Friday 12 July 2013

Tribal Tiramisu

I had been waiting and waiting and waiting for my Tiramisu from Cake Patterns to arrive and when it finally did I ripped into it immediately, 'cause I had already bought the fabric in anticipation.  Within a week my Tiramisu was cut and sewn up - it has taken me longer to photograph and blog than actually making it.  But here I am so let's talk Tiramisu ...


The Pattern:  I understand Steph has changed pattern printers and this edition of Tiramisu is the first from the new supplier.  The pattern paper is great, it is much sturdier than the normal/standard (however you want to say it) tissue paper.  I love it!

I had a bit of a dilemma deciding on which size to make.  I fall smack bang in the middle of a size 30 and 35!  After reading that the dress is designed with 0" easy and would result in a relaxed fit, I chose to make a size 30.  Having made that decision I had to choose a cup size, which has nothing to do with my bra size.  I chose the D cup being the closest to my measuring tape measurement.  Last decision was waist size where I also went for a size 30.


A quick read of the pattern and I was away.  The beautiful thing with this pattern is that it is all sewn on the flat and that size checks can be made along the way.  I've never seen a pattern quite like it before - so ingenious!

With the bodice all carefully put together, I stopped for a fitting check and much to my disappointment I just don't have enough boob to fill out the D cup *sigh*.  What to do, unpick and start again with a smaller size?  Hell no - it is a knit fabric, surely I can hide this some how.

Moving on with the waistband and the skirt.  I didn't think pockets would work with my fabric so didn't have to faff around with those, and I'm so pleased with that decision.  Although I'm not a fan of the side seam pocket - I don't need my hips looking any bigger than they naturally are.

Aside from the cup size being wrong my Tiramisu was perfect.  From the reading I had done it was highly recommended that I leave the dress hanging for a day before hemming.  I was quietly hoping that hanging would also settle the fit of the top somehow *shrug*.

The very next day I adorned my Tiramisu with delight and disappointment.  The size 30 fit was the right decision and the length was perfect.  I secretly had fears that it would be too long and I'd look like my grandma did, with the all in one knit print dress *shudder*.   So off to the sewing machine to finish off the hem and think about my cup problem.


Cup solution ... I placed two darts on each side of the bodice from the wasit-band toward the shoulder, tapering out just above the arm pit.  That took just enough fabric out - luckily the tribal print fabric disguises every!


I think it will be a dress that can be worn all year round?  The summer look is super easy, I just have to work out how to style it for a winter look.  Thinking maybe a black wrap cardigan and black boots???

24 comments:

  1. Lovely work, Sandra! I like the fabric and you look great on it.

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  2. Very nice! I like your fabric choice - could definitely be styled for winter. Merino top underneath, wrap cardi, and boots. Perfect. :-) Would chocolate brown work as well? Maybe a fushia cardi? (Just so you can mix it up a bit.)

    I've got the same issue with the Tiramisu sizing - had to make a call while cutting it out today, and I've gone with the 35 bodice and an A cup, rather than the 30 with a D cup. Keeping my fingers crossed it goes ok, but I figure I can always take in the side seams if it's too loose.... If you were to make it again, what cup size do you think you'd go with with the 30 bust?

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    1. Hi Kat, oh yeah chocolate brown might work - I've got some brown boots (that I love)!
      When I make this one again I would do a 30B - 30 definitely works but I'm still note sure whether it would be an A or B cup, so I'm gonna go with a B for now. I would quite like a solid colour next, a merino would be lovely for winter.

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  3. This looks great. I love the print and definitely can be winterised with boots and a cardi

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    1. I think I feel a need to buy some long black boots!!

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  4. Oooh, a Pavlova wrap top even! A bit of sugar overload having two cakes together, but naming aside, it woild be a winner. Global (as was) has a 40% off sale starting this week if you are after merino...

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    1. Oh yes I agree Pavlova would be great!

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  5. I'm glad you were able to fix the cup size issue! The dress looks great and would definitely go well with black boots.

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    1. Thanks Zoe, can't wait to wear it now :-)

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  6. Ooh very nice! I hope mine turns out as well as yours :) I tested the bodice out on some scrap and the cup size indicated by the pattern was too big for me too. Sounds like a common issue. Well done on this! :D

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    1. Yeah, I think the getting the cup size right is the key. I so wish I had done a test first!

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    1. Thanks Tanya - I think this pattern would look great on you too.

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  8. Oh no, I am about to cut out and now I am confused - so the cup size that is mentioned in the size chart is not related to the cup size of that bra I would normally wear? Is that what you mean? I found it weird that the sizing gives cup sizes and then a measurement. I was going to cut a 35C since that is closest to my actual bust circumference...

    Ooh I love the print on that fabric, it looks great. We see so many striped Tiramisu it's great to see a patterned one. I may reconsider my fabric choice now...in fact I think I'm going to take photos and ask for advice! :) After fixing the bust issue the fit looks great on you and that's an awesome twirling picture ;)

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    1. I would recommend choosing the bodice size based on high bust as per pattern instructions, but the cup really comes down to how much room you need for said boobs! I think actually going by bra cup might be more accurate. If it is any help my full bust is 34.5", so I think a B cup would be better although the measurements don't suggest that.

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  9. Hmm boobs are tricky! I think I'll do a bit of flat pattern measuring then jump right in, I'm too impatient to make muslins ;)

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    1. Sounds like a good plan, would love to see your fabric :-)

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  10. Gorgeous!! The tiramisu is so fabulous on you! I don't have this pattern but do have the Cake patterns Cabarita top that I will make up soon. I also love the paper, not so terrified of it ripping apart in 3 seconds.

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    1. Thanks :-) I now understand why it has such great reviews by everyone. I have the Bonny Sailor top as well, but might save that one for closer to summer.

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  11. I love it! I just got this pattern in the mail this week. I can't wait to try it out. Everyone in blogland seems to be making this dress, and I can see why. It is so fun and a great staple!

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    1. I'm a straight skirt/A-line skirt kinda gal so it feels way outside my comfort zone, but it is too comfy not to wear. What fabric do you think you will make yours in? IG so I can be nosey!

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  12. Definintely wear this in winter with boots and a cardi....though the last few southerly gales would make me think twice lol.

    I do love this dress on you. Yay to Cake patterns Tira.

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  13. Thanks Emily, my first day wearing my Tira today - yay to winterising it!

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