Happy Friday! To the question, “Just how many grey dresses do you need?” I respond, “You can never have too many grey dresses”. This is dress “q” from the book that I’m giving away (there’s still time!), and it’s unusual in that it is fully-lined. Most Japanese patterns do away with linings for some reason, and it’s always been a mystery to me.
This is the same charcoal chambray I used for my first Tova, and for this somewhat vintage-y dress, I cut the size 11 without any modifications. It looks pretty good from the front, right? Love that pleat detail. Like the pleat, the subtle gathering of the sleeves surprised me. The pleat and gathers really don’t show up much in the book’s photo.
The front may look decent, but the back tells another story. I obviously need to add a few inches to widen the bodice, and I seriously thought K wouldn’t be able to pull the zipper up. Said zipper is straining mightily as you can see, and there’s a bit of digging happening under the armpits.
The tight bodice does keep everything tucked in nice and secure though. This is what floating in nothingness in a too-snug frock looks like:
And really, if I’m able to nimbly dodge an on-coming, crawling-at-the-speed-of-light kid, I’d say this dress is more than adequate in the fit department.
(I need to point out that it was school pictures yesterday and she managed to find the two things that I haven’t sewn to wear – sigh. They’re from a couple of years ago…).
So I’m trying something new. For almost two years, I have been diligently posting pretty much every week day, and I’ve been loving it. Sometimes, however, I think it’s important to take a break and I’m going to do just that. I’m taking all of next week off to spend spring break with K (M has to work all week) and to get going on my piling non-blog to-do list. I have been trying to sew for KCW and I’ll share some outfits when I get back!
Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you back here on the 21st, when I will announce the giveaway winners! In the meantime, I’ll keep it open. I love all the comments!! I can’t believe I didn’t include reading as part of my list of things I’d never get bored of. Some of you asked some questions, and I’ll address them either directly as an email or as a post, depending on the question. Stay tuned.
Have a good one all!
Though a week off will be weird
It’s time to recharge
The camera caught me blowing a kiss to K…
marisa says
It looks great, Sanae, and I love that fabric. Nice shoes, too 🙂
sanae says
Thanks Marisa!! I’m almost all done with this awesome chambray – so sad! I do, however, have a mountain of blue denim-look chambray…
EmSewCrazy says
Lovely dress! Have fun on your blogcation! I hope you get loads accomplished and feel recharged!
sanae says
Thanks, Em, I plan on hugging my little girl a lot and I have high hopes that I’ll make a dent in my crazy list!! 🙂
greta clark says
I love this dress! Have a great spring break!
sanae says
Thank you so much, Greta! I’m kind of excited to take a whole week off of blogging, though I know I’ll end up missing it because it’s such an ingrained habit to get my posts ready 🙂
Beccy says
Enjoy your bloggy break and time with you kiddo!!!!
sanae says
Thanks, Beccy!! Will do!! 🙂
Tracy King says
Great dress Sanae! I like that it’s a bit tailored, it looks more grown up and business like. I am also glad that you stick up for grey. I am a black kinda person and I can never have too many black jeans, sweaters, t-shirts or dresses. For some reason I just never tried grey, I don’t think I own one grey item!!! Happy Spring to you and the family (if it’s there). We have a river running through our backyard and no it’s not supposed to be there.
sanae says
I will stick up for grey through thick and thin, Tracy 🙂 I’m a big fan of black too. Hope the river situation is under control — Happy Spring to you too!
Lucinda says
Just ending my own spring break (thus the radio silence), and think that taking a mini-break is a great idea for you and K. Though you will certainly be missed:)
I love your interpretation of that dress – the picture in the book really didn’t grab me until I saw the version you made! Love that skirt pleat – a great detail that really does show up better in the grey. I hope you find this becoming a real staple in your wardrobe – you look fabulous in it!
Hope your week with K is relaxing and filled with fun memories. Looking forward to seeing your KCW sewing when you return:)
sanae says
Thanks, Lucinda! Alas, no true KCW sewing happened, but I do have some post-KCW sewing to share 🙂 The grey dress is a good neutral, and I have a feeling it’ll get worn a lot in the fall with cardis!
Ute says
There can never be too many grey dresses! It is a beautiful dress and I love how fitted it is. You floating in nothingness had me laugh out loud! Have a wonderful week – which I am sure will be filled with fun adventures with K. Looking forward to seeing you back here! Happy Easter!
sanae says
Thank you, Ute! Happy Easter to you, and I’m ready to get back into my regular blogging routine. I really really love it. I was originally planning on photohopping a fake background (Paris, for example), but I couldn’t find any good background images so I left it as is since it made me laugh too 🙂
Alana says
I will miss you this week, but enjoy the time with K! I do love that you post daily, but take it easy on yourself 🙂
sanae says
Aw, thanks Alana! I have many thoughts from taking the break and hope to share them soon!
erin says
eeek! I love this! looks like it really does fit you well. you are one beautiful mama, and those shoes are the cutest…. I feel like I’ve commented on them before maybe? dansko??
sanae says
Man, you’re making me turn all sorts of blushing shades Erin! Thank you! The shoes are from the “chocolate” brand, which I’ve actually never heard of, but got them from this cute little shop in the neighborhood eons ago. Super comfy!
Alexandra Audrey says
It looks beautiful on you. A more tailored look but still relaxed. Have a wonderful break! I look forward to seeing your KCW projects.
sanae says
Thanks so much, Alexandra! I have some post-KCW sewing projects lined up, but I ended up having zero time during actual KCW for extra sewing, which made me sad. I’m a staunch supporter of KCW!