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Wednesday 4 July 2012

Coloured Glass - Vogue 1207

 silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

FACT:  I currently have no nose hairs in my nostrils.

**Serious gross out alert**

That's right, I recently had the insides of my nostrils waxed and it was one of the most bizarre and oddly satisfying experiences I've gone through, and more than a little bit gross. If you all just vomited a little bit in your mouth I apologize. Let's do this.

It's always a little bit awkward when you first bring up the idea of nose waxing to your long term waxer-lady and in a heart beat she responds with over-enthusiasm that I should give it a shot. Good God, how long as she been doing my waxing and staring at my nose like it's an overgrown garden?

Initially I was a little bit nervous. I've plucked a hair out of my nose before and it felt like it was rooted all the way to the back of my brain, such was the sharp, tear-inducing pain that I felt. And secondly, how the heck do you wax something in a small little space like your nostril?

Here's how: she put a ball of hot wax on the end of an ice-cream stick (I kid you not) and then jammed it in my nose, twisting it around so that it covered the walls of my nostril. Then she just let it hang out there. To further ridicule me perhaps, or maybe just so the wax could dry. Whatever. That could have been my most un-sexy moment to date. I felt some distorted version of lady Ga-Ga and not in a good way. Having ice-cream sticks hanging out of your nose is not exactly high fashion.

Then in a moment of truth, the ice-cream stick is yanked (gasp) out of my violated nostril, which I can only imagine is what it must feel like to have your brains yanked out of your head mummification style. You should have seen the amount of hair that was stuck to that gloop of wax. It was like looking at a hair brush. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt. Maybe I was in too much shock to feel any pain. I have to admit, I'm really liking the hair free result, and I feel like I can breathe so much easier!
Any one else done this before?


And aren't you all glad you know that little bit more about me now? **cough**


Right, now I will get back to the actual subject of this blog post, which is the dress I made with Vogue pattern 1207.
 silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

                                      


I made this dress over a year ago out of beautiful silk twill from Tessuti Fabrics The fabric was very appropriately named 'Coloured Glass' and it looks like the beautiful stained glass windows of Churches.

 silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

I love the wide front neckline of this pattern and the soft pleated detail on the sleeves.

 silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

It also has a lovely low V shaped back, which I've always been a fan of.

I'm happy with the overall look of this finished dress but I had some serious issues with it.
Oh boy.



silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207


I made this dress in a 12 without doing my usual adjustments (shortening the bodice) and boy was that a mistake. The back was so gapey with the low V that I couldn't walk a few steps without the top falling down and indecently exposing myself! Yikes.
I ended up shortening the back by putting in some not so perfect darts on the back V near the waist, a total of seven cm's taken in on each side. I have a shorter torso, but that was a pretty big chunk off the back. Lucky for me the print is very busy so you really can't see the darts.
I strongly recommend you make a draft of the torso first before cutting up your fabulous fabric. It is very likely if you are short on the torso that you will need to take it in.


I also took issue with the pleats around the waist on the bodice and skirt. Even in this flowy fabric, the pleats really stuck out which made the dress look a bit frumpy side on. The dress looks a lot better with a belt, like in the pictures, which pulls it in a bit more on the waist.


 silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

Overall I'm happy with the dress, but it did require quite a few adjustments, so if you're thinking of giving it a go, make sure you make a muslin first!

silk twill, julia bobbin, vogue 1207

I hope you and your nostrils have a wonderful July 4th!

70 comments:

  1. I was so not expecting this post, and it made me laugh really loud, so thank you! I've been a fan of your blog for awhile, and this brought me out of lurking. :)

    www.sewmagnifique.blogspot.com

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    1. Well then hello Ms. Kari! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  2. ha you are so awesome and the dress looks great

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  3. The things we do and try...

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  4. Bwah ha ha!
    But seriously, I love the dress with the belt. The fabric is fantastic and the shoulder pleats are a treat (free rhyme with every comment...)
    Nicely done!

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    1. Amanda I do fancy be a rhyme anytime. Thanks for your lovely comment :)

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  5. Gorgeous dress, I have this pattern but yet to give it a go. I have a RTW dress in this style, from ASOS and I have to use Hollywood tape to keep it up on my shoulders. Terrible!!

