Graduation

Finally a Doctor!
Photo: Christina Blackford

Pattern: Clone of RTW CUE winter 2010 dress
Pattern Size: NZ/AU 6
My Measurements: Bust 85cm; Waist 71cm; Hips 83cm
Pattern Adjustments: Omitted top stitching on bodice
Main Fabric: Textured mid-weight patterned cotton blend from The Fabric Store
Lining Fabric: Ice blue linen from The Fabric Store

After eight long years, moving cities (and islands), divorcing my supervisors (now there is a story!) and a lot of perseverance, I am officially a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. But we are not really interested in the journey (or are we?)… lets talk about my graduation dress.

This dress was drafted off my first graduation dress (RTW, worn for my bachelors) which has had plenty of wear, so much, it was time for it to retire. This was my third graduation, to be honest, I didn’t “care” as much about my appearance as past graduations, just straightened my hair, put on some lip gloss and was good to go, but the dress, I really wanted to enjoy the process of making the dress.

The process of cloning clothing is quite straight forward, I unpicked the RTW, labeling each piece (with vivid) as I went, while taking construction photos (if you don’t want to unpick the garment, you can trace over it). Based on the RTW fabric pieces, I drafted flat pattern pieces, truing up where required and adding notches for reference, while also adding in seam allowance (1cm - personal preference).

As this dress was replacing my most worn dress in my wardrobe, I knew the new garment would be worn well, so opted for a wearable muslin (with a the ability to make any adjustments too), and a final dress with the premise that I would get two dresses out of one occasion. It wasn’t until I finished the wearable muslin, made from fabric remnants from other makes, that I realised the wearable muslin was my graduation dress (I did make the final dress out of a pastel blue/purple french satin, but that can be for another post).

It took five-six hours to sew up (and yes all seams were serged), with the zipper taking the longest (sewn into the main and lining). Above are some “action” shots of the process. The straps are not 100% even and do require adjustment, the dress fitted (even with the extra weight I have put on, anxiety, depression… I will definitely talk about this in the future) and with the rowing season ahead, will fit perfectly when I begin to tone up once more (admittedly the french satin was not as forgiving to my weight gain).

I love the fact this dress was made from fabric “scraps” in my stash, the only cost was the exposed zip. The linen is soft and cozy on the skin, and the main fabric suits the fitted bust and skirt pleats wonderfully. This dress has deep pockets (dresses must have pockets!) and has a beautiful deep back which I find very flattering.

I am very much looking forward to wearing this dress again in the future.