The Ziggy Dress
I have named my latest finished sewing project the Ziggy dress, because a) it is zig zag print and b) it’s a reference to David Bowie. The news of his death broke the morning after I had laid out this fabric to begin sewing, and as I was making it I listened to a lot of Bowie on the radio. What an extraordinarily talented, interesting and downright cool musician he was. May he rest in peace.
So this fabric is one I bought on a Leeds sewing meet-up in 2014, I think. It was 55″ wide and I bought 3 metres, so I decided to make the most of the width of the fabric and make a dress with a circle skirt. I chose Simplicity Amazing Fit 1606. As it turns out, the pattern is only a half circle skirt, but it’s big enough to wear a huge poofy petticoat underneath, so it’s still a winner.
The Ziggy Dress: Simplicity 1606, and very very old shoes from Topshop
I first used this pattern to make my 50s style halterneck dress, and then I used it again to make my red lace overlay dress. Both of these dresses have been worn to weddings and both are very special to me. This version is a bit less fancy, and consequently more wearable. It still has nice little details though, such as the back opening, which fastens with a little button at the top, and the zip starts further down. The pattern instructs you to do a centered zip, but I much prefer lapped zips and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Back opening with button and zip. The wind caught my skirt here!
I was lazy when fitting this dress, in that I basically didn’t bother: I just cut the same size as the last two times. It seems I might have changed shape again since then, since the bodice looks a teeny bit bigger than I anticipated it would. The top half of me seems to change shape a lot more easily than the bottom half!
ANCHOR EARRINGS!
In these photos I am wearing a black linen bolero jacket I made in 2014. I used a Built By Wendy pattern for it to start with, but changed the shape. It’s really simple and plain but it does look nice with the right dress.
Simplicity 1606 and Built By Wendy bolero jacket
In terms of finishing – the bodice is lined with white cotton, and the seams are mostly pinked as I thought that would keep the zig zag theme going. I did overlock the centre back seam, though, and the seam where the bodice meets the skirt. I machine stitched the hem after letting it hang for about a week (not necessary to leave it that long – just didn’t get around to it!).
The Ziggy dress – front view again
I really like how the linear pattern looks curvy due to the cut of the skirt. And I know I’m going to sound like a massive sewing geek, but I actually found it fun doing the pattern matching of seams on this dress, and immensely satisfying to get such good results!
Pattern matched like a boss
I’m very happy with my new dress!
Happy face!
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Lovely!
Thank you very much!
I would be too. it looks stunning. Well done with all the matching too.
I particularly like the skirt side seams and how the print matches in a V!
This looks fab
I feel good in it!
You can tell – suits you very well!
Great little tribute!
The timing was a coincidence but I’m happy to name the dress after Ziggy Stardust. The Ziggy Stardust album is one of my favourites of Bowie’s.
Sort of the same here… I’d been working on a huge project (quilted map of the stars) and finished it that week, so it unintentionally became a tribute as well.
I saw that. It’s amazing!!!
it looks lovely! I love how the petticoat peeks out from under the skirt!
Yes, me too. A little bit of frilliness is the finishing touch!
This is brilliant! I love that fabric, and was admiring your print matching skills before I got to the bit when you mention it. It’s always so satisfing when matching works out.
Very satisfying, was a bit nervous about the back but I took my time and it was worth the effort!
Love love LOVE that fabric! – what a fabulous dress!! and amazing pattern matching skills!! Far more exciting and inspiring that the dress pictured on the 1606 envelope – brilliant job!
Hahaha! The pattern envelope pictures often leave a lot to be desired, don’t they!
I love this dress, especially with the bolero, it emphasises the shape beautifully! And I would be very proud of that pattern matching too.
Thanks! The bolero does seem to suit the style of the dress. I actually made it to wear with my red lace dress, which is also Simplicity 1606!
Love the look, especially with those shoes! The back fastening looks great too.
Thank you Sabs. The shoes had been boxed up with a load of heels I hardly wear any more, but they will definitely get worn with this dress provided I don’t have to walk too far! I used to wear heels every day for work, but these days they just cripple me!
I LOVE this dress. This might be my favorite one of your makes yet! 🙂 Great job on the print matching, too!
Wow, thanks!