This dress was christened the “Tel Aviv Dress” owing to the fabric’s design reminiscent of the distinctive architecture of the “White City” or Tel Aviv.
The fabric is from Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, NYC and is a silk cloque. The name cloque is derived from the French term for blistered, meaning the fabric has an irregularly raised, “blistered” surface. It is a border print so the biggest challenge was deciding how to place the pattern pieces for the best effect.
The best way to visualize this was to spread the fabric on a large surface and experiment (using yardstitcks) with various positioning of the skirt and bodice sections.
The best option seemed to be that of the large photo as it placed most of the middle design around the skirt hem and still left room to cut the bodice. The hem would be faced so no need to allow several inches for a turned-up hem.
Rather than mess with altering a commercial pattern, I work from a custom block/sloper drafted from the client’s measurements. Once I have the master pattern, it’s a matter of manipulating the darts to obtain a princess seamed bodice.
The skirt was to be full but the rigidity of this fabric didn’t lend itself to attractive gathering or pleats. I opted to use large darts. A center back zipper can be incorporated into a dart, (shown in red on the right photo), eliminating a center back seam.
A wide strip of fabric allowed me to shift the bodice pieces around and play with the design placement.
Always fun to see the finished dress on a live model.
Stunning
Thanks. Fun fabric to work with
Incredible!
Thank you.
Thanks.
Thank you
The Tel Aviv dress is stunning and I like the pop of red from the scarf. This is clearly advanced pattern design and construction at its best!
Thank you. She styled it beautifully
Wow, that is spectacular!
Thanks.
Beautiful, elegant, creative!!
Thank you.
Your thought process is so interesting and thank you for sharing such an unusual fabric and the gorgeous dress.
Thank you. I often decide design details after experimenting with the fabric.
Absolutely gorgeous! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. This is exquisite Mary.
Thank you. The fabric inspired the design.
The pattern placement is genius nd the dress and fabric are beatiful
Thanks. Took some playing around but finally decided best placement.
Breath taking in the vision and results. Exhaling slowly.
Thanks
Mary, I have a question about a purchase I made and can not find any other way than this to contact you directly. Thank you.
What is your question? Not sure if I already replied.
You helped me already. Thank you!
This is amazing Mary. Your brain is a fashion computer! I applaud you in every way! ❣️
Challenging projects are fun. Thank you
There is nothing like a Mary Funt garment! What a vision you had for this fabric – and it is dazzling on the model 😊
Thank you. This one took some thought. My model did a fabulous job.
Spectacular!
The benefits of good planning and lots of thinking time are eveident in yoiur projects…this one…WOW!
Loads of planning before the first cut, especially when you don’t want any mistakes. Thank you
A lovely masterpiece and fits her beautifully. I am not sure why she accessorized with that particular scarf as it detracts from the artistry of the garment. The workmanship is superb.