Because it’s black and white and red all over! Geddit? Geddit? Oh, and it’s covered in typewriters. That might have something to do with it.
One of the perils (if you can call it that) of teaching at The Village Haberdashery is that I am in the shop all the time and consequently end up wanting everything. A few weeks ago there was just enough of this amazing typewriter fabric in the sale section to make a Deer and Doe Belladone dress. It was fate.
I added piping at the waistband and on the pocket edges to match the bias binding around the neck, back and armholes. Kona Rich Red was the perfect shade to set off the black and white. I finished the hem with bias binding instead of the facing called for in the pattern, just so I could add a little more red.
Pattern matching? What pattern matching?
My favourite feature is the keyhole back. I think it’s so pretty, especially when bound. This is optional according to the pattern, but it really finishes things off so nicely and gives that extra bit of body to the fabric. Well worth the extra time, I think.
Look at that crochet loop!
All in all I am so happy with this dress. I’m definitely at that age where I can wear whatever the bloody hell I want without having to justify my fabric choices. Being in your 40s isn’t so terrible after all. Also, I was more than a little inspired by the wonderful fashion stylings of Roisin (Dolly Clackett). One day I will have a handmade wardrobe just like hers.
"That's a nice dress! Did she make that? Clever!"
Look at you with your glam red lippy!!!
it's utterly thoroughly smashing!
I *NEED* that dress. Make them and sell them, goddammit, you clever, gorgeous lady!
Can you take a note Ms. Newland? 🙂
You know…if I saw that print on a bolt I wouldn't pick it for a dress…but it works wonderfully! And I totally agree with you on that red.
Can I be the first (today, at least) to say you're adorable? Yes? Thanks. You're adorable.
Friken gorgeous!!!
Oh you so clever, and nutty!
LOVE that dress!!! The red piping is SO perfect! Bravo!!!!
OMG this has to be my favourite DC – how fab is that fabric and binding mmmmmwooow xxx
What a marriage of pattern and fabric! Lovely details
Ooh, I like this dress. I must remember to pick up a copy of this pattern when I'm next in London. Or you could remind me, since we'll be at VH 🙂
Love the piping and binding you've added. The extra red, added to the fantastic keyhole back… What can I say. Fabulous
Looks fab, and love the name!
Brilliant. I'm working on a deer & doe myself at the moment – I can only hope that it turns it half as lovely
Nailed it! You're gaining an enviable handmade wardrobe lately!
So bloody disappointed….I thought that close up back shot was a clevage shot until I scrolled down and saw it all 😉
I'd better say, I love it, you're flippin clever, I'm jealous, blah blah blah x
That's wonderful Charlotte, so impressed- and really fun to have watched your progress here, it's great!
I can just see Patrick running his fingers down that zipper. Fab dress!!
Oh amazing, LOVE the piping- perfect in every way
It's perfect on you!
I thought you had a new job!! Looks fab!
I think the red binding really finishes it (am both a red and a bias binding fanatic, so this was bound* to be right up my street). Typewriter fabric is fabulous – hadn't seen this print before, makes a great dress! Fantastic modelling, as ever.
*genuinely accidental pun.
Looks brilliant.
What a fab dress! Love the piping trim and the keyhole back. And thank you for the link to Dolly Clackett – another fab blog (and another kick up the bottom to tell me to stop procrastinating and just MAKE A BLOODY DRESS). Hope this lovely dress gets lots of wear this summer!
Truly wonderful and amazing! I can make all kinds of quilts but clothing is more of a challenge for me cause it actually has to fit my body.
What they all said, you look gorgeous, great dress, love the print and the red etc, etc, and how cool is your hair, you look slightly mad, it's so cute!!!
Perfect dress to shove ice cubes down your back! Beware! But gorgeous and glad to see the poses again! Keep up the good work!
My favourite of your clothing makes so far.
Love the dress – you look fab in it. Great choice of fabric!
Love this! All of the bias binding and piping really highlight the cool style lines of the dress…
Love everything. What is the pattern sizing like? True to the numbers?
as far as I remember, yes, but I would recommend making a muslin first