I fell in love with this fabric, and was happy to finally find a pattern where I could use the coordinating prints without it being too cutesy. I think it helps that the one on the left is geometric and not so girly.
Sidenote - do we have any thoughts about that jacket? I can't tell if I should try to make it up or not.
According to my records, I bought 3 yards of each fabric for $2.92/yard. I’m pretty sure that’s not right, though, because I nearly ran out of fabric, and the pattern doesn’t call for that much. The back of the bodice is only half lined, and there’s a seam in the pockets where I had to piece the fabric together. That’s not to say I don’t have any fabric left over, but it’s small pieces.
The mock-up.
And the finished result….
That looks exactly like the mock-up! Fabulous! It was the mock-up that got me excited about this dress in the first place, as I was iffy about it until then.
helped me fit this one, and she did a great job, despite the difficulties that were involved. There’s a side zipper, so there was only one side to fit, and there’s elastic at the top of the back bodice, which just messes with pinning. Still, she got it pinned perfectly and it fits very well.
Back tie, elastic at the top of the bodice.
How about some close-ups?
The bodice is fully lined, which this fabric totally doesn't need but could be useful if your fabric was lighter weight. (This stuff is pretty stiff still, even after a few washings. I'm still hoping it will loosen up as time goes on.) The bummer with the fully-lined bodice is that the inside is an exact replica, so I basically made the bodice twice. I'm pretty pleased with how the pleats turned out, and that center seam. I had a bit of puckering where one of the straps attaches to the neckline, but it's barely noticeable.
The waistband is done in pintucks, which is a cute design element, even if it's not terribly visible in this fabric. I like the sturdiness that it adds to the area. It's also lined, though with just a straight rectangle of fabric (no pintucks). I think there was supposed to be interfacing, but I've stopped using that, and this really doesn't need it. I like the box pleats that attach the skirt to the waistband - they add some nice roominess without the bulk of gathers.
Bonus - pockets! They're generously sized, and because the fabric is a bit stiff, I can hide a lot of things in them and you'd never know. I was afraid that this style of dress wouldn't be very flattering (with the higher waist), and it was a distinct possibility that we'd have a hard time getting the bust to fit, but it didn't turn out too bad in the end. It's a very comfortable style for summer, and I think makes up for the styling that slightly emphasizes the pear shape.
I wore a knit shrug with it, so that it’s warm enough for work. My green sandals and a pair of self-made earrings completed the outfit (I hadn’t actually finished getting ready for work when I took these pictures – I did my hair and put on jewelry after these shots). Do I need to make a necklace to coordinate, or would be too much?
This might be my second-favorite of the 5 dresses I made while off work. Compliments have already been given, too, which is nice.
I love this one!!!!! It looks great on you. Maybe just green earrings are enough? With such busy prints I don’t think you “need” a necklace. Good job done!
Thanks!