06 June 2011

212. Knock-off City: Cherry Print Knock-off Dress

On the left is my latest summer dress, and on the right is the knock-off point:

But really, nothing is truly original, right?
I mean, the H&M dress was also probably "inspired by" another dress that came before, like maybe this vintage Simplicity 7633:

And it kinda looks like this Stylish Dress Book (1) cover dress, though which came first, the H&M dress or the Stylish Dress Book pattern (and in the end, does it really matter?):

Hard to see detail on that dress so here's the technical drawing, complete with an unintentional shadow:

I was stunned to see a dressy version of this dress at the thrift store for $11 -- from H&M:


I had to buy the thrift-store dress, not only because it was cute and inexpensive and a close-enough fit, but also because I had to knock it off!  I didn't buy the vintage pattern (missed the auction for the pattern in my size).  I didn't trace out the pattern from Stylish Dress Book.  I knocked this H&M dress off.  You might think that's the option of three that presents the most work, but for some reason it made me feel more confident, I guess because I tried on the H&M "muslin" and had a good idea of fit.

Last year Kyle gave me a black cotton with all-over cherry print and border print, and this dress style was perfect for it:


My version has a piped neckline and a narrow gingham binding to finish it off.  It's a little bulky and makes the neckline stand away from me a teensy bit, but overall I love to wear it.  It was so simple to put together that I might crank out a couple more of these this summer!


I was going to take a picture of the new cherry print dress on Clementine, but it was incredibly small and tight and distorted on her.  I'm not trying to start rumors, but I hear she has been eating cheesecake like there's no tomorrow.  Either that, or my eating vegan for a year+ now means my measurements are now more than a tad smaller than Clem's.  Gives me pause when I consider how useful she will be for my swimsuit-sewing adventure in the next few weeks.....

Up next is a new travel bag, and a pair of shorts, and hopefully a simple pair of pants, only a couple years after the pants sew-along I started up.  I do meet my sewing commitments, give or take 5 years!  ;)

10 comments:

  1. That border print and piped collar turned out perfectly! So cute (and comfy looking)! I'll bet you're getting tons of compliments whenever you wear.

    p.s. Don't tell her I told you, but my mannequin Juanita's shoulders are so chunky I can almost never fit anything over her "head"--but I can't fault her for it, since it's not like she is able to flex her joints/exercise like normal people can.

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  2. What a great dress you have made. It is really cute.

    And you are absolutely correct, a lot of creativity is about making your version of something.

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  3. Welcome back! And I agree that a lot of creativity, especially when it comes to clothes, is making something your own. There's only so many forms a garment can take, so I definitely see things like color and print selection and details as part of the creative process.

    It is a lovely print. Looks good.

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  4. Hi Stranger! Love the simple styling. Cherries, now that is a reminder of a Sydney summer. It is usually cold here now.

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  5. Gosh, I totally missed this post too! The cherries dress is AMAZING! Love the piping!! and the pockets. You totally rocked it!

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  6. p.s. LOL about Clem eating too much cheesecake! You never know what dressforms are doing when we're not watching!

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  7. Very cute! That dress from the Stylish Dress book has been on my to-do list for quite a while. Enjoy your cherry print knock-off!

    P.S. When I tried to reply to your comment on my blog via email, it bounced back. Not sure why?!

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  8. RE: Sorbetto Tank Top, movement is not restricted, it's quite comfortable.

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  9. I would have chosen the knock off route as well! And I think I've seen that design about 10 times as well - in other fabrics, brands, etc. Maybe it's become a classic? great job!

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  10. I love your pattern and fabric choice...the cherry prints looks really sweet..love the piped neckline and gingham bias tape..

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