greeneleafe.com blog

Wool Crepe Shift Dress

Featured in the photograph above is  my latest take on the shift dress silhoutte in wool crepe.  The body of the dress is constructed of two layers of wool crepe in a beige-taupe color.  The shape of the dress is reminiscent of a flower bud shape.  The dress is wide at top and narrower at base/hem.  The shape of the dress is achieved using box-pleats on each side panel.  I have added a self-fabric rose at the neckline using cartridge pleats to continue the flower theme.  

Back view of Wool Crepe Shift Dress

The photograph above is a detail of the back neckline of the dress which features a trifoliate applique that continues the flower theme of the dress established in the overall shape of the dress and the flower at the front of the dress.

Hem of Wool Crepe Shift Dress

The photograph above shows a detail of the hem.  Notice how the side panels add depth and volume to the simple shift silhoutte.

Since temperatures have become noticeably chillier I have been playing with wool fabrics.

A traditional English style wool plaid caught my eye recently.  It is 100% wool – what they label 140’s or 150’s.  I brought it home and put it through a delicate cold wash and dry cycle.  Afterwards I subjected the fabric to a nice long pressing using the highst heat setting on my cute little iron I purchased at a five and dime for $10.   I took a few quick snapshots without making any effort to style the photograph.

Plaid Wool Sheath Dress

Closeup of Plaid Wool Sheath Dress

Back View of Plaid Wool Sheath Dress

Interested buyers may contact me using the comment link at the end of my post.  Thank you!!!!

 The last few weeks have been hectic for me.  To tie up lose ends, I wound up completing a total of five different variations of the white voile underdress.  The first three versions are discussed in my post titled Rectangular Godets.  The last two variations again focused on different treatments of the neckline.  One variation features appliqued flowers in self-fabric and the last variation uses raw edge ruffles.

I wanted to share my experiment using Dotted Swiss Cotton Voile.  This fabric is fairly expensive for a cotton.  Despite the price tag, the grain was not even.  Initially, I couldn’t tell if this was a result of poor manufacturing or incorrect cutting at the fabric store.  The fabric is extremely sheer, soft and limp.

Dotted Swiss Voile Shift Dress

I crafted it into a double layered a-line shift with a rounded neckline adorned with a self-fabric flower.  To round out the dress and give a few more wearing options, I created a self-fabric belt to wear looped around the waist or as a scarf around the head.  I have layered a white cotton voile underdress with rectangular godets underneath the dotted swiss voile dress to give it more body and substance.

I know the temperatures have been falling so this dress may not be suitable for wear right now.  But if anyone is interested in purchasing this dress or one made to a similar pattern contact me using the comment link at bottom of post.  Thank you!!!

Update October 30 2009:

Alternative Neckline Treatment

The above photograph shows the dress with an alternative neckline treatment.

Constructed of 100% cashmere wool.  The outside of the frock coat is constructed of cashmere wool in camel color.  The interior of the frock coat is constructed of cashemere wool in  charcoal grey color.

Design Features:  Trapunto-style stitching defines the very high set of the waistline. Generous pleats all the way around the coat creates a full silhouette.   The sleeves are long and narrow.  There are three raw-edged ribbons to close the coat bodice.   The skirt remains open.

Measurements:  Length is 45 inches (approximately 114 cm) from neckline to hemline (measured from the back of the frock coat).  Circumference of the waist is 40 inches (approximately 101 cm).  The waist of the frock coat is really high – it is located at the middle of the bust .   Shoulder width:  18 inches (approximately 46 cm).  The measurement around the arm socket is about 16 inches (approximately 41 cm).  This measurement is what will determine if you will feel comfortable in the coat.  If your arm socket measurement exceeds 16 inches you will not be very comfortable.  These measurements are approximate.

Sizing:  Women who usually wear sizes that range from 0 to 6 should be able to wear this coat.

Price:  $449 (USD)
Shipping: Free Shipping via USPS Priority Mail