Hello, folks!
I’ve made it into Round Two of the
Sew Mama Sew Super Online Sewing Match!
I’m super honored to move on in the Super Online Sewing Match and it’s exciting to see different versions of the same pattern by the talented sewists in this competition. For Round Two, our challenge is to sew the Christine Haynes Marianne Dress.
Christine Haynes Marianne Dress
The Marianne is a casual knit dress pattern with two options. I chose View B as I like the sleeves and this is a dress I will be more likely to wear in cold weather. It will work well with leggings and boots in the winter as it’s a bit too hot for the current weather here in California.
As this is a shift dress, I didn’t want a knit fabric that was too clingy, so I chose to use ponte for my dress. Harts Fabrics generously donated a gift certificate for Round One, and as I love buying knits from Harts, it seemed like the perfect option. I chose this black floral rayon/poly/spandex ponte knit for my main fabric and this pink poly/rayon/spandex ponte knit for my contrast fabric. I previously used Harts’ aqua and rose floral ponte knit (no longer available) that’s similar to my black floral knit fabric, so I knew that this fabric would work well for this dress.
As I waited for my fabric to reach me from Santa Cruz (it only took a day once it was shipped), I worked on altering my pattern. This dress is rather short, so I lengthened it by 5″ for both my preference and for my height. I graded it up to about a size 22/24 and widened the neckline. As I changed the neckline, I also had to lengthen the neck binding. I sewed this dress on my sewing machine with a zig zag stitch and finished the seams with my serger. I used clear elastic on the shoulder seams and knit stay tape on the hem.
My plan for this dress was to make it unique and different from other Marianne dresses I’ve seen online. This dress has a 1960’s vibe and I thought it would be interesting to incorporate some vintage details into this dress. I used a covered button kit to make buttons with my floral fabric, which stand out on the contrast cuffs. I also made a self fabric belt with a bold covered buckle. I had never thought about adding these accouterments to knit garments before, and although it was more challenging than working with a woven fabric, I’m happy with the end result.
Self fabric belt with covered buckle and metal eyelets
Covered buttons on cuffs
Shift dresses really aren’t my favorite type of pattern unless I belt them. I prefer my dresses to have some waist definition as styles like these can look like a sack on my figure without some fitting. I wanted to keep the pattern’s integrity, but also personalize it and make a dress that I feel comfortable in and one that I would actually wear. To make this belt I used belting, eyelets and a vintage covered buckle set I picked up at Grey’s Fabrics when I was in Boston. I think the buckle has kind of a mod look to it and I thought it would work with the retro feel I wanted for this dress.
Marianne dress without belt
My inspiration for this dress was the 1980’s do the 1960’s with the bright pink and the off-shoulder bodice. Kind of Joan Holloway meets Cyndi Lauper plus Laura Ashley. I wanted to personalize this pattern and make it my own and I think I achieved that goal. I’ll look forward to wearing this dress when cooler weather arrives. In fact, it perfectly matches a pink silk trenchcoat currently lingering at UFO status in my sewing room!
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Christine Haynes Marianne Dress in black floral rayon blend ponte knit and pink poly blend ponte knit, made by me
- Shoes: Naturalizer
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh
I am rooting for you like crazy – I know I have been making a big deal about it because DH asked me this morning if you were still in the contest (LOL!) Your sutton blouse inspired me to make my own version – thanks so much! It’s nice to see you pushing your boundaries in this contest, Tanya – can’t wait to see your tote.
Thank you, Heather!!! Crossing my fingers for round 3!
I LOVE IT! So cute! The covered buttons and belt are great and I really love the change you made to the neckline. I am glad that you were true to yourself when you sewed this up.
Thanks, Natasha! Hard to think of something to do to with a pattern that resembles a nightie!
This dress looks freaking amazing on you Tanya!!!!!
Thanks, Carlee! 🙂
This dress looks great on you and really compliments your figure. Nicely done!
Thanks, Becky! 🙂
OH heavens! You totally made this dress, not just work, but totally rock the house. It’s super flattering. And the buttons, and belt….soooo cute! Good Luck!
Thank you, Sue! 🙂
Beautiful! Your modifications are perfection!
Thank you, Jodie!
Beautiful work, ponte knit is a great fabric for this dress.
Thanks, Leah!
I feel the same way about shift dresses–if there’s no waist shaping, there’s just got to be a belt!
Luckily this one does have more shaping than others, but I still prefer a waistband.
That belt is to die for! Love your style and the fabrics you selected. Best of luck!
Thanks, Barbara! I’m really happy with how the belt turned out. Having never made one in a knit a fabric, I wasn’t so sure at first.
Oh, wow, I never would have recognized this as a Marianne! I love the neckline change you made, as it’s so much more you!
I know, it gives me inspiration to finally sew this, and I bought the pdf the first day it was released! Schlumpy off shoulder Mariannes are going to be a THING.
Thanks, Nicole! I’d also think it would be great in a boatneck as well!
oooo this is really pretty! I love the belt as well!
Thanks, Shannon! 🙂
Excellence as alway1
Thank you, Diane!
So gorgeous! I love the print, and the coral looks so nice on you. The little details and changed you made are all so pretty! Good luck!
Thank you! It’s so fun to see how everyone is interpreting this pattern! 🙂
Tanya, this dress is just beautiful. The tweaks you made to the pattern are both elegant and personal. That neckline is even better than the original design! You did such a great job taking the Marianne and molding it to your own style. Plus, that pink is a lovely color on you! Very, very well done.
Thank you, Mary! 🙂 Every time I see a floral I can’t but not think of you though! I’ve been making a lot of pink dresses lately though, so I’m probably stuck in a pink rut….
I love how this fits you, and the added details in ponte really give it a super vintage feel! I love that print, I made a Mabel skirt from in in another colorway. But the coral! It’s going to warm up the months you made it for! You certainly know what compliments your coloring. Also the off the shoulder feel is fantastic. I have to say I’d equally love how this fits you without the sleeves, and the same wide-necked kimono cap sleeve effect no sleeves would give you.
You know when I was looking at the navy colorway with the orange/red I was thinking: “Oh, I’ve seen that one somewhere!” And then I remembered that it was your Mabel! I don’t think I’ve had a real off-the-shoulder dress for a while, so it’s cool to have one! I’d love to see you in this as well!
Sarah from Rhinestones & Telephones has something made up in yet another colorway too! It’s pretty irresistible. I have owned this pattern since it was debuted, better sew it up!
Tanya, Another wonderful dress. the colors are perfect for you. The contrasting belt and cuffs really personalize the look. Good work and on to round three!
Thank you, Susan! It came out just as I had planned. Thanks also for the good thoughts, I will need them as there is super stiff competition in this round! What a difficult decision for the judges!
I love how the print placement of the flowers and leaves creates the illusion of princess seams! The belt is a really nice touch too 🙂 I’m impressed that you took the time to make it instead of just wearing one!
Thanks, Michelle! It does create a bit of an illusion with the way the dress drapes. I’m probably addicted to making belts, so any chance to do so, I do! 🙂