I got a wild hair to make a dress in one day. No real reason, just a mini goal I set for myself, something fresh to wear to a Lenny gig on Saturday night. I wanted to do something with the charmeuse that my failing memory had sworn was zebra print but was instead sort of a huge jagged flower (It may even be a peony!). You’ll see the print–you figure it out.
The Peony muslin I made back in October had a nice fit and I wore it a ton, so, pattern pieces at the ready, off I went cutting my charmeuse. Everything went smoothly, except for breaking the zipper (I’ll spare you the gory details of that idiocy.), which required installation of a whole new one. This move lost me almost an inch of fabric that I didn’t have to spare, because heaven forbid I seam rip. I just cut the old zipper out.
The thing about this fabric is that is has no give. I forgot that the cotton I used for the muslin was sort of stretchy, so this new dress that I thought would be an identical fit just wasn’t. (The zipper debacle didn’t help either.) I do like that I lengthened the sleeves from 3/4 to full length, but I seriously need to do an FBA on this puppy.
I love my ivy.
Showing off the bateau neck.
I did make it to the gig, barely, so I actually wore it in public, but it really isn’t too flattering. Although it actually looks okay in these photos, I probably won’t wear it out much without a cardi or blazer.
While I’m at it, here’s the Peony muslin that I wore the heck out of this fall but never photographed.
Showing off the pockets, but ended up showing off too much. I am a lady, I am.
New hat!
Overall, not a waste of a day. And guess what, I made a whole ‘nother dress on Sunday. Hint: grrr, rrreeerrrr, roar. To be continued…
Bonus!!! I made the Dr. Brian and Friends cover photo!! In my new dress!
Like ‘em on Facebook (My Lenny is in the orange hat)
It’s pretty, but definitely more formal looking in the charmeuse. I like the muslin one a lot- it definitely works better as an any day dress.
Thanks. Yeah, the muslin I’ve worn to all different events, but I’m not sure where I’ll wear the new one. Can’t wait to have an excuse to try it out.
I love it! There is such a sense of accomplishment when you finish a dress. And I bet with the goal of finishing in one day, it keeps you focused. They are both great but I really love how casual the floral one looks on you!
Thanks. Who knows where I got the notion to do that, but it was fun.
I like the charmeuse dress a lot and I love the floral one.
Thank you!! I enjoy that they’re the same pattern but such different dresses.
Love the hat/dress combo, I don’t know what it is, I also feel like dressing up all my outfits with matching hats.
Thanks! Always nice to hear from a fellow hat lady. I can never get enough hats these days. It’s no fun doing a blog post without one.
Both are sooo pretty! I really love the red floral one, I was actually just planning to make a red peony this week too. I think I’ll include the sleeves on mine since yours look so good
You would rock the hell out of a Peony. AND you would pick out the best shoes/boots to go with it!
This is such a great style on you! Love it!
Thanks a bunch, Sonja!!
I think it´s lovely, as is the one you made before. Love reading your posts, you story-telling is very enterteining!
Thanks, Merche. You’re always so nice. I always worry that my stories are boring.
I did have fun with these dresses, and can’t wait to have an excuse to wear them again.
I love these on you- such a fab shape and oh, you have something fun coming up? I’m all ears and a tail!
Thanks, Anne!! I’m enjoying my growing Peony garden. Can’t wait to reveal my Sunday make. I seriously need a photographer on call. Lenny is way too busy for my liking these days. I need to train the cats or something.
I love both of them! I had the hardest time with this pattern, I’m glad it worked for someone. Also, and hopefully this doesn’t come across as to creep-tastic, you have great legs!
Thanks so much for the nice compliment!!! Not creepy at all. You’re so sweet. I absolutely love your creations and your beautiful photographs, so your feedback means a lot. There are definitely quirks here and there with the fitting of this pattern, but overall it’s tweakable and simple and pretty. A keeper for sure.
Both dresses are very cute. I really like the black and purple fabric. I have yet to make this cute pattern but you are convincing me to pull it out from the basket…
Thanks. It’s a good, solid pattern. I love that it has front and back darts. Gives it a nice shape. I can see myself trying it in a few more fabrics before I file it away. Definitely give it a go.
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This is such a fantastic style on you! Love both versions, especially the floral one!