This is how I pictured I would look during Jungle January
And this is the reality
Because the fabric I had originally intended to use was more flora than fauna, and I didn’t have enough shiny blue-green zebra to make a dress.
Animal print lover that I am, I just wasn’t happy with my contribution. Our fearless jungle guide Anne deserves better than that. Since fortunately(!!) I didn’t do anything foolish like make a stashbusting pledge I was able to visit my favorite website Fabric Mart and try out some scrumptious animal ITY knit.
It’s the same pattern as my first FO of the year, a McCalls 5974, which I adore. I learned from a few previous fitting issues and extended the bodice, so now it’s more normal-to-drop waist than empire. I absolutely lurve it. I also lengthened the length (hope you can keep up with my technical terms) to make it more wintery and flowy, and also managed not to hack up the sleeves.
I got to wear it to a party over the weekend, where more than one person said I look “like a singer”, which I totally took as a compliment.
I definitely have a new TNT on my hands, and lots of knits to play with. Maybe I’ll even make a version with the ties, or try a different sleeve length or neckline. The possibilities are endless. You really have to get this pattern.
So while I’m no Velosewer, who has made about 87 wild and gorgeous jungle garments, I’m very happy that I forged my way into the wild one more time before the end of the month.
Thanks a million, Anne, for hosting this epic month of creativity.
This roar’s for you!!
Love it! I think we all get such visions in our heads of looking so posh & chic, then actually look in the mirror & go oh, perhaps not quite haute couture. Hah, this happens probably every week for me!
Dear Cuckoo or Cuckoo Dear, You and your rrroarrrs are fab. Love the fabrics and designs you create with. I am soo impressed with your gumshun…you actually finish the projects you start, and those same day bolt to body beauts are awesome! You are an inspiration dahling!
Oh yes!!! The extra length looks great! As do you!!
Thanks so much!! Yours is still my very favorite 5974. That gorgeous black and white print is so classy!
Love it! It’s modest but sexy. Not sure how you even did that!
Love those happy sewing accidents! Thanks!
You know how I like your hemlines hitting the right place to show your awesome legs but not too much…well, I might have change my mind because this lenght looks also very good on you. Lovely!
You look so lovely! Feline becomes you, baby!
Meow. You’re such an animal enabler. Shameless, really.
This dress is too cool for words! I am in love.
Thanks so much, Marrie!! I’m in love too. It’s really helping me survive the winter.
Gorgeous! And I agree – you look like a singer while wearing it, which is a total compliment.
Heehee. Thanks. I even did sing a little in it. After a few vodkas, I decided that the band needed a backup singer. Oops.
You can definitely rock an animal print!!!
The jungle prints look awesome on you! Do it more! Do it more!
Oh, I will–look out for way too much prowlin’ and growlin’. Thanks, Leila!!
LOL you are hilarious. The dress is stunning btw, looks amazing with boots! Jungle January also made me realize I really, really, really need a leopard print skirt. Colette Ginger maybe?
Ooh, a leopard Ginger would be so cute. Totally do it!! I’m still in awe of your Chantilly.
Cool dress! I can easily see why someone thought you looked like a singer.
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