BWOF 11-2008-118 - Large print green shift

Yes, this is me, in the dead of winter, standing outside in a mini-dress I just got done making. I'll bet you're wondering if I'm about to jet off to Hawaii or some such tropical island like Dawn. Um, unfortunately not. This dress is featured in the magazine with tights and a long sleeve shirt underneath, which I thought totally chic. But when I tried my version on with the same accessories, it didn't look too cute. This is still a mystery to me. Perhaps the fabric pattern I chose has too much black? Anyway, I've decided to wear it for a short 'n' sassy summer date dress instead.

Justin said, "That dress makes your legs look... white!" Yes, thank you dear, it is the middle of January and I've not had a chance to work on my tan lately. I'll forgive you if you need to put on some shades. This little sheath looks deceptively simple, but of course I had to have some problems with it. The binding around the neck was super saggy and at first the length was to my calves. Very dowdy. Because of that, I think I was a bit over zealous with trimming the length and it ended up a little short. Oh well, Texas summers are known to be hot.

I got this fabric from Denver fabrics for $4.75 a yard (they still have some) so in using 1.5 yards the total sum was under $8.00. Woo hoo! I love inexpensive good quality garments. I thought this big print would look great with this pattern and I've been on a green kick lately. I did spend several hours cutting it out so I could match up the pattern on the sleeve and dress sides.


It's a bit hard to see but the lines of the reglan sleeves are curved in and very unique. You can see that here in the neckline close-up:

I did my typical french seams for the sides and sleeves. Bias tape was used where the sleeves meet the dress and I got to use my double needle for the first time at the hems. So there is that exposed raw edge at the hem but I'm just going to have to live with it. I slip-stitched the neck binding down as well.

Here's me a few days ago not too happy with the outcome. I actually did a post for this dress last Wednesday. Did you catch it? Right after I blogged I had an epiphany of what accessories to pair it with and now I actually do like it. Ug, these shoes, not my favorite.

Here's the magazine picture. I really think my pattern had too much black so, combined with more black in the shirt and tights, it was not quite as chic as this rendition:

Drawing:
And finally I would like to thank Cennetta and Kathy for nominating me for this blogger award. I'm flattered that you take the time to follow what I'm working on and make such appreciated comments. Thank you, thank you.