Dress Indiesew Blogger Team

The darted “Baywatch” Dress

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

It has been ages since I last posted something, and I’m glad that things have calmed down a little over here, so that I can show you my latest Indiesew project – and actually my first Burda project ever!

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

As you know, I was lucky enough to visit Allie from Indiesew and some other lovely ladies from the sewing community back in September – you can read a little about our Denver weekend here! So, for the first time I was able to shop Indiesew fabric without thinking about the fabric weight and shipping costs. For that reason I was finally able to snatch some of the fabulous scuba knit Allie has in stock in Admiral blue and Baywatch red. And I mean Baywatch very literally! Allie wrote somewhere that these two are the actual fabrics used at the Baywatch set, so that’s why I call this my Baywatch dress, although that’s probably where the similarities to Baywatch end. And I have to admit that I have never even watched Baywatch! But who hasn’t seen pictures of these red bathing suits?

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Before I flew to the U.S. a colleague of mine lent me the latest Burda Style Magazine, #08/2017. I’m usually not buying sewing magazines, since I don’t like having so many sewing books and sewing magazines lying around, but I just had to borrow the magazine after seeing a darted dress with a 60s vibe. It has a great many seams and darts, which givethe dress a lot of visual interest and a beautiful shape. And when I touched the scuba knit when visiting Allie, I knew that those two were a perfect match.

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

You’re probably just scrolling through this blog post, waiting for me to comment on my little bump. Since there’s no chance of hiding it, other than stopping to blog (and we all know that’s no real option!) and since sewing for my new body requires some consideration while sewing, let’s address the baby bump for a second: Many of you know that we’ve been struggling with having children for years, so we’re very excited to announce that we’re hoping to welcome a baby to our family in May. I’ve been very well during the last few months, other than being a little tired, which kept me from sewing and blogging too much. But hopefully I’ll have a more energy during the months to come! I don’t know what this means for my blog yet, but hopefully there won’t be too many changes, other than an occasional children’s outfit from time to time, maybe. And probably fewer blog posts …

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

But back to the Baywatch dress! The smallest size this dress comes in is size 36, which is usually too big for me. Also, Burda patterns are designed for people who aren’t as tall as I am. Since I’m pregnant, I decided to cut a size 36 to have a little more room. Moreover, I decided not to add length to the bodice in order to raise the waist seam a little. I tried to find a balance where the waist seam wouldn’t look strange with my baby bump, but would still look okay after my pregnancy. Because there’s no way that I’m only going to wear this fabulous dress for only a couple of months! I think, I succeeded – it’s definitely wearable right now, and hopefully it will be wearable later, too. The dress is designed to end below the knee, but I wanted it to end above the knee, so I shortened the dress by approximately 10 cm/4″. That makes the split in the back a little shorter, but the fabric is so stretchy that I really don’t need a high split to move comfortably.

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Another change I had to make was making the sleeves a lot slimmer. I should have removed some fabric from the upper back, too, there’s a little too much fabric below my neck, especially when the dress moves up a little while I wear it. I should have added a tiny bit of width to the shoulder seams, too. Somehow I messed up the collar – it looks nice in the front, but isn’t lying nicely in the back – I think I didn’t fold it right in the middle when sewing it down, resulting in some strange drag lines. Hooray for long hair to cover it! I might take off the collar one day, remove some fabric from the middle and re-attach the collar to get it perfect. But that has to wait – I finished this dress on Sunday and took pics on Monday, and we all know that last-minute projects don’t allow for too many changes!

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

The fabric was a dream to work with. I actually decided to use the wrong side of the fabric on the outside. I just loved the rich, dark blue. The right side of the fabric is a little lighter and has the typical lines jersey knit fabrics tend to have. The darts look lovely sewn into this solid coloured fabric, and the fabric was surprisingly easy to press, too. I made myself some extra work, since I wanted to press all the seam allowances away from each other. The fabric is pretty thick and I thought the seams might look better with the seam allowances pressed open – especially in the front and back. That meant that I serged every edge and sewed the seams with my sewing machine, resulting in three seams each instaed of a single one if seam  sewn with my serger. But I think it was worth it!

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

Working with Burda made me once again appreciate indie pattern instructions even more. I didn’t have any trouble assembling the dress, but that’s only because I basically knew what I was doing and didn’t really depend on the 10 sentences given as an instruction by Burda. I can’t imagine how frustrating this would have been for me only a couple of years ago!

Sew Mariefleur Indiesew Burda Dart Dress

All in all I’m very happy with how this dress turned out and I feel like it’s very versatile. I can wear it to work, to birthday celebrations, maybe even for Christmas, and the super stretchy fabric will hopefully allow me to wear this dress for a few more months before it has to stay in the closet for a little while.

