I’m having all sorts of server issues again. As a result, I’ve been dealing with tech support, and I’m incredibly sad that I seem to have lost a few comments – so sorry! Things have been wonky in general, so I’m playing catch up with responding to comments and fixing some backend stuff. It’s Murphy’s law, because I actually had posts prepared early in advance this week, which is something that never happens. Poof, they went, up into the ether. It turns out that procrastination is a handy trait sometimes.
Moving along, this dress should be oh-so-familiar by now. It’s technically not for me, since I dropped it off at Drygoods as a sample a couple of days ago. But I conveniently made it in my size because obviously I needed to see what it would look like on a human form. I had to hold off on all the changes I planned on making (pockets, a lower neckline, possibly short or no sleeves) since I’ll be teaching how to make this from the book. Third time’s the charm, and the dress came together quickly. The underarm parts were still a little persnickety, but I’m pretty comfortable with them now. Info on the class should be up on the Drygoods site next week-ish? There’s a chance we might have to postpone it to March due to some scheduling issues, but we shall see.
This one is my favorite out of the three, and fabric makes all the difference. I used a chambray cotton, and I’m pretty sure it’s some kind of lawn. The drape is so much better compared to the too-heavy linen I used before, and though the silk was lovely, the sleeves puffed out under my arms in a funky, Michelin man way (you can see take one and take two below). Not so with this beautiful thin cotton. Because I took these photos in the waning light of late afternoon, there’s a distinct pink cast to everything, but the color is that classic chambray, utilitarian pale blue. Like vintage workmen’s shirts.
This is a fantastic transitional dress. It’s an effortless, versatile, neutral canvas, and with my beloved “stick a scarf on it,” wardrobe philosophy, it’ll get a lot of wear over many, many seasons (once I get it back from the store). Stay tuned for take four — it will be a transformation!
Love this one. There’s something so special about those little tucks at the back waistline. You don’t see that very often. It’s a nice feminine touch that brings this dress up a notch. And Sanae- you look good! Healthy and all- hope this means you’re on the upswing from so many nasty colds! I’m sure that your class will be fun and a great learning experience. Wish I lived closer to Seattle!
Oh, thanks Gita! The power of soft-focus, right? You can’t see the chaplin ‘stache or the inflamed lips all that well…but I’m definitely feeling a whole lot better!
Yes, this is my favorite of the three as well. The drape and color is spot on. I wanna see take four!!!
It’s so cool how a pattern will fit so differently depending on the fabric – thanks, Venus!
Since discovering your site a couple weeks ago I think I have become addicted. When the site wouldn’t load last night I was feeling desperate!! lol I’m glad you’re up and running again.
I adore both the sewing you do for your daughter and your pieces for yourself! . This dress is wonderful. I’m about to try my first Japanese pattern for myself from one of the Stylish Dress books. If it turns out 1/2 as lovely as yours I’ll be thrilled! Thanks for all the great comments and honest notes about your sewing. You have such a gift for choosing the right fabric for a pattern.
Wow, I’m so flattered, Arlene – thank you!! My blog was down all afternoon and well into the night yesterday, and the chat session I had with the tech support guy was hilarious. I pretty much responded to everything he asked with “…I’m not sure what you’re asking.”
So happy you’ve found my little blog!
as they say, third time’s the charm! my favorite of the bunch too, though I really am enjoying the color of the yellow top:)
Thanks, Lucinda! I’m going to practice at least one more time to really nail the tricky parts, and hopefully I’ll be all ready for my class 🙂
I’m loving your variations on this pattern! This really looks like a true 3-4 season dress, and such a great color.
The color is one of my faves – I love how a single pattern has so much potential for variation! Thanks, Morgan!
Love it! What a great dress. Wish I lived close enough to take the class.
It would be so great if you could take the class, Jane! Oh well. It’s a truly comfortable, easygoing dress!
It’s beautiful! The colour works well on you too, but then again, I’m VERY partial to anything grey or blue-ish 🙂
Me too! Grey, blue, black, white and camel/neutral make up the bulk of my closet!