I promise I will blog about my travels – however today I was a little excited to finish my ‘nearly’ Elisalex… she’s a fickle lass. She woke up on Saturday and announced that she was going to be Elisalotte – thank you every much.
The gorgeous girls (yes they seriously are gorgeous – I met them at the EPIC London meet-up – more on that soon) from By Hand London contacted me in January and offered to send me a copy of their Charlotte & Elisalex patterns. Remember my Charlotte skirt?
Charlotte The Second: By Hand London
I saw several gorgeous Elisalexs at the London meet-up including Dolly Clackett and Taracat. This made me more determined than ever that I WOULD make this dress! Then Oopbop posted a floral delight very soon after I hit Aussie soils. ARGH – time to start sewing!
I’m a little OCD about fabric and pattern matches and sent myself barmy looking since January for Elisalex.
Turns out I needed to head to downtown Brixton, London to find my match. For the non-UK residents, Brixton is located in south London, it has sizable African & Caribbean populations so it’s little wonder that I discovered African wax fabrics there!
And I found this…
African wax fabric from Brixton.
I had made a bodice muslin in January. I decided to re-purpose the muslin side panels into the new dress. I love the colour block effect. I think it just enhances the visual impact that the princess seams of this dress create.
I made up the Elisalex skirt in all its glory. It is a gorgeous tulip shape – however I just looked like a scrawny toothpick arising from a circus big top. I just don’t have the ‘oo la la’ to carry it off. So I became reacquainted with the seam ripper and scissors – and ‘lex’ became ‘lotte’.
I was happily amazed at how easily the Elisalex bodice and Charlotte skirt went together, I simply changed the skirt seam allowances to 10mm instead of 15mm. I was amazed at how beautifully the entire dress came together!
and well… this is how Elisalotte looks…
Elisalotte dress – bodice
Elisalotte dress – front view
Elisalotte dress – back view. I think what makes this dress gorgeous is the wide neckline and back. It creates shape, balances out hips and chisels the waist. Love it.
My pattern matching is slightly askew. I blame the jet lag – which has been rather hideous! I admit, I quite like this creation, it’s striking, ’tis all I have to say on the matter…
oh, and you really should give this pattern a whirl. It’s fun to make, easy and packs a punch. The bodice is well drafted. My back does gape just a little – I’m not sure of the pattern fitting fix for scrawny upper backs.
Note: the By Hand London girls have just put their rather fabulous Victoria blazer on sale… waiting, waiting, waiting for it to hit Aussie soils (and you can buy your Aussie ones from SewSquirrel!).
and one more just for fun 😉 (thanks ELH for the pictures xox)
Elisalotte dress – action shot
PS forgive me any spelling errors etc I blame ket lag (how long can I use that excuse?)
PPS just noticed I typed ket lag instead of jet lag. So hilarious I’m leaving it as is!
Sew Busy Lizzy 
That is gorgeous.
Thanks!
Breath taking! The contrast black panels are ace. Welcome home!
I felt quite thrifty using them but I think my op shop spirit was on a winner there!
Gorgeous! Cut the pattern out today, I gotta get moving too:)
It’s a fun sew! Good luck.
I said it already… Wowwwwww… The contrast side panels and the skirt it’s perfect for you.
Thanks 😉 I’m amazing at how visually striking it is. I feel quite foxy in it!
The fabric is perfect for it!
Lovely fabric for this dress. It looks terrific on you.
I adore blue and I just had to have this vivid shade when I saw it, it’s fabulous.
Thank you!
I love how the pattern matches up the back! Love it on you!
Thank you – the pattern matching was so close to perfect!
I love this dress on you! I have decided, as gorgeous as Charlotte and Elisalex are, they are much to va va voom for me, but your combination has me wondering … A beautiful make!
I think this works because it’s a simple shape, I would love to make it as a LBD…
Stunning dress!! How clever to have merged two different pieces to make it your own! The fabric packs a punch…as in Wow, statement dress…very individual, very unique. Love it.
p.s. I cannot possibly see any pattern misplacement!! Kate x
The fabric was just perfect, it was hard to find a blue wax print but this finally leapt off the table at me!
gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Love it!
Nawwww shucks. Thanks Gillian xox
oh I love African wax prints, and this one is particularly gorgeous, it makes a stunning dress.
they are amazing – I wish I had purchased more! I love the vivid blue of this particular one.
Stunning…love the black panels and the blue fabric. Gorgeous!
thank you! I’m starting to develop a blue/blue obsession!
I can’t see anything wrong with such an obsession! 😉
Stunning! I love how you combined the two patterns. I’ve always wondered if the tulip skirt would work on me but this is fabulous!
I’ve seen so many version where the tulip version looks amazing… maybe if I slimmed down the tulip… although I love the overall shape of this combination,
It looks absolutely gorgeous!! I love the way you’ve placed the pattern down the front. It’s beautiful. And it really, really suits you 🙂
thank you! It was one of those beautiful moment when the right fabric just appears!
