This dress just screams Wilma Flintstone at me… in a good way I mean. I think the orange matches her hair perfectly and the touch of leopard adds that pre-historic edge.
Plus, remember my Betty Dress?
Wilma and Betty always did make a glamorous pair.
Wilma Flintstone & Betty Rubble
The Pattern: Colette Rooibos
Size: 16/18 with adjustments
Fabric: Deep Orange Linen which I assume is a blend because it was only £3 per metre on Goldhawke Road and a leopard print cotton from the same place.
Alterations: I’ve been over the changes here and here but to summarise - I made a 2 in full bust adjustment and added another 1-1.5 in length to the bodice front, moving the under-bust darts and adding a side seam one. I narrowed and lengthened the back bodice darts and added 1/2 in to the length. The midriff was a size 18 as was the skirt which I lengthened by 3 inches and and hemmed with an extension to add weight.
I really love the subtle details of this pattern. I added the optional piping to the pockets, neckline and arm holes and used the print for the bodice facing and pockets.
It’s animal print but in a much more wearable way than the last time I tried it.
Heads removed to protect the innocent.
I used Colette’s tutorials to make first the bias binding then the piping. The sew-along posts were great to refer to when needed too – in fact this makes it one of the few sew-along’s I actually managed to complete!
Even the zipper went in easily with my shiny new invisible zipper foot.
Yabba Dabba Doo!
It looks great. I love the subtlety of the leopard print. It matches the orange so well too. I actually like linen blends better because they don’t wrinkle like crazy like 100% linen does.
I agree… the subtle leopard print is great! I love orange too. Great dress, great job putting it together — look at that perfectly aligned zipper. Very nice.
Very pretty! I love your fabric choices and it looks great on you!
You look amazing and the fit is spot on!
The fit looks great! And I am going to sound like a broken record, repeating what has already been said but love the orange with the leopard print combo.
I adore the orange. It’s a beautiful color that unfortunately, makes me look as if I might be ill. So I love seeing others wear it and so well.
This is also the perfect post to tell you that I used your FBA adjustment directions for a gathered bodice and it came out beautifully. Thank you so much!! I mentioned it in my blog if you’re curious.
So glad it was helpful!
Great work – that zipper looks perfect!
I love this dress on you! All those details are just wowing me to bits.
I love the pockets and the piping! You do bust darts so well, I always stick to princess seams because my darts always end up looking too pointy.
This is so fab – love the leopard print!
Alana, you look great not like wilma at all. What a great colour combo. Would you make it again? It’s a lovely dress! I have this cut out and ready to go but don’t have the time to start it. Kat
I would definitely make it again. Maybe even as a top in a less structured fabric
It’s pretty quick to come together so if you already have it cut you should go for it!
Amazing job! The Rooibos fits you perfectly!
Fantastic, you look gorgeous! I love the name…:-) -and the rust/leopard. Sigh. Such a great combo. The fit is amazing, and I really really am starting to contemplate a invisible zipper foot. Your zip is perfect in its invisibility!
I love this dress. I’m planning to make one too myself, your FBA posts will come in handy. Like the subtle use of animal print as well.
I love it!!! It is one of the first use of leopard fabric I do approve of! And let’s face it, orange is in
It makes you look very healthy too!
Thanks so much, for all the lovely words. You guys made my day x
Congratulations on finishing your first sew along dress, and what a winner. The color is great on you (love the Flintstones reference) and it looks well executed. Great job on a lovely fall dress
http://www.sewingcafewithlynne.blogspot.com
Lovely to meet you yesterday Alanna! Your Rooibos is lovely, and I see what you mean about your first leopard print dress! You’ve encouraged me to put some effort into figuring out a FBA
Hey Amy! Lovely to meet you too
P.s. this post shows a basic FBA if it’s any help.