It's finished! I completed my first dress and I love it! I used a fabulous Jennifer Paganelli print from her "Poodle" line called "Tanya" (in mustard). It's an unexpected color combo and a lot of fun! And yes, it is the same fabric used on the front of the pattern. I loved it on the model and couldn't resist.
I love the lines of this dress because it works well for a curvy girl like me. The waist cinches in at my skinniest part and flares out from there. I can dress it up with some heels and a pashmina, or dress it down with a pair of espadrilles and a cardigan. A great addition to my wardrobe!
The pattern itself was pretty easy and came with a ton of instructions. Maybe it's because this is my first dress, but I loved the way the lining of the dress came together in the bodice so you can't see the seams-- they're tucked in between the dress and lining.
Changes I made to the pattern: I used an invisible zipper instead of the standard one recommended in the pattern and I think it worked out really nicely. I also had to take it in a bit in the bodice, but that was easily done and I think the fit is much better than it would have been.
Changes I may make the next time I sew it:
1. the skirt is really full--you take almost 2 yrds of fabric and gather it down to over half that length. I really like the fullness, but I may try to make it a little less full next time.
2. I also saw that some people in the sew-along used coordinating colors and continued the ruched waist around to the back of the dress to give it the look of having a sash. I really like that and think it would be fun to play with.
3. I like the idea of making this into a tunic-- Kim at My Go-Go Life did that and I think the results are too cute!!
All in all, this sew-along was a lot of fun and I really want to find another one to join in with soon!
Coming up, I have a couple of projects. I'll be posting about them on Wednesday for my WIP(work in progress) Wednesdays! Lee has a weekly link up over at her blog Freshly Pieced. I'm excited to link up this week!
No I'm off to start working on my super-secret mother's day project for my mom. Want a hint? Oh, ok... here you go:
