM
Wow, I am impressed. I would never thought to paint fabric like you did. You managed to copy and yet be creative at the same time. I like your fabric better. And you look very cute in it. I don't think it looks like you've made mistakes. Great job!
3/1/13 5:32 AM
Wow, you painted the fabric yourself! It makes sense - I hadn't got as far as wondering how you managed to get a fabric that was so similar. The dress fits you really well and it certainly doesn't look like it gave you trouble.
3/1/13 5:34 AM
This is a gorgeous dress and the hand painting looks amazing.
3/1/13 6:48 AM
That is really awesome! I too was wondering (before reading your review) how you managed to find fabric so similar to the inspiration dress. I love the style, and you sure did a fantastic job at painting your fabric. :)
3/1/13 7:49 AM
Absolutely fantastic idea to paint your own fabric
3/1/13 9:36 AM
Great knockoff of Valentino! The painted fabric is really wonderfully done. I love it!
3/1/13 11:11 AM
You did a fabulous job on this project!
3/1/13 11:25 AM
Thanks! I added a little section detailing more about the painting in case anyone was curious and wanted to try it themselves.
3/1/13 12:29 PM
It's simply amazing that you painted the fabric. Perfect summery dress!!!
3/1/13 2:35 PM
What a great little dress! Every once in a while we should all do something totally out of our comfort zone and this seems to have done that for you. Great job with the painting, I never would have guessed that the fabric did not come just that way. And it looks adorable on you!
3/1/13 3:35 PM
I love that you hand painted it! Nice to know that you won't meet anyone on the street wearing your same dress :D
3/1/13 5:49 PM
Wow! I never thought anybody would recreate this dress (the fabric!) That's so clever of you to paint the fabric! Great knock off!
3/1/13 5:57 PM
What a clever idea! Bonus points for creativity. A beautiful dress.
3/1/13 9:55 PM
I was wondering how you found fabric like that! Great idea to paint!
3/2/13 0:14 AM
The fabric is simply stunning - amazing job! Your knock-off is spot-on! I love it and want one!
3/6/13 10:00 AM
Cool!
3/8/13 9:50 AM
Very Cute! How clever of you!!
5/9/13 3:57 PM