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?

12 comments:

  1. Making things that go with things you own makes perfect sense actually! And saves you a lot of new shoes!

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    1. Thanks Anneke...though shoes are my favourite of all the accessories! Haha!

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  2. looks fab and very nice styling with those shoes and accessories ;o)

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  3. You look amazing in this outfit. Could you tell me if it it is still a top and skirt with the belt over the join? I so like your version I’d like to give it a go.

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    1. Hey Sally! It's definitely a one-piece dress, not a skirt and top :-)

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  4. Welcome back! I do love this dress. It's very elegant.

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  5. It's gorgeous, perfect little hacks! And yes I 100% match projects to my existing shoes and accessories!

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  6. This dress is amazing. Every woman should have at least one such dress in wardrobe. Such a dress is good for various meetings with family or friends.

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  7. Wow, this dress looks absolutely gorgeous - well done! I'm very much a sewing beginner (hence the name of my website) and happy if I just manage to follow the instructions correctly. Hacking a pattern is still a long way to go but it's inspiring to read about all the adjustments you've made. Did you make a toile before getting started with this lovely fabric?

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