– As being a part of the Indiesew blogger team, I received the fabric for this blog post for free. However, all opinions are, as always, my own. – 

52 comments on “The darted “Baywatch” Dress

  1. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am! Though it’s a little bittersweet on my side since my husband and I have been having similar issues as I wrote before on that special blog you wrote. I just keep knitting,crocheting and sewing for myself and family and students. No more baby stuff but it’s still in my heart. I remind myself it’s not my turn yet. ??‍♀️ You’re the third person in the last few months that is pregnant. I can’t wait to see what you sew up as it gets closer to your due date! As before I wish you well and since I’m a praying girl I will pray for your good health and that of the baby. ?Hugs from one heart to another. ??

    • Many congrats on your baby news 🙂 especially as you have waited so long, I send my heartfelt joy to you! I have only just found your blog through indiesew – so jealous that you all live in the US where you seem to have an endless supply of gorgeous fabric! I don’t usually comment on posts but I was so touched by Monica’s reply. My heart goes out to you. Sadly I’ve been where you are and my time has now passed. Don’t give up! Whatever life has in store it will be wonderful and you will never be alone in the sewing/crafting community. SO, before getting too downcast congratulations to all the wonderful ladies out there for being so talented in their life achievements – whatever they are blessed with 🙂 xx

    • Thank you for your kind words and wishes, Monica! I know so well how bittersweet it feels when someone else gets pregnant and you’re waiting, not knowing when it’s your turn. Of course you want to be happy for friends and family who succeed in starting a family, but at the same time it can be so hard not to feel hurt by soething everyone else thinks is wonderful. I wish you all the best and hope that your going to have a family of your own very soon!

    • Thank you, Nicola! We’re very excited and feel blessed! I actually don’t live in the U.S., I live in Norway – and getting fabric here cacn be quite a challenge! I have to order most of m fabric abroad, which makes everything super expensive. But pretty fabric is so worth it! 😉

  2. My dear friend! I know it a bit longer than many of your readers. But my overwhelming joy is still going strong. This tiny bump makes me soooo happy. You look radiant. I know, that’s what they often say about pregnant women. But in your case it’s exactly like that. (Yes, yes, that dress is fab as well. That said can we please procede to baby themes, again?)

  3. Forgive me for not caring about your dress. OMG!!!!! You’re having a baby. I could not be more thrilled for you. Xxx

  4. So happy for you, best wishes for the little one. You are embarking on a wonderful adventure, the best one possible. And the dress is gorgeous!

  5. Congratulations!! I am beyond happy for you!

  6. Fleurine, I am so happy for you! I remember your post about struggling to become pregnant so I was thrilled for you when I saw that little bump pop up on Instagram. Your dress looks great for your changing body. I hope you continue to feel well and your second trimester energy comes soon!

    • Thank you so much, Teri! The last years have been challenging, especially the last one when we knew that we had to go the IVF-route. But these years don’t seem too bad when looking back, now that it looks like we’re able to meet our little one next year.

  7. Okay, the dress is fabulous. All the more because I have been thinking of making it myself, and scuba knit will now be the fabric of choice. But more importantly: CONGRATULATIONS on your happy news!!!! Although I have decided (completely voluntarily) early on for myself that own children will not be part of my life plan, I was genuinely touched when I read your original post – so I am all the happier for you that your life held this surprise!! (and as I am going to be an aunt in May, I am also looking forward to your childrens makes :-))! Cheers, Melanie

    • Thank you so much, Melanie! Scuba really is a great choice for this dress, especially one in a solid colour. It shows off the darts really well, and that’s what this dress is all about, right? And thank you for your congratulations – and congratultions on being an aunt! Society has so many opinions about women not having children or having children or not wanting to have children, which is really strange, since it’s such a personal decision. I’m so glad that we have the ability today to choose what’s right for us!

  8. I rememnber this post you wrote some time ago, so I’m sooo happy for you !!! And the dress look fabulous on you 🙂 Take care !!!!

  9. Oh Fleurine!! I am so, so, so happy for you!! Congratulations on your wonderful news. You look absolutely beautiful and I can barely contain my joy for you and your husband!! (Oh and of course the dress looks gorgeous, too!)

  10. So very, very excited for you and your husband!!! What terrific news! I actually got tears of joy when I saw your bump on Instagram. Congratulations over and over again!

