I made this dress up after rummaging around in my wardrobe in despair because I couldn’t find anything I liked enough to wear! This is Colette Patterns’ Peony dress. Version 1 with a few modifications. Alterations: Lowered the bust darts and decreased them a little. Then I made up the lining dress without altering the length, and realised that this was pretty short, so I added 2″ to the skirt of the outer fabric. Finally, as I do love a bit of skin and the high neck of a boat neck neckline, I like them more when they are countered at the back with a scooped neckline. So, I measured down from nape to just above bra band (very scientific!) and used my pattern master to make the scooped back line. Because I hate wearing dresses that require special bras!
I used a black all over lace – I’m pretty sure this is synthetic – I bought about 5 yards of this off Etsy about a year ago. Not one of my finest purchasing moments to be honest – I was swayed by the word ‘vintage’ in the ad. You know when people label something vintage because they think it looks vintage but it actually isn’t? And then they don’t clarify it in the advert. Pretty cheeky if you ask me. Experiences like that really put me off buying any fabric off eBay and Etsy.
You’ve made a very pretty version. I love the scooped neck at the back – it’s a fantastic design change.
Really nice! I stumbled across your blog looking for versions of the Peony– love the lace!
Oh, I like your alterations. I didn’t like the pattern when it first came out, but now I see that that is because it was only shown in pastel colors, which really turns me off. It looks great with the lace sleeves!
This is so lovely! I agree with Molly, it’s great to see this made up in a non-pastel colour. I really love your lace sleeves. Beautiful.