Hey! I finally got some pictures of finished projects! These are actually my most recent sewing.  I don’t know how I came to choose this project.  Was it because of my grandmother’s birthday party? (She just turned 100!!!! We’ll be celebrating her this Summer.)  Or was it 7 Pine Design’s review of the pattern? (She does gorgeous technical reviews and if she gives a pattern her seal of approval, I know I’ll be getting a quality product.) Whatever it is, I bought the pattern: Chalk and Notch Cascade Maxi Dress. And then I bought some Cotton and Steel rayon. A lot of it. This pattern is seriously fabric hungry.

It looks so simple. Spaghetti straps, no ruffles, no flounces, no complex seaming. Just a small pleat in the front. It hangs loose and comfortable in the heat.

But then it has this huge sweep. As soon as they twirl, run, or even just stand in the wind, it goes dramatic. And cool. There’s nothing more refreshing than a long skirt that amplifies the breeze. (Okay, so maybe the breeze amplification isn’t actually true but that’s how it feels to me.)

I replaced the straps with lace trim just for a slightly fancier style.

I also made sure the hi-lo hem was short. I don’t want the girls tripping over the dress and I don’t want the back hem dragging on the ground getting ratty. These dresses may be for their great grandmother’s birthday but I want them to be worn often!

V got a straight size 4 and E got a size 6 lengthened to an 8 and then shortened again because it was dragging on the floor. So probably a straight size 6 in the end. I love how the dress sits very snug at the chest level but is relatively easy to take on and off. Crossed straps are always going to be an adventure in getting dressed, especially with this much fabric to wrangle, but the ease is there to get it done.

The rayon was a bit floppy and slippery to work with but lots of pins got it done.

And now, I need to get my dress done.  And pictures taken of all my projects. Think I’ll manage? Hopefully, the weather cools down a little because I have no desire to model a wool shawl in 90F/30C weather. Side note: what happened to Spring?

About deuxsouriceaux

Creative mommy at home to two wonderful little girls, trying to juggle family, sewing, exercise, family, knitting, photography, and did I mention family?