Embellishing with Grommets & Eyelets | How WE Do It!

12:00 AM

I've been embellishing garments with eyelets for a while now, and I thought it would look really cool and interesting to play with larger sizes. And while we're here, are eyelets and grommets the same thing? I had to do research and this is the article that I found.
So basically, I guess you can say that the two terms can be use interchangeably depending on what they're being used for.
I was inspired by the Ellery Utopian V-Neck Dress. For my version, I needed to make some adjustments to the style to make it work for me.
My starting point for this look was Simplicity 8094, view C.  I cut the size 12. 
I changed the neckline into a v-neck. I kept it low enough to have some nice décolletage, but without the possible nip-slippage plunging neckline. 
Here is how I finished the neckline with seam binding.

On the original dress, the sides are completely open exposing lots of side-boobage with laces holding the sides together. I'm not a prude by any means, nor am I uncomfortable with the condition of my 45 year old body. I work HARD maintaining. But since this is just something I wanted to wear and not for a special sexy-night-out occasion, I needed for mine to be "bra-friendly", so I stitched the sides right below the horizontal bust darts.
With that adjustment, I only needed to add two sets of eyelets on each side.
My fabric is a white ponte knit.  I also used 1/2" wide single fold bias tape.  My grommets are from Joanns.  These were extremely quick and easy because there were no special tools needed or hammering.
And also, this View C of Simplicity 8094 is long! So if you're not as tall as me, you may want to take that into consideration. It measures approximately 56" from the base of the neck. I wore the tunic over my New Look 6459.
I made this little tunic dress for Mikaela so that she would have cute little dresses to take back to school with her this fall. It's so short and so cute and the perfect length for long-legged sassy 19 year old (her birthday is Friday!).
This dress was inspired by the BCBG Max Azria Tonya Lace-Up Tunic Dress.
I used New Look 6803, View D.
I cut the smallest size and it was fine right out of the envelope.  The only changes I made was the addition of the large eyelets and the ties.
It's so amazing how the eyelets can give the garment an entirely different look.
Such a perfect minimal look. Only thing needed is earrings and strappy sandals!

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48 comments

  1. Gorgeous pieces, I want them all :)

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  2. Oh Erica. These are stunning and you are stunning!
    This summer I have seeñ so many off the shoulder tops, as you predicted, and today on TV I saw a presenter wearing the cropped trench jacket I saw you making a while back. Can you tell me your predictions for trends this autumn please??
    In awe and admiration xx

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    Replies
    1. I'll be doing Fall trend posting next month. Thanks Ann!

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  3. These pieces look awesome. Thanks for sharing the tips on eyelets/grommets. The finish and embellishments are what really makes a garment "designer" I think. Speaking of finish - would you consider a tutorial on the neckline finish? For knits I'm stuck in the same old neckband rut and this looks so much better.

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous!

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  5. Both pieces are great!

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  6. Both pieces are so chic. You two look amazing in them! I'm dying to experiment with large grommets now.

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  7. I really like both pieces. One is grown and sexy and one is young and sassy! Both are terrific!

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  8. I second that neckline finish...wow:) Tutorial please!! Beautiful dresses!!

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  9. Wow Erica, both of these are amazing! Feeling so inspired :) X

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  10. Both looks are very classy! I love the long tunic, and the short dress is so cute on your beautiful daughter. Your creations are always so nice!

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  11. I agree all the other commenters that your looks are gorgeous. I have always admired your attention to details.

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  12. Both ensembles are beautiful. Love those grommets...they add a fun touch.

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  13. Love how you embellished both garments. Very nice.

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  14. I just love the idea for your long tunic! It's original and a standout design. Mikaelas is very cute but then again she would look cute in a paper sack I bet. ;)

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    1. At 19 years old, in anything! Thanks Ines!

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  15. Thank you Erica,

    Summer has just walked into view!
    You both look fabulous in your outfits. Thank you for sharing what is in fashion at the moment.
    Happy Birthday to your darling daughter, best regards for Friday Mikaela.

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  16. Erica,
    Just coming back to ask, do you have any hints and tips for sewing with Ponte di Roma. I am just starting out on sewing with this fabric for the first time and want to make a good job of the dress.
    Many thanks. Marysia.

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    1. It's such a stable knit that it's so easy to handle. It's my favorite one to work with. Just use a ballpoint needle.

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  17. SO classy and just the right amount of sexy! Mikaela's dress is adorable. She's such a beautiful young woman.

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    1. Thanks Pam! I still can't believe how grown up my tiny girl is now!

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  18. Both of these are so cute! Love them both.

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  19. I don't usually leave comments but I had to tell you these looks are so well done! You do fantastic work, thank you for always providing such inspiring content.

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  20. Both looks are AH-MAZ-ING!!!!
    They are spot on to the inspiration looks! Love them both!
    Ruqayyah (ReDpants Designs)

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  21. Love both looks - where can we buy gommets online?

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    1. I'm not sure. But you should check M&J trimmings or Pacific Trimming. Thanks Gail!

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  22. I love the whole grommet turned, and you did a great job, and you're so lucky to find the grommets with out the hammering! smart idea!

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  23. Both are gorgeous garments and right on trend. Nicely done.
    Just last Saturday I was at a thrift store trying on a Valentino dress with front lace up - unfortunately it did not fit.

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