This is a lovely dress, the color blocking,pattern matching and execution combine into a gorgeous dress! I enjoy your blog.
thank you so much Susan – that made my day!
This is stunning! What a show-stopper. I love the lines and the fabric. They work beautifully together and as always, fabulous on you.
I can’t wait to wear it out – it also looks striking with a cropped black jacket. I feel fancy!
As well you should!
I. Love. This.
Thank. You. So. Much. xox
Love the neckline and back! Gorgeous!
isn’t it a great neckline – front and back! super flattering!
just wow! love the contrast panels and the back is gorgeous too! such a great print! You look amazing! love it! Are you going to try the blazer? I think i will buy it together with the other two patterns tomorrow. Loving all the variations people have made of their range and need to get out of the laurel rut. 😛 (laurel rut being, that I do not like trying to spend longer than it takes me to make a luarel on anything at the moment. haha)
It’s easy to get addicted to a quick sewing fix. Mind you these patterns are fast to make up! Especially the skirt. The dress takes a little longer because of the lining. And yes I will be making the blazer, I’m hopping about hoping it will appear in my letterbox!
Lizzy that is one HAWT dress! A perfect mash up of patterns and you’d never guess you were jet lagged!
thanks VK (you just can’t see the jet lag drool because the pattern is so busy!)
This dress looks amazing! I love the shape, the fabric pattern really works – and well done with the matching 🙂
I’m so glad I found the fabric, I’ve still got a little bit so I might manage to squeeze out a sundress…
if that’s what you can create while jet-lagged, the rest of us are in trouble! that dress is fantastic! i soooo love the contrast panels. stealing that idea soon!
Steal away! A little bit of colour blocking is very flattering (and with major curves in the princess seams and a big pattern – it made sense!)
Wow! This is gorgeous, and I love the fabric.
Fabric is to die for. I just wish I had got some more in different patterns and colours!
The dress came out just beautifully! The fabric is gorgeous and you did SUCH a fantastic job of lining up the pattern along the back seam. “Seamless!” #GBSB judges would be proud. 🙂
I’m just wishing I could be on the Aussie version of that show if it ever comes ‘down under’.
Love it! You really came back with the best of London. Cotton, that is a joy to sew, endless pattern and colour variations and generous amounts for little money. Liberty print is all right and all that, but boy, is it expensive and generally needs lining. It’s a pleasure to see your dress.
I love cotton, probably my favourite fabric and definitely the most practical for my climate. Liberty is lovely but the prints are not really ‘me’. Whereas this crazy vibrant stuff feels just right!
This looks amazing on you! The pattern matching on back is simply perfect!
Thanks Sarah – I admit I feel pretty fancy in it!
Wow, this is so stunning! You look amazing!
Shucks – thanks gorgeous girl!
wow…just, well, wow…with added wow to follow
LOL – thank you!
That dress is absolutely stunning. You look gorgeous!
Can’t wait to wear it!
What awesome fabric! This dress is just perfect. I love the block colour panels on the bodice. And welcome home!
I think I need more colour-blocking in my life… it’s nice to be home – I missed my little people.
That fabric is absolutely gorgeous. I love your contrasting side panels too. Stunning dress!
thank you!
Wow, Wow, Wow!! I adore your fabric – and with the panels & modified pattern, that is an amazing dress that looks incredible on you! And it’s crossed contents in its inspiration and creation – Love!
..continents – ‘sigh’ spell check 😉
You have a good eye for matching fabric to the perfect pattern. I must say, “you’ve outdone yourself”. If I had your figure I’d run around naked with a smile on my face, but if you MUST wear clothes, that dress is a stunner on you.
My husband thinks your idea is very sensible 😉
It is such a lovely dress!
thank you!
This is what you accomplish jet lagged?! It’s fabulous!
sometimes when you think less, things work out better!
Spectacular in every way … spectacular fabric, spectacular style and spectacular on you!!!
thank you! I was very happy sewing it up as it started to take shape!
An absolutely spectacular use of fabric! You look amazing.
Thank you Melizza… now I just need a fancy event.
That fabric has some serious personality – I love it! And it’s wonderfully put to work with this pattern. You look a million bucks!
I’m off to buy a lotto ticket then!
Gorgeous! I much prefer that skirt than the hugely exaggerated tulip skirt on the Elisalex. Good thinking to combine the two patterns!
Thank you ma’am!
Totally stunning! What a knockout!! I’ve never seen this pattern mix up, it is divine! And that fabric, so perfect. Great dress!
Rachel made up one in stretch fabric – which is a brilliant idea! http://houseofpinheiro.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/elisalot-pokadot-dress-byhandlondon.html
This is some seriously rad fabric- I really love the contrast panels- it makes the bodice pop. Love your work! 😀 😀
I wish I had got tons more of this type of fabric, the patterns and colours are just knockout stuff. Loved them all.
