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Member since 5/29/09
Posts: 40
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Posted on: 1/16/10 10:11 AM ET
Hi, trying to make a knock-off of this for a client.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/50045
I'm ok with the top part as she has one of his t-shirts so I was pretty much able to trace a pattern from that. Only problem is with the skirt part, trying to decide how much to flare it. She is about 5 foot 3, and wants to wear it with flat gladiator sandals, when standing she wants just her toes to poke out the bottom..

I'm making it from 100% viscose jersey, pretty lightweight.

Thanks in advance.
  
Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 1/16/10 10:27 AM ET
In reply to seboch
I'm not sure if this is the same as the net a porter link, but it is an Alexander Wang, long dress. It looks like they have a seam about hip length, and attached a fuller semi circle skirt.

http://shop.alexanderwang.com/shop/#/t/?style=26103

Sorry just looked a little closer and it appears to be all one piece (but can't account for the change in color around the hip). I think how much you flare it will depend on the drape of the fabric. The fabric they have used looks to be very fine, thin and drapy - almost like a silk georgette hand. I think whatever you make out of that would drape naturally, so I would think that the hem on this style is about 1 1/2 width. I would be careful if you are just adding the flare to the side seams that you don't end up with "fins" on the side.
-- Edited on 1/16/10 10:37 AM --
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"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
Member since 5/29/09
Posts: 40
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Posted on: 1/16/10 11:29 AM ET
Thanks Loti, I think that is the dress. It looks like just a t-shirt dress (i.e. a front and a back) so all the skirt volume is going to be from the sides. Do you think I should do a client fitting before sewing up the sides?
  
Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 1/16/10 11:57 AM ET
In reply to seboch
I agree with you, t-shirt dress with very slinky fabric. A client fitting couldn't hurt. Clients can be persnickity, this will show her that you are taking that extra step to make sure everything is right. Also I don't know how heavy or how loosely woven your fabric is, you might give her a heads up that the fabric may grown in length over time.... just an opportinity for a little belt and blouson down the road.

I had a friend that needed a knit dress shortened and we marked it, I serged it leaving her 2" to turn up the hem. Once the knit "relaxed" it shrunk about 1 1/2" leaving her a 1/2" hem. The weight of the knit from the knee to the prior floor hemline actually "pulled" the fabric. Once it was cut, it bounced back... It was a very thin drapy poly jersey.
------
"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
Member since 5/29/09
Posts: 40
Send Message
Posted on: 1/16/10 12:36 PM ET
That's incredibly interesting, thanks for the tip about the knit shortening. I told her I would cut it long, then shorten it, so I'll bear that in mind.

Also, in the shop they said to pre-wash the fabric for shrinkage. I don't have a washing machine at the moment - will a hot tub of hand detergent do?

Thanks
  
Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 1/16/10 12:47 PM ET
In reply to seboch
I have less experience with this, maybe someone else on the boards can help you more. I haven't worked with rayon knit that much, if it were me, I wouldn't go with hot water, I would be afraid of the shrinkage or fading. I'd probably wash in cold water with "Forever New" (which is a lingerie wash).

You might try posting a new topic under fabrics with this specific question. There are a lot of women with more extensive knit knowledge.
------
"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
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