When I saw this red convertible dress in Threads last year, I Googled the Virtual Earth looking for it. But there was no cigar to be had. Not even close.
So imagine my delight when tonight I accidentally found the blog of this elusive “Marybeth Bradbury”!
This is her interpretation of an Emami convertible. And lucky for us she has shared the instruction for making yourself an Endless Dress. So what are you waiting for?
OMG, I can’t believe I’ve just finished not 1, but 2 sewing projects! Granted, both left a bit to be desired in the fitting department. But still, it’s unheard of. Almost.
London weather being dull as ever, no evidence of my minor achievements just yet. Instead you’ll have to make do with part 2 of my Gigli coat quest. Nope, you haven’t heard the end of it yet! :o)
While Gigli attempt no. 1 was hibernating, I stumbled across Folkwear 503 Poiret Cocoon Coat pattern. It’s vaguely Gigliesque. So I thought I’d try a store-bought pattern for a change as my attempts at copying designer garbs have been a bit of the luck of the draw.
The example on the pattern envelope is a bit ugly to be honest. But I thought with a classier fabric it might look glam enough. So I plucked for a gorgeous brown cut velvet with silver-gray satiny lining.
Well, the almost-finished result anyway. You see, the trouble is once it’s mostly made up I lost heart. It felt more like a dressing gown for Ladies who Lunch than a Byzantine Princess Coat. So I never put the finishing touch on it. Instead it’s been languishing for years in the TBA pile.
A real shame as IÂ even added some nicely finished welt pockets with almost perfectly matched pattern. And extra double-welt pockets in the lining as well!
(Why anyone would want to laden such delicate coat with dead weight is beyond me now, but I vaguely recall being obsessed about lack of pocket practicalities in women’s clothing back then.)
Here’s the not so graceful back view. The drapes just look wrong so low down. It reminds me of an oversized diaper: Squarish. Bottom heavy. Not very flattering no matter what shape you are.
Here’s a Poiret illustration for comparison.
And it gets weirder. Here’s the batwing. I feel like a flying squirrel. Or is it the sleeve equivalent of a Hammer pants? đŸ˜‰
If I were to do it again, I’d go for something a bit more like this:
But given my lack of success with the Gigli coat attempts, I doubt I’ll try this style of coat again. Especially with the advance of middle age spread where my already small frame subcomb to gravity and grow sideways!
Instead I think I’ll look to my old favorite Comme des Garçons for inspiration on refashioning this lovely cut velvet coat.
Comme des Garçons Fall 1996
Probably not another coat though.
Maybe a top like this sketch I drew of a lady in a CdG top at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
I love the contrast between the austere muslin and the sumptuous cut velvet.
So maybe I’m not cut out to be a Byzantine Princess. But a Byzantine Peasant wouldn’t be too much to ask for innit?