    Hahaha I couldn't stop laughing at your nose wax job. I'm going to my beautician tonight for a wax.. I might just enquire about my nose!!!!!

    xx

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    1. Thanks Neeno, let me know how you go! I want to know if anyone else has gone through it!

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  6. This may well end badly for me, as it did for curiosity and the cat, but... why???

    Love the dress :)

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    1. You know, I think it was mainly curiosity!

      Thanks lovely x

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  7. I know I'll sound like a spoilsport, but I thought nostril hairs are good because they filter the air on its way to your lungs!

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    1. Yeah probably. But it was an interesting experience none the less!

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  8. Bwahahahahaha! Love this post! Sadly, my waxer (?) just did that to me one time-- no warning! I felt so self-conscious (I mean, you kinda always do when you're getting hair ripped out of your body, right?)! Blerg!

    I'm glad you were able to sort out the issues with this dress. It's so cute!

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    1. Wow you suffered nose sabotage! It's such an awkward sensation isn't it?!! Glad you made it out ok :)

      Thanks for your comment! x

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  9. Hahahahahahahahahahah. Awesome. I used to get a wax with these Korean ladies who totally just shamed me with my hair,at all times. No matter what part of my poor body got the hair ripped out, they showed me the wax strips and muttered gleefully, "so much hair!". THANKS, ladies.

    Still, lovely dress, sorry about all the trouble, but it's gorgeous.

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

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    1. Haha! Yes I've had that happen to me before too, don't worry!

      Thanks for your kind comments about the dress x

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  10. Love the dress, great fabric, really suits you, thanks for the tips re making a toile. Also loved the nose hair waxing, made me giggle! :-)

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    1. You're welcome and thanks for your comment!

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  11. The dress is lovely! You look great in it and it is a really good fabric pick for the pattern too.
    Now, about waxing the inside of your nose. My age is going to show here. I think you should stop doing that. Your nose hairs perform a function of filtering air before it gets into your lungs. You need them. Besides, who is looking up your nose for goodness sake?
    You are a beautiful young woman. Hair in your nose is a non-problem you should forget about!

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    1. Thanks Karin! I've never had a problem with it before, I was more curious than anything else. I don't know if I'd have the guts to subject myself to it again any way x

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  12. Thanks so much for that update on nose hair removal. I am terrified at the idea because when I pull out a hair from my nose, it hurts far more then on any other part of my body. Maybe I should try waxing :)

    Lovely dress, I really like it. I might make it for a girl one day :)

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    1. Thanks Mr! You have to give it a go, just for curiosity's sake. It feels awkward but it is not as painful as it looks.

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  13. Hihi, You're so funny, I always look forwards to your new posts :) The dress looks lovely btw.

    Ps. I like my nose hair too much to yank it out violently :D

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  14. Gorgeous Dress! I love, love the fabric. Your poor nostrils.

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    1. Thanks Roxy! Yes, my nostrils haven't quite worked out what the heck is going on yet.

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  15. So gorgeous! but then I think it would be impossible for you to make anything that wasn't. I love the print and you look amazing!

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    1. Stop it! You're making me blush! Thanks madam, you're too kind :)

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  16. Gosh didn't know you could get that done, they would make a fortune from men. Given they were brave enough.

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    1. Forgot to say. Gorgeous dress.

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    2. Thanks Sassy :) Yes apparently men are their biggest clients.

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  17. Lovely dress, gorgeous fabric and great use of it in this style.
    But to the real topic of the post... nasal hair! Can I say how much things have changed that you can even talk about this on your blog? Brava!
    So, I'm going to follow your lead, if i may.
    When I occasionally have a lip wax (I often just do it at home - great wax pot makes it easy), a lil' bit gets stuck and boy do my eyes water.
    The best money I've ever spent, I think in my life (so far) apart from adopting my darlin' kitterses, is on having IPL (laser) on my legs. Wow! I had furry legs, and now, they are smoooooooooth, so I don't have to think 'what stage are my legs at' before I decide what to wear. Seriously, a wee bit expensive, but you pay per treatment, and I've never looked back.
    Here endeth the hair sermon :-)

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    1. Fantastic hair sermon. I'm very curious about the laser hair removal. Does it hurt like hell? I'll love to never have to wax under my underarms, that shit hurts!

