I finished this dress a couple weeks ago, and finally got to wear it yesterday! Jeff and I went for a little day trip up to Hudson, NY, to do some antiquing. It was a gorgeous day.
The pattern I started with is Butterick 4443, one of those patterns that's been around so long that it's easy to overlook. It's a great basic with a boat neck, princess seams, and flared skirt.
It runs big, so I definitely recommend making a muslin for this one. I made a 14 and ended up sizing down to a 12, and still removing some bodice ease.
I used a really pretty cotton/rayon brocade that was surprisingly tricky to work with.
It has a crinkle texture that has a mind of its own, and a heavy-ish drape that makes it slip and slide off grain easily. The bias portions of the skirt expanded a good 4" when I let it hang over night! I had to do a lot of evening up.
The fabric is reversible, so I made use of the wrong side on some added pockets and an applied waistband.
The pockets are self-lined and then folded down to reveal the inside. I stitched them on by hand with embroidery thread and then added a decorative button.
A few inside details. I lined the top in radiance sateen, which is a lovely silk/cotton blend that feels great against the skin. The skirt is lined in white silk crepe de chine.
I added a facing to the neckline, serged the bottom of the facing, and then edgestitched it to the lining.
The armholes are finished with purchased bias tape that is stitched by hand to the lining on the inside. It's kind of like a mini facing.
I can see myself wearing this one a lot this summer!
P.S. At your request, I recorded another uke video! Ever want to see a pink-haired soprano sing Folsom Prison Blues in her nightie in her sewing room?
P.P.S. I got more stock of some of the fabrics that sold out last week:
You request, I comply! I am actually terrified to share this, but I'm going to anyway. Don't judge too harshly--I'm working on my singing and have only played the uke for 6 months, I'm insecure, it was taken on a phone, blah blah, etc. Here is the recital where I wore my tulle hand-dyed ombre dress. I think it looked nice on stage, don't you?
Here are some windy-day photos taken in the back yard as well.
P.S. The loud YAYYYY! you hear at the end is Jeff. So cute!
P.P.S. More new fabrics in my shop today!
