A Stitching Odyssey: Hacked Seren Dress

It's been a hot minute since I blogged, but I'm back with a hacked Seren Dress!

As soon as this Tilly and the Buttons pattern was released in the summer I fell in love, especially with the flounce version. But big boobs and flounces don't mix, right? For better or for worse, fuelled by a friend's late September wedding, I ploughed ahead and I'm so happy with the result!

My hack was inspired by a RTW dress and I paired my vision with this perfectly autumnal viscose from Stoff & Stil - it's so feminine and buttery soft. It was also a dream to sew and press.

So, let's start with the obvious changes I made. For the streamlined look I was lusting after, I cut the front pieces on the fold and eliminated the buttons, inserting an invisible zip at the back instead. I also took out the waistband and lengthened the bodice slightly to compensate. 

Finally, I added a few inches to the length of the flounce as I wanted it longer at the back to hide my muffin tops and back fat. Not only did it work, I'm also convinced that the longer length at the front is the main reason this looks ok with my fuller bust.

Before tweaking the design though, there were some fitting issues I had to address. I cut a straight size five, but needed to lower the bust darts and shorten the straps. I also had to get rid of some underarm gaping, which meant taking a wedge out of the flounce too. Once I was happier with the overall fit, I went ahead with the hacking.

Much like my Kew Dress, Seren made me feel like a million dollars at the wedding I attended. I'm already looking forward to making a couple of summer versions, one with buttons and one with the tie waist.

You'll also notice that I'm wearing exactly the same shoes and jewellery as I did with my Kew Dress. I'm not much of an accessories person (though I do LOVE shoes), so the easiest thing seems to be to make dresses that match what I have. Is this madness? Does anybody else do this?