I am sure I am not the only one, but every time I get invited to a wedding or an event I feel like I need a new dress. Even though I may have appropriate dresses in my closet, a brand new dress that is specifically made for the event makes me feel good. Having said that, I still prefer my "special occasion" dresses to be wearable outside of those special occasions. May be that is why I am reluctant to wear them to the special events since they are already a part of my daily life...This past week we spent in Mexico where we were celebrating S' friends getting married. Of course I needed a dress for the occasion! I used to really stick to my tried and true fit and flare dresses. I have perfected my pattern and they were so easy to put together. Yet, this year I think I am finally growing out of them. I still like the look of fit and flare dresses, but I have an urge to try a different silhouette of a dress. I am really leaning towards loose and flowy lines these days.
I bought
Ruby Dress by Tessuti patterns a few weeks ago and I was waiting for the right opportunity to make the dress. Wedding in Mexico was just perfect! The pattern is well drafted and I didn't have to do any modifications to it, except for lengthening the skirt a little since I am quite tall (5'10"). The dress is extremely easy to put together! Since there are no darts and the fit is intended to be quite lose, very minimum fitting is required.
I didn't make a muslin and went straight for my fashion fabric. I used a beautiful watercolor print poly (crepe?) from
Blackbird Fabrics. This particular fabric is gone now, but Caroline has other drool worthy fabrics in her shop. I think the fabric really shines with this dress! It is really light and airy, and feels almost silky next to my skin.
I omitted the facings and instead finished my neckline and armholes with bias binding. The keyhole opening is also finished with bias binding. I really do not like the facings! I always find them a little too bulky for my taste.
I am absolutely in love with this dress!! It turned out exactly like I envisioned it. It's flowy yet not frumpy, or as S referred to it "it's a sexy mumu". I'll take it. It was extremely easy to wear and move around in without feeling constricted (well.. of course, it's lose). It also held up on the dance floor.
I am very pleased with both the fabric and the pattern, which lead to a great final result. I can not wait till summer to wear the dress again! I am already thinking that I need another one, now I just need to decide on the color. I am thinking this time a solid. I mean just look at how amazing
this one looks! See, everyone needs one.
Love,
Anya