  11. Oh my goodness congrats!!! I’ve been thinking about you. So happy and excited for you and your husband!!

  12. Oh my goodness, I was in the midst of going through my overflown inbox just scrolling and making quick mental notes on my blog subscription emails when your bump stopped me in my tracks, I had to put everything to the side and come over and leave you a comment. I am so thrilled for you!
    I remember reading your blog post about how sewing saves you and it really touched me deeply. I felt it in my heart and wanted to give you a big hug. So seeing this baby bump just filled me with joy! I am beyond ecstatic for you and I am cheering for you on your journey all the way form Canada. Much love!
    Oh yes, the dress is fabulous too, of course 😉

    • Thank you so mich Anya! It’s so heartwarming to see how excited you all are for us! I say it again and again: the sewing community is amazing! We’re thrilled and excited and hope that everything goes well!

  13. Katherine Keenan

    Such exciting news! I wish you all the best for this wonderful season in your life!
    You’re going to love being a mother.

  14. This is such great and exciting news!!! So happy for you and your husband.

  15. Well your dress is lovely, but you babe-to-be certainly stole the show! 😉 Congratulations to you and your husband; I remember your prior post well, and am so thrilled for you on reading this news. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and delivery! <3

  16. Oh, Fleurine,
    Ich freu mich riesig RIESIG für dich oder besser für euch. So schön, dass ihr jetzt endlich Glück habt. Ich denk ganz fest an dich und wünsch dir alles, alles Gute. Hoffentlich kommt bald deine Energie zurück.
    Drück dich Annika

  17. Congratulations!!! I’m beyond happy and excited for you! You’ve been in my prayers and I’ll add your sweet baby. So much love for you both ❤️

  18. Congratulations Fleurine !!! Imagine my excitement when I saw your post and cute baby bump. Couldn’t be happier for you and hubby!!! Warmest wishes and can’t wait to see you continue to grow and glow in the months to come ❤

  19. Gillian Whitcombe

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I’m so glad that things are going well for you. I’m sure you aren’t the only sewist who has struggled to have children, and I appreciate that you mentioned it. We all feel better when we aren’t alone! I”m doing a happy dance for you! <3

  20. Karen Garman

    I seriously skimmed down to hear your announcement! Congratulations! So wonderful! I love your makes and this dress is great! You inspired me to start sewing! I just completed my first project, a muslin, of the Staple Dress by April Rhodes. It took me a month once I had all my materials because my own kids are keeping me busy. But I enjoyed every minute. Even ripping out seams! Haha Love reading your posts!

  21. Wie wunderbar! Ich habe tatsächlich letzte Woche an dich gedacht, dass ich schon lange nichts mehr von dir gelesen habe und was denn da wohl los ist. Wie fantastisch dieser Grund ist! Ich wünsche euch alles, alles Gute!
    Viele liebe Grüße Christina

  22. Daniela S.

    A baby!!! That’s so exciting! Congratulations to you and your family.
    Your dress is beautiful by the way, but the baby news stole the show. 😉

  23. What wonderful news! Best wishes for an uneventful pregnancy!!!

  24. Congratulations! After your last post on this, it’s so lovely to hear that things have changed so positively for you both. Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well!

    The dress is also beautiful!

  25. I love your dress but love the news even more ! So happy for you ! Congratulations ! ???

  26. Such lovely news for you! I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of sewing a maternity wardrobe – it’s definitely achievable and gives you so much more choice than the overpriced poorly made stuff in the shops. Wishing you all the best xx

    • Thank you so much, Sarah! I have just started to think about what to make, my goal is to make as many things as possible that can be worn later, too. I had to muy two pair of rtw maternity jeans, since I didn’t want to spend to much time on making jeans that I can only wear for a couple of months. But hopefully the rest of my wardrobe will be me-made!

  27. Congratulations! I am so happy for you and you look SO beautiful

  28. Liebe Fleurine, du siehst absolut wunderbar aus in deinem neuen Kleid.
    Ich kannte deinen “alten” Blogpost gar nicht und habe ihn erst jetzt gelesen. Um so schöner das vor kurzem zu lesen und diese Bilder zu sehen. Fühl dich umarmt und genieß was kommt!
    Alles Liebe Anna

  29. Maria Luísa Santos

    Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! I was smiling through the whole blog post looking at that beautiful baby bump… oh and the dress too! ? sending lots of love!

  30. What wonderful news! Congratulations. You look wonderful and happy in your new dress and with your baby bump.
    I’ve been reading in your blog for some weeks and now I have to comment at last….
    I like your style so much.

  31. Congratulations – your smile says it all! (And what a great keepsake your blog will be!)

  32. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart!!! It must have been a long way for you! Reading your post about why you sew I thought that you could also join the #smyly2018 challenge.
    I found your blog searching for examples of Pauline Alice’ Reina blouse and I’m happy to see that you are sewing for a baby bump like I am. I hope to read more from you in the future!

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