Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Anthropolgie Sun Shades Dress: Finished Product

Remember how I was going to make my own version of the Anthropologie Sun Shades Dress?  Well, it's finished. 
Here's Anthropologie's dress:
And here's mine:

Mine is, of course, a little different than Anthro's.  For starters, mine has sleeves, since Anthro's version wasn't exactly modest.  If I'd bought the dress, I'd have added a cute cardigan to go over it, but as I was making it from scratch, why not add sleeves? 

Also, mine is a brighter gold than Anthro's version, since that's the color ribbon and fabric that was easiest to find.  I didn't realize how much brighter it was until I was in Anthropologie again and looked at the Sun Shades Dress again.  I think I actually like my version better.  It's a happier color than the almost bronze gold of the original. 

It was, as predicted, a beast to create.  I ended up drafting the pattern pieces from scratch, for the most part, which was rather difficult without a dress form.  (Oh, how I'd love a dress form...)  I made several mock ups and tweaked the fit by trying it on over and over again.  The bodice isn't perfect (and it doesn't help that I've lost weight since starting the project), but after all that work, I'm declaring it good enough. 

The stripes are "mango" broadcloth, cut on the bias into strips, and "gold-yellow" grosgrain ribbon from Walmart.  The white fabric is Walmart's Teeshot, a cotton/poly blend often used for making scrubs.  The dress is self-lined, with a 6 inch wide gathered tulle hem on the skirt lining for fullness (as on the original dress), and has a side zipper.  The mock ups (or "muslins") were made with broadcloth scraps I already owned.  Total cost to make:  $22.  Savings compared to original dress:  $136.  Not too shabby!

Linking to these great link parties.
Participating in the Knock It Off Contest at seventhirtythree!

20 comments:

Ronna said...

great work! It turned out beautiful! Looks fabulous on you!

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

VERY cute! and kudos to you for making it modest.

DannyB said...

This looks gorgeous! I like your dress better than the original!

Kristie @ All for Giggles said...

Wow! I can't believe you made this on your own! Very impressive. I'm definitely following you now!

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Great knock off! I love that you made it your own by adding the sleeves. I can't believe how close the fabrics are!

Lyndee @ A Recovering Craft Hoarder said...

Here from Get Your Craft on. I LOVE this dress and it looks so adorable on you. Well done.

Kristen said...

Very cute! I'm just getting back into sewing and am currently working on a sundress. I'm a new follower so that I can hopefully learn some things from you and your blog - can't wait!

Please check out my blog when you get a chance!

Kristen
Turning a House into a Home

Jenny Hall / Seamingly Smitten said...

Yours looks better than Anthro's! It's AMAZING! I would have never guessed you made all the yellow stripes with fabric and ribbon. You lined it up perfectly. Awesome job!!

rebekah said...

That is gorgeous!

Emily said...

LOVE your version! Want to make me one? :) I like the sleeves you added and the ribbon mixed with bias strips. Love the fullness in the skirt too.

Abby said...

Beautiful sewing job! Looks gorgeous!

GeorgiaBE said...

Very cute! It looks great on you!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!! Perfect for Easter!! I'd love for you to link up!

http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/04/wow-me-wednesday-6.html

Jayna Rae said...

Great job!!! I also love your bloggy background. I am a sucker for green and argyle.

Maggie Lamarre said...

this is cute luv how it turned out, at first i thought it was ribbon until i read it's bias. I was at Joann and saw a bias maker today.
don't forget to add it to our linking party this week
http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/04/happy-easter-2011-and-linking-party.html
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com

Unknown said...

Oh, I love it! Saw this on the knock it off finalists and had to come by...
I really wanted to make a version of this for myself but could never find the right fabric! WHERE DID YOU GET YOURS??? I must know!
I love that you added sleeves.

OneRadMother said...

This is fabulous! Our Wal-Mart doesn't sell fabric anymore :( Very jealous of the finished product!!

Rachel // Maybe Matilda said...

Wow! I love it! I always add sleeves to my dresses, too--I wish more dresses just CAME with sleeves on them! I get so tired of always adding a layer. You did a beautiful job! I voted for you!

Rachel @ Maybe Matilda

Pootle said...

Looks brilliant! I just voted for you. x

Sharon said...

Congrats on being a top 12 finalist at So You Think You Can Sew! :) When I saw your entry, it sure made me smile!

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