ModCloth In Yo' Lace Inspired Dress

More than inspired, really, but I'm not fond of the term knock-off; it sounds so tacky...

When I first saw this dress on ModCloth I was in love. Super cute, right? It's white and black and can be worn through many seasons, leggings, black tights (i.e. zoe style), etc. I loved it so much I planned on buying it, initially.



Then one day, I was cruising JoAnns with a 40% coupon to burn because I couldn't get anything since it was just one of those times that everything was on sale. I saw the bolts of lace and was immediately reminded of this dress.

ModCloth In Yo' Lace

To construct the dress I followed Simplicity 2444.

Now, looking at the cover of the dress, it looks nothing like this dress I made. The dress on the model is so baggy I can't believe it. I actually thought there was some sort of gathering or something going on...Anyhow, I measured my size and went with it.




I cut the lace as directed by the pattern. I then cut the black lining the same as the lace. It's essentially a dress under a dress. Making a standard lining would have place the pieces wrong sides together, but that would have shown through the lace. Instead, I just placed both with right sides up. For the bodice, instead of having the black go all the way to the shoulders, I folded it in half and free handed the top hoping it would work out. I sewed the top of the black bodice to the lace bodice. I also basted the lace to the black on all bodice pieces. For the skirt, I attached the waist only, leaving the sides open. I wanted to attach the sides and back of each skirt separately so that it moved more freely. I hope that makes sense; I'm sorry I don't have photos of the step-by-step.

I did modify the back of this pattern a lot. The inspiration dress had a button closure which I thought was divine. I'd never modified a zip to button closure so was very nervous about this part. I left the skirt zip up to the waist, then had the buttons on the bodice back only.




I chose to style it with a long black sash rather than a skinny belt. Like Suzannah, I prefer the larger mid drift. I think it elongates my waist, making me feel taller and slimmer. The three inch heels also help with that :)

In the end, this turned out to be my favorite dress I've made so far! I wore it twice in the first week I made it. So, I'm glad that I challenged myself and made this dress. I'm sure I love it much more because of it!

I'm sharing this post with Adventures in Dressmaking today! Be sure to stop by and read this great post on choosing fabrics for garments!

Click here to read more Adventures with Sweetie Pie Bakery!