Recently back from a memorable trip to Mexico, I’m excited to share some of the bespoke outfits created for this special occasion. First on the list is my blue print strapless dress with contrast piping, a design born from a cherished collection of fabrics and trims, patiently waiting for their perfect moment. This dress is truly a celebration of those treasured materials, finally finding their purpose in the beautiful setting of Cabo San Lucas. For this design, I wanted the unique fabric and distinctive trim to truly take center stage.
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping drawing
A Fabric with a Story: The Heart of the Blue Print Dress
The captivating blue and white pattern of this cotton sateen is genuinely unique – unlike anything I’ve encountered before. Almost a decade ago, I discovered this fabric in the remnant section of Britex Fabrics in San Francisco, purchasing it without a specific project in mind. At just 1 3/4 yards, it was a small treasure. Over the years, it has served as a photography backdrop and even a tablecloth, but I hesitated to cut into it, fearing I might create something that wouldn’t do it justice.
However, as travel became possible again after the pandemic, it felt like the right time to finally use it. For the past year and a half, I’ve been consciously working through my fabric stash, creating designs with varying degrees of success. Through this process, I realized that the mental burden of holding onto fabrics – especially having moved three times since acquiring this piece – was greater than the disappointment of a potential design misstep. The moment was ripe to transform this treasured fabric.
Adding to the special nature of this dress is a favorite trim sourced from East Coast Trimming in NYC. I discovered this particular black and white woven jacquard chevron trim years ago. Its striking pattern and quality instantly elevate any design it adorns. However, with a price of $12 per yard, it’s a trim I’ve always used sparingly and thoughtfully, waiting for just the right project.
Elevated Elegance: Designing the Strapless Blue Print Dress
Given the limited amount of fabric, the design naturally leaned towards a closer-fitting silhouette, avoiding excessive seams. I envisioned something slightly more formal, as the fabric itself makes such a statement. This dress was intended for special occasions where its unique charm could be fully appreciated. Inspired by the recent trend of distinctive necklines in runway fashion, likely influenced by the rise of “waist-up” dressing during video calls, I decided to experiment with a more angular neckline. The contrast piping trim then became a key element, both emphasizing the square neckline and adding an unexpected, sophisticated detail.
For the rest of the dress’s silhouette, I opted for classic lines. Simple pleats at the front and back of the skirt provide comfortable room and allow for the inclusion of practical in-seam pockets. The length was maximized based on the available fabric yardage. A zipper running down the front serves as the dress’s closure, further enhancing the lengthening lines of the design and adding a modern touch.
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping inserting boning
Construction Insights: Crafting the Blue Print Bodice
The construction of this dress proved to be more intricate than initially anticipated, particularly the bodice. It incorporates three different structural elements: mid-weight interfacing to give the cotton sateen fabric more body, bust cups to sculpt the squared bust shape, and boning at the side seams and center front to provide essential support for the strapless design.
Reflecting on the inner construction, I would grade my execution at a C+. The dress’s design, with its minimal seams, limited the placement options for boning, making it challenging to achieve the desired shaping. Consequently, I had to incorporate boning into the center front seams. This decision, unfortunately, slightly compromised the bust shape and added complexity to the sewing process, especially around the front zipper.
Applying the contrast piping trim involved a significant amount of hand-sewing. While this was time-consuming, the resulting finish is undeniably beautiful and refined. In the end, I consistently find hand-sewing to be worth the extra effort, as it elevates the overall quality and aesthetic of a garment. However, it does require careful time management and planning to incorporate into a sewing project.
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas Debut: The Blue Print Strapless Dress in its Element
This blue print strapless dress is undeniably a head-turning piece and has quickly become one of my most popular designs to date. Wearing it, I felt both amazing and beautiful, as if I were wearing a piece of art. The journey of creating this dress, from carefully stashing the fabric to finally bringing it to life, has been filled with valuable lessons. One key takeaway is that investing in materials you genuinely love is always worthwhile, and sometimes, patience truly enhances the outcome. Ultimately, when you start with ingredients you adore, the final creation is bound to be even more rewarding.
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping in Cabo San Lucas
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping final
Blue Print Strapless Dress with contrast Piping final
