With pages and pages of beautiful dresses for you to admire, there’s got to be more than a few items that are “so you.” But, sometimes you want more than the perfect dress. You want the dress that’s made for you, by you! There’s nothing quite as special as a handmade frock in which you’ve personally made every stitch. The Seize the Dress Pattern in Chantilly, by Colette, is perfect for the seamstress in you.
When fellow writers Hannah, Julie, and I first saw that ModCloth was carrying a sewing pattern, we jumped on it. Behold, our results!
Writing Development Editor Hannah is known for her whimsical style, and, to no one’s surprise, chose a nostalgic bedsheet as her fabric. She added a belted cardigan reminiscent of a popular 50′s pairing.
Artsy social media writer Julie went with a one-of-a-kind screenprinted fabric featuring retro telephones and shapes. Her crochet shawl adds a soft, boho-vintage feel.
I love a good LBD, so I chose a simple black cotton blend. In styling this look, I was inspired by our current stylebook, A Welcome Retreat. It’s filled with quaint knits and sweet details, like my striking diamond cardigan and heart-print tights.
As you can see, we found that the Chantilly pattern produces a lovely, feminine frock that flatters every body type — the gathered bust allows you to adjust per your size, while the skirt flares out beautifully! Our advice is to take your time and work through the pattern slowly. I highly recommend looking at the Colette website and at Burda Style (search for “Colette Chantilly”) for different examples of finished pieces. I had a bit of trouble figuring out the bust and yoke. But, seeing it on a real person, as opposed to the drawing on the pattern helped guide me.
If you’re feeling crafty, check out our DIY-themed category! Have you made the Chantilly pattern? Tell us about it and share your pics on any one of our social networks.
8 loves 
Love,love,love! All the dresses look great. I really love the vintage phone print. I’m going to try this pattern.
Shannon
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
Cute, ladies! I’m so impressed!
Love this post idea – the same dress three different ways – cool. And the pattern is super. I’m off to track it down!
a bedsheet, hannah? how darling!!!
Thanks! :-) I’m trying to perfect that ‘I just rolled out of bed’ look.
Definitely want to try this! I will be checking out for diy section soon!
This makes me want to learn how to sew SO badly!
Love love love what you ladies did here!! Very inspiring!
I’ve recently used bedsheets to practice making dresses before I cut into my “real” fabric but I’ve never thought to go with such a bold print.
http://dollardressfriday.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/project-forty-three/
I think I’ll go bold and make an actual dress next time instead of just a nighty!
Glad to inspire you! And, I, in turn, have never thought of doing substitution bedsheets for muslin when doing mockups. Also a great idea.
OMG, these dresses are just so perfect! :)
http://fromheretofashion.blogspot.com/
You dresses all look so great. It’s been a long time since I made any clothes but I’m definitely digging out my vintage patterns when I get home. Hope my sewing machine still works. Thanks for the inspiration!