Polka Dot Frock

Hello there!

It seems like I've been missing for ages, although I think it's actually only a week.  I've been having (and still am) major problems with my internet.  Basically my wireless internet won't work wirelessly, meaning I can only get online with the laptop connected to the router.  Which shouldn't be too much of a problem except the router is right in the corner of the lounge and the cable isn't very long so I have to kind of huddle sideways in the corner to use the computer.  Not that comfortable!  I really should take the laptop to be looked at, but I've got a feeling it might be expensive. 

Anyway, less time spent online has meant I've finished (and worn) my polka dot New Look 6000, which I made for Scruffy Badger's Polka Dot Frock Fest.

Without further ado, here it is:

I had the fabric already in my stash, bought without a plan last year some time.  I loved the unusual colour combination.  I only had enough for the plain version without the side pleats, but on reflection, that's probably the one I would have made anyway.

Too lazy to make a "proper" muslin I made the lining first (the body is fully lined) and used that as my muslin.  I had to make a few changes, took about an inch of length out between the underarm and the bust darts to lift them slightly, and narrowed the shoulder seam by about an inch as well.

I also drafted my own curved cuffs as I wanted something to finish the sleeves and add a bit of interest, but I didn't want the pointy sticky out cuffs on the pattern.

As I mentioned, I lined the body which meant no facings (woo hoo!) but not the sleeves.  In order to have no raw edges, I used French seams for the sleeve seams and finished the cuff/hem edge with bias tape.

I wore this out to dinner with some girlfriends the other night and got several compliments.  It looks fab with purple tights and necklace.  I would have liked to share a modelled photo, but hubby has gone out and I'm too cold to start faffing around with taking photos on the camera timer.  It always takes me ages to get a decent pic on my own.   You'll have to take it from me that it fits perfectly!  Hubby said it looks like I bought it (which I'm assuming is a compliment).