Just Pretend It Isn’t Rumpled, Okay?

I’d been wearing it all day by the time we got around to taking pictures…

This is the dress I made for Mamie’s 100th birthday party. I don’t tend to make mommy and me outfits but my girls love coordinating their outfits to mine while keeping to their own style. So if I’m wearing jeans and a striped top, they might wear leggings and a striped T-shirt. It isn’t every single day but they almost always do it on special occasions. So I decided to make myself a dress that went with theirs.

(Pic of their dress for reference.)

Ever since I made the Victory Patterns Simone top last year, I’ve wanted to make the dress version. The high-low hem, the pleats, and the flowiness call back to the girls’ dress without being identical. I used the floral rayon on contrast panel and tab and a navy linen-tencel blend (Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend).

I went one size up from last year because that top was just a bit too tight. Sewing it up was easy this time. I remembered that the seam allowance between panel and dress was only 3/8″ and it fit together quite well. Obviously, sewing such a massive curve and point is never going to be easy but with care, I was able to get it right.

I didn’t modify the pattern at all and I’m quite happy with the fit. If you compare my pictures to those on the website, you’ll see that it’s quite a bit longer on me than on the model. I’m happy with the length on me though.

If I were to change one thing, it would be to make the armhole a little bit higher in front. If the dress isn’t placed just so, I can see a bit of my bra at the sides. It isn’t very noticeable. In fact, I think I’m the only one who ever saw it.

Oh, and in the future, I would use a stiffer fabric for the contrast panel or at least some heavier interfacing. It tends to fall a little. I’ve remedied the problem with starch. I did two applications of spray starch before ironing the panel and it makes a huge difference. I’ll have to do it after every wash.

The dress is super comfortable. It follows my curves just right without clinging and I get all the space I need to eat a big meal (very very important when going to a family celebration in France). I wore it with low heels for the party but it works with flats as well. If it didn’t require a racerback bra, I’d wear it way more (my one appropriate bra isn’t as comfortable as the dress; it probably isn’t quite the right size).

Posting this dress is making me miss sewing so much! I’ve been spinning, knitting, and weaving (am trying to finish my little tapestry before showing it!) but the ideas swirling in my head are for sewing. What do you do when you can’t sew?

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?