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  18. Amazing dress, I love it and you look stunning as always! Re the waxing....ouch! I can't believe it didn't hurt that much, my eyes were watering just reading about it! My nose hair is probably the only part of my body I've never waxed...literally (I'm Greek Cypriot with dark hair...what can I say?!?). But I don't think I'm brave enough for it, no way! ;o)

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  19. Nose waxing you say?! Who knew!! Don't think I'll be signing up for that one any time soon :) Pretty lady in a pretty dress too :)

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  20. Love this dress. Fabric and pattern choice are fantastic, the sleeves in particular are stunning. Your taste is spot on as always!
    And I can't not comment on the nose hair. Hilarious story but what happens when your nose runs?! There'll be nothing there to slow it down!

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  21. Your nose waxing experience made me laugh so hard.... When I was getting waxed instead of just poking around with tweezers once a week I was always terrified of the nose area. You could not explain how that feels any better. But nose hairs aside - this dress is a frigging beaut. Tessuti really does have the most beautiful prints and it's such a great mix with this pattern. Loving.

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  22. Yes, yes I have had my nose hairs waxed. Twice actually! Love the look, but hated the constantly dripping sinuses :-0. I'm 46 and also had to go through the lecture about the function of nose hair from my mom. But let me say, as a short woman, I notice other people's nose hair ALL of the time! lol. It's not pretty.
    Loved the dress and the fabric choice!

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    1. Fellow nose waxer welcome! Glad to hear I'm not alone :)

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  23. Oh you're too funny! This story had me both totally perplexed and laughing out loud. I'm not much of a "waxer" but for some reason it makes me very happy that somewhere in the world people are having totally strange experiences with the most benign of body hairs!

    And of course, the dress is completely gorgeous as always! I love that tessuti print - had my eye on it - and it just looks so beautiful made up into this dress. I always have to shorten the "v" back of dresses like this - maybe I'm also short waisted!

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    1. Thanks Sallie! Yes it's a regular adjustment of mine, but I love the shape so I keep those low cut backs!

      Thanks for commenting lovely lady x

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  24. Beautiful dress!
    The nose waxing bit is hilarious! I've never even heard of it. Do you find yourself sneezing more or less? I'd imagine you'd be breathing in more dust, but maybe with no hair you don't get the signal to sneeze...?

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    1. I actually reckon I'm sneezing more. I guess it's because it's a bit more sensitive in there with no filter! It does make your nose feel a bit runny too.

      Thanks for your comment Hannah Jean!

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  25. Nice. Both the dress and waxing idea!

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  26. I started reading this thinking: yeah, yeah, I should have that done too! And after reading the comments, I'm left wondering if, like, for health reasons my nose is sufficiently hairy...

    I love the fabric and the dress. My favourite colours. Did you have to line it?

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    1. Thanks Marianna! I don't know if I'll do it again, but it was definitely worth it for experience's sake!

      The dress is fully lined in a fabulous salmon colour. I think I have a picture of it somewhere I should probably upload it!

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  27. Love the dress. I can understand what you mean about the pleating, sometimes, no matter how soft and flowey the fabric is, it'll make your but look 3 times bigger.
    I've never ad the hair wax out of my nose before, (I've had it removed from worse places though) but my mom did it and it looked SO painful. I'd rather look like an old hairy man that go through that.
    also since we're talking about woman problems, I have a question - I've noticed you make all these backless dresses and you don't have the smallest bust size, how do you keep them- as they say- up? I've always wanted to make blackless garments but I can't walk around without a bra. really

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    1. Thanks Keseem. I have to admit, I'm a little bit cheeky where with a lot of these dresses I go without any support. I usually only do that when it's high cut at the top so as to not give too much away. I know it's not good for me to do that, so I really should look into getting some sort of bra for these low back outfits.

