I'm finding that being busy does not cut down dramatically on my crafting time. I need to craft to stay sane, so I find a way to work it in. Busyness does prevent me from taking photos of my crafted items, which of course affects my blogging. I finally made it outside to take some photos of two dresses I finished.
Both dresses are Vogue 8553. I'm finding it nice to make a pattern twice in a row, because the second time the dress comes together so much more quickly.
The fabric is a cotton-blend knit that I bought online, but it seems that I no longer have a record of where I got it from. The dress came together easily. It has some details to it, such as gathering in the front and back and pleats along the skirt. I was afraid that it might be difficult to put in the front and neck bands, but they went together easily.
The dress is comfortable and swingy. (Swingy is a plus in my book.) It made me brave enough to cut out the pattern in some purple knit fabric I had been saving for almost a year.
This fabric is from Mood, of Project Runway fame. The store was really fun and they had so much fabric! This dark purple fabric is soft and slinky, and I was saving it for something that I knew would be a success.
Several co-workers complimented me on the dress this week, and were surprised to hear that I had made it. I took that as a big compliment, since they all know that I sew.
So yay, two more very wearable dresses. I'm feeling a chill in the air now, and I think fall will be here soon. Perhaps this year I will overcome my cool-weather sewing slump and make some dresses with sleeves!
I want to make this dress now!
Posted by: Nikki D. | September 09, 2010 at 09:37 PM
Of course they complimented you! The dresses are gorgeous! I absolutely love the purple one, I think the color allows the details to be seen very clearly.
Posted by: grumperina | September 10, 2010 at 08:42 AM
Gorgeous - looks like it would be very easy to move and work in, too.
As for sleeves, isn't that what cardigans are for?
Posted by: Ruth | September 10, 2010 at 10:09 AM
I also wish to make that dress! That site you pointed us to is selling the pattern at a great price.
Posted by: betty | September 10, 2010 at 06:10 PM
I second just about everything you said about busyness and crafting and blogging.
I love both of these dresses, and I would like to make a one myself. I also second what you said about making a pattern more than once. I'm refining a skirt pattern, and every time it goes together more quickly than the last!
Posted by: Meg | September 16, 2010 at 10:17 PM