Wow, this is bad.

OK, I suppose it was bound to happen sometime.  I made (well, almost made, didn't finish) a dress that I really, really dislike.  I love the fabric on its own.  I've seen a cute version of this dress made.  But I was not thinking when I put them together, because this positively screams ugliness to me.

It's a vintage pattern, and although a lot of vintage patterns look cute and updated, with this heavy fabric (the fact that it was named "Tablecloth" should have been a dead giveaway), it really looks old. And the collar is too much.

Possibly, I could cut up the dress into something more summery and save it.  I think I could also redo this pattern with a lighter (in attitude and color) fabric and maybe not such a pointy collar.

The sad thing is that I bought the four yards for the pattern, cut it out wrong (the fabric is directional and I didn't treat it that way), and then bought two more yards to fix it.

So what do you think?  Am I over-reacting?  Am I under-reacting?  All suggestions are welcome-- maybe I'll get some value from this!

Comments

[Heather]

the first thing that comes to mind (aside from do-over) is a color-coordinating belt/sash in orange or teal. that breaks up the, uh, break in directional print and might be a penny-wise and time-thrift save. or, you might just end up with a funky-colored belt. :-)

the color is too large for your face and sort of overpowers the dress. but overall, the lines are flattering. if nothing else, try a lighter weight fabric?

[jody]

i voted but i also feel the need to explain :)

i love the pattern. LOVE LOVE LOVE that collar. i keep thinking how cool it would look with contrasting piping. i don't like the pattern with the fabric, although i do like the fabric on its own.

i think the fabric as just one half of a garment (just a top or just a skirt) might work. i'm not a big fan of how the motifs arranged themselves in the gored skirt though (the way they line up in an inverted V)

oh, and also, i really love the matching job you did on the motifs on the top. even if you don't want to wear the dress you get major points for that.

[Rae]

Maybe I'm just quirky but I think it's really cute. Sell it on Etsy!!! Someone will love it and make it their own! (oh wait, i just realized that the pattern is probably copyrighted...OK so maybe not then...)

[Jaimi]

There isn't a choice for my answer, so I'll leave it here:

I really like the pattern. I really like the fabric. I'm not sure I like them together, however.

[Brenda]

I have to say I am not a fan of the fabric, but that opinion is neither here nor there. I do like the pattern. For an updated retro look, I wonder if a smaller print (and fewer colors) with the collar and cuffs in a contrasting (maybe reversed colors) fabric might look chic. It is a flattering style for you. Bummer on getting so far and being displeased. Can you make a skirt from the extant dress? A solid blouse in one of the brighter colors would then look nice with it.

[--Deb]

You could probably salvage some of it, though, and turn the bottom into a skirt--with a plain top or a simple sweater, that could work. But um, yeah, not loving the dress. I suppose you can't get a homerun every time!

[ann]

I dig the pattern, but not as this. However, I do like it a lot from the waist down -- I think the combo of the big collar and the heavy motifs above the waist are too distracting. I agree that it would work as a skirt, with something very simple (like a vintage-y crewneck sweater) to help balance the pattern on the bottom.

But don't stop sewing!! Some of us have to live vicariously through you.

[leslie]

i really would. totally steal that from you. i love the fabric. and i LOVE the pattern.

[stacey]

I like the dress itself, but like you said, not with that fabric. I see it in more of a "old time" thinly striped cottony fabric - summery.....

[Cassy]

I think this fabric would look great on a smaller project. Maybe a bit too bold for the dress. I like the dress pattern, but I would use a simpler fabric with it. I'm also not a seamstress, so take note that these opinions are unpolished ones.

[terhi]

I agree with Cassy that the fabric would perhaps look better on a smaller project, maybe as a skirt or shirt. But I think it's cute anyway. Love your work! :-)

[Kim]

I love the pattern and love the fabric. The two together, not so good. It's like Lucille Ball on acid.
I agree with the other commentes that the fabric would look great on a smaller project like a skirt. Good luck!

[Ariel]

Definitely like the dress pattern and think it's a really flattering shape for you. The fabric with it, not so much. I don't think it's awful, by any means, but it's not as perfectly perfect as your other dresses have been.

[Elise]

It looks to me like the print is too heavy and overwhelming. Perhaps try something with a smaller print. And maybe a brighter color, the dark, heavy print makes it look old and stodgy.

[tiennie]

I think the pattern is great but not with the fabric. I bet you could just whip out another so quickly!

[Ruth]

I think it's a great fabric, but overwhelming as an allover garment. It would be lovely as a skirt with a plain top, or as a fabulous jacket with jeans.

[Katie]

First off, I love reading and looking at all the things you sew. I agree that this dress and fabric shouldn't go together, but I feel like you could just alter the top part of the dress to salvage it. Make the collar smaller, maybe turn the sleeves into cap sleeves. I love the fabric though!

[D A D]

If the fabric didn't have the blue "popping" out of it I'd like the fabric. If you put it back on your blog this winter, you probably would get a different reaction from folks. It's a cold weather fabric... The pattern looks nice on you and it's definitely your style, but them I'm a bit prejudiced. Love, D A D

[Anony-mouse]

I think with the right accessories and shoes this could be amazing. Just got to think of it from a different perspective!