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    2. Found the perfect solution!
      http://tights-and-tea.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-5-minute-low-back-bra.html

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  28. Once, again, yet another beautiful dress. As to the nose hair waxing, the hairs serve an essential purpose by filtering bacteria, dust particles, and other allergens. They help prevent sinus infections, and serve an important service. Without the hairs, you are more suseptible to ear, nose, and/or throat infections. As one who suffers from sinus problems, I rely on my nose hairs to prevent more infections. Other than your significant other, anyone close enough to look up you nostrils is way to close and violating the personal bubble -- just saying.

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  29. wow that is so attractive. The dress I mean!

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  30. I'd be really careful about that nose waxing. Nose hair is there for a reason- it filters out particles/pollution you don't want going to your lungs. Also, everyone has bacteria living in their nose which help prevent bad bacteria from taking up residence in your nose & making you sick. I'm fairly sure that waxing would disturb that ecosystem & if done too often could kill off the good bacteria, wiping out one of your immune system's basic defenses. Be careful! And as always, you did a good job on the dress.

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    1. Thanks disparatedisciplines. I was about to give the same info for Julia as well as others. You may trim the hair using some curved scissors.
      Nostril hair plays an important role to protect some internal organs...

      Anyways your dress is so beautiful

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  31. LMAO this post is AWESOME... you are so glamorous and pretty, I never would have ever expected a nose hair post... which is what makes it even better... *hi fives*

    I used to work in a salon, and we offered all sorts of waxing, so I'm no stranger to having hair ripped out, but I've never heard of that particular service.... there are places of the body where waxing is totally appropriate, and places where it's so painful it isn't worth it LOL - this one seems like it would fall into the latter category! LOL

    Your dress, as always, is divine.... I adore the fabric manipulation on the sleeves. You are so freaking talented!!! :)

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  32. She turned out a treat, you look lovely Julia you always do with or without hairy nostrils. Hehe

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  33. I'm not going to comment on nasal waxing except that I won't be trying it any time soon :-). Short people - sorry about the view!

    Your dress looks fab, as usual - and did you know one of the Tessuti girls made this dress in the same fabric too??? She added a strip of fabric across the back that held the deep v-neck in place. It was on their blog a while ago but stuck in my mind cos I recently used this fabric for a skirt - such great fabric!

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  34. OMG it was this, YOUR dress in this fabric on the Tessuti blog ages ago - and I've gone and mixed up the back thing that Charlotte used when she made the 1207 dress later in a different fabric! Sorry, my memory is evidently crap!

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  35. Julia, you do such a Great Job! I Love your work!

    I send you greetinggs from austra, daxi

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  36. ehehee.. you killed me with this story.. now i want to go to the wax lady and sit there with two ice-cream sticks hanging from my nose, just for the fun of it, just to be able to tell the funny story every now and then :)
    i love your dress, by the way.. and i have to lay my dirty little hands on that pattern, somehow

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  37. I adore this material it's gorgeous, the dress is super cute too! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk

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  38. OMG, I'm laughing so hard. Thank you for a bright moment. The dress is beautiful, and you are, too!

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  39. Bahaha! I love learning little facts about people like that. I used to trim my nose hairs in maths class because I got really bored. Cute dress!

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  40. Love the dress, the fabric and particularly the sleeves....
    now about the nose waxing....
    I'm an older lady...in my 50s and recently noticed that inside my nose was ticklish. I had a good look one day and noticed that some of my nasal hairs were sticking outside of my nostrils and others seemed to be tickling inside.

    I tried trimming but it was difficult and things were still ticklish. So one day I plucked some out - O...M...G....eye watering! However, it felt great!

    I continue to pluck regularly but just the lower level of hairs to stop them peeking out and to stop the longer ones inside tickling. that way the upper hairs still to their filtering job.

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  41. Haha wow that story brought me right outa lurker town! The first time I got my brows done the lady busted out scissors to trim them, then proceeded to tell me they my eyebrows were all at once too light, too bushy and not long enough.
    Love the dress

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  42. This is gorgeous! LOVE the marriage of fabric to pattern.

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  43. Oh my goodness. Just randomly stumbled upon this post.

    In the silent section of the uni library.

    Which is really awkward when you're laughing so hard you start crying. Or just shaking and making squeaking noises because you're trying so hard to stop laughing.

    Oh, and I love the dress. :)

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