Very lovely Lizzy!! That fabric is beeyootiful 🙂
It’s pretty special isn’t it! I LOVE blue.
Ditto to all the comments so far: Lizzy, you’ve outdone yourself. I’m so proud of you!
As someone else said, if that’s what you are capable of with jetlag… wow!
I just had it in my head when I got the fabric. Which made the whole process a joy!
Wow! You were already gorgeous, but that dress….wow!
Awww thank you xox
This is beautiful! It works just as well with the straight skirt than it does with the tulip skirt. And the fabric is gorgeous. Brixton has been added to my list of destinations for my next London trip 🙂
It’s an interesting little place – make sure you have a burger at Honest Burgers in the market – they are sooooo tasty!
I’m sure many people have already said this but that is BEAUTIFUL!
LOL thank you!
I love this soooooo much! That fabric is amazing, perfect for the pattern. You look absolutely stunning! (as usual 🙂 )
Thank you – still loving your Elisalex versions!
Jaw dropping! The fabric works so well with this pattern, & I love that you were brave enough to mix in the brocade side panels. It looks great.
I thought about using plain black sateen but decided to throw caution to the wind. I’m super happy with the result.
This is absolutely gorgeous on you. I LOVE the back- that neckline drop is very feminine and flattering. Really a wonderful make! And welcome home! I am sure your trip was marvelous! ~Laurie
The back is just fabulous isn’t it. I would really like to make this up a LBD. I think it would be perfect.
Fabulous dress, you did a fantastic job!
Thank you!
How lovely that hideous ket lag can’t keep you from making such a lovely lovely dress. Thank you for making this without the tulip skirt which is a shape I can’t wear either. Sigh.
And the back and the fabric and the neckline and the side panels. Just gorgeous. Can’t see any gaping either.
Oh and I shall look up “scrawny upper back alteration” in My Book shortly ….. lol.
I think the fabric really makes this dress sing. That said, I think it would make a perfect little black dress….
Oh yep….. t’would. How’s the jet lag?
All good now. The first four days were a little hard but it’s all good now… I’m just dealing with ‘back to work’ lag!
Oh yes I forgot about work. Smile and nod. Smile and nod, while you look at your email inbox eh?
There has been a lot of deleting going on!
Love this.
looks great on you! and love love the fabric:)
Um, WHOA. This is AMAZING. You look hot hot hot, and the dress is too fab!!!!!
Thanks 😉
Gorgeous! You did a beautiful job 🙂
Thank you Carolyn!
Oh my! Strikin’ ain’t the word, lady! That is a jaw-dropping hot dress! Totally agree how versatile that pattern is in terms of skirts and sleeves. I have more planned when I have more sleep time to steal! Thanks for the lovely mention xxx
Thanks ma’am! I agree, it’s one of those patterns you want to play with. I still love the Lex skirt and been toying with the idea of creating a mini slimmed down tulip…
Such a stunning dress! Beautiful job!
Thank you. I’m really happy with it!
Oh Lizzy this is smashing, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Thank you! Lovely to hear from the queen of African fabrics!
How did I miss this? What an amazing use of this fabric and I love how you mixed the two patterns. Probably what I would do if I made any of the By Hand patterns. You’re gorgeous in your tshirts and gorgeous in your dresses. xx
Thank you! Perhaps you got all blue’d out by yet another blue make by me!
hahaha. unlikely. Until I saw your palette, I hadn’t really thought of you as making only blue garments. 🙂
I’m happy being part of the ‘blue rinse’ set – I do break out in some black, pink & red. I guess I just know what I like!
Wow this dress is well H.O.T and super stunning! What an amazing version and loved that you combined the different skirt and bodice and the colour blocking wow!!
Awww shucks *blush*
LIZZY I bloody love this!! Feel very honoured that you used some of your London fabric loot to make this franken-dress from our patterns. It really really suits your figure and I hope you’re gonna have a chance to show it off sometime soon!
I just found your blog on bloglovin…it’s my 1st time here! I love this dress, I think the fit is beautiful on you! Your fabric choices are immaculate…this is an amazing dress!
Thank you so much. I usually think long and hard about what fabric to put with what pattern so that’s a lovely comment to receive!
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I love the african fabric. It’s gorgeous as a fitted dress.
I’ve been looking for a piece myself. Know of anyone who sells African Wax Fabrics in the US?
I think your best bet is eBay or etsy. I’m seriously annoyed with myself for not buying tons of it while I was in London. I’m an idiot!
I don’t know why I have only just seen this! This dress is really awesome. You look fantastic xx
Thanks x I have been slapping myself for not buying more wax fabric in London *face palm* fortunately found an Etsy trader with some! Love this dress bodice. It’s fabulous
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