1.04.2018

Simplicity, With a Little Complication.

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

When we venture South for the holidays, my suitcase is stuffed with 20% everyday, 80% special occasion. Not that I don't dress for every day as if it were a special occasion! I do. I really do. But, this is the kind of bling that even I can't justify donning for what is, mainly, at-home family gatherings. 

Bling that has a slit up to here...

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

And that likes to get frisky...

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

With any little hint of a breeze...

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

It just doesn't say "holiday brunch and Scrabble," you know?

Still, I pack the things I can wear for all of 15 minutes, in anticipation of documentation in more forgiving temperatures. It was 64 degrees when Rob & I ran joyously outdoors to snap this dress, and I am 100% basted into it.

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

YES YES Y'ALL, I had my first zipper fail of my sewing career!! Hair and makeup ready, jewelry set, I went to zip her up, and the coil came FULLY away from the tape, right in the middle of the seam. It wasn't too tight, it was too old. At the time, the only zip I had of an appropriate color was my "basting zipper," a plastic job that had been used and reused so many times, I've lost count. 

It could've been worse, it could've happened during its maiden voyage, while I was singing in it 😳

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

When I trudged out of the guest bedroom in defeat, holding the wounded brocade in my clenched fists, Rob wouldn't take no for an answer. "You have a needle and thread? You have no problem."

I MEAN REALLY. He knows exactly how to goad me into competition with myself.

oonaballoona | by marcy harriell | a sewing blog

But I think I'll be inserting a nice, new, unused zip, now that we're home. 

Bodice: Mimi G for Simplicity 1115 (great!!) which I joined at the waist to...
Skirt: Simplicity 1099 (not great!! Why do I keep using this pattern?! I've made the skirt here and top here, and the draft on both cause gnashing of teeth at some point in construction. On the skirt, I always have to change the weird pleats on the front at the last minute.)
Fabric: Brocade from Janky Store in NY's garment district, lined with silk CDC from Chic Fabrics.
Zipper: In a trash bin somewhere in Arkansas.

Happy New Year, peeps! May you have all the closure you require... and needle & thread, should it fail you.

19 comments:

  1. What an awesome dress Macy. I love that the broken zip did not interfere with your gorgeous photoshoot and subsequent singing sensations!

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  2. This fabric is divine, Marcy. Yeah I had a broken zipper drama on a bridesmaid's dress I had made for a customer - 10 minutes before the bridal party were to be heading to the church! I sewed her right into that dress. And helped her get out of it later. BTW Rob is clearly the best as he knew just how to get you focused on a fix.

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  3. Cute dress! You find the best stuff at the janky store!

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  4. Stunning!! That dress definitely says champagne brunch to me!

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  5. I love the dress and the story!

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  6. Where in Arkansas do you visit? I went and saw Hot Springs, Dimiond Crator park, and Ouichita National Forest last summer. Really beautiful. Except the Crator- that was a muddy nightmare.

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  7. Aweomse dress! It is so glam and the slit is perfect!

    https://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
    https://www.fashionnotfear.com

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  8. Super sensational as always. That colour looks amazing on you. I'd have thrown a complete wobbly re the zipper incident so hats off to Rob and his nipping it in the bud skillz!

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  9. You sure can rock a strapless dress. Quite beautiful and for sure your colors. Maybe the “problem” pattern is worth the trouble to get these results? :-) Hope you enjoy your visit, and hats off to Rob for saving the day!

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  10. This is lovely! Also I enjoyed seeing the video of you singing. How fun!

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  11. lol!! Zipper in a trash bin... ah well.
    It's awesome fabric and it'll get done and you'll be amazing in it!

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  12. Brilliant--in all respects. You continue to inspire me! :)

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  13. OhMyGod that dress is GORGEOUS! And OhMyGod you were in Arkansas?! I have relatives in Arkansas.

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  14. I love the dress. As a side note I was watching Unsung tonight and it featured Wycliff Jean and I saw your face pop up, I was like I follow Her Blog, I knew you were into acting but I never knew singing. Keep up the good work in all your endevevors

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  15. I love the dress. AS a side note I saw you in an episode of unsung. They were featuring Wycliff Jean. You popped up with Lauren Hill.

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  16. This dress is so beautiful and YOU are so beautiful :)
    I would love to try sewing brocade.

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  17. Amazing workmanship despite the zipper malfunction. It happens; so be prepared always with an emergency kit which it seems you did. I am a costumer who has to have emergency items readily available. I just discovered your blog today and I am inspired to continue my adventures in sewing daily, quilting, and return to sewing for myself. As a sewist and refashionista with many more layers of life to reveal I encourage you to continue to forge your way through everyone of the ventures you desire.

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i thankya truly for taking the time to comment, i love a good conversation-- and hope you know my thanks are always implied, if not always written!