New project!

A while back I saw a fabulous Anthropologie dress. I found out it was called the River Fade dress. But I discovered it well after it it had been in stores and well after it had been on sale (which is the only way I would have been able to afford it to begin with). I pinned the photo thinking that I could make a dress that was similar. I have been searching for the prefect pattern for months now and nothing had come close... until I found the Cinema Dress from Leisel & Co. It is the closest I have been able to find. Now I have yet to find the fabric that would enable me to replicate the dress from Anthro and make a few alterations to the pattern to match. But I decided that I should go ahead and make up the dress per the pattern. (Well... expect I can't seem to do anything by the exact instructions, whether it is sewing, crafting, or cooking.)

I had a gift card that my aunt sent to me for my birthday, get this, four years ago. It finally came in the mail... four years late and because it was one of those prepaid visa gift cards that begins deducting $2.00 every month after a year of inactivity it had a $0 balance (much to my dismay). I called the number on the back and told them my story. The rep on the other end wasn't very kind... but a few days later I had $15 back! Yay! So what does this have to with my story? Well it was the amount that need to buy the pattern, which I did. Then I had some other birthday money that I used to buy some gorgeous mustard yellow 100% cotton fabric that I found at the local fabric store. And it was half off since it was a remanent! Plus I have birthday money left over! Wooohooo! So yesterday I spent every moment I could making a dress. And it is glorious. So comfy and flattering. It hides that mama pooch that I am looking forward to diminishing (but can't right now due to nursing). I made the dress to button down the front and not the back, changed the sleeve finish from a cuff to simple pleated and hemmed edge, and moved the pockets from the "belly" seams to the side. It was the easiest pattern to sew and alter and I really didn't have to alter the dress to fit my body (like I have had to with so many other patterns). I nipped it in the waist a touch since the fabric  chose made it look a bit too boxy. But if I use a fabric with a much more soft drape/ hand I don't think I will even need to do that next time. And yes... I am planning a whole slew of these dresses – a linen one, a hand stitched jersey knit one, a chambray one with big patch pockets, a floral one with big pockets, etc. I think it will be my go to dress. So I am sure this will not be the only time that I write about this fabulous pattern. And when I get to recreating the lovely Anthro dress I will be sure to include lots of photos!

It is currently waiting for buttons. I know I have some that would be perfect for it... but they are some where in storage and haven't been uncovered yet. Hmmmmm