Hello there. Just a quick post from me today, to let you know that I have a project up on the Minerva Crafts Blogger Network.
As you probably know, I've been slightly obsessed with hand embroidery recently, so for my latest project I decided to combine some embroidery - which is currently right on trend - with another current trend, the statement sleeve.
You can find my project here. Please pop over and take a look!
If you've been reading this blog a while you'll probably know that I've mentioned several times that I don't like shirt dresses. On me, that is; I love them on other people.
Why then, was I compelled to make one recently?
I don't know, but I have to say I love it.
This dress came about when I was randomly browsing the Minerva Crafts website as you do. Some gorgeous black and white star print fabric came up in their new in section and before I knew it 2 metres had jumped into my basket. When it arrived I wasn't sure what to do with it, I knew I wanted to make a dress - I always want to make a dress - but I wasn't sure what style.
Then all of a sudden I had the idea of a shirt dress in mind. Not just any shirt dress though, it had to be the Named Clothing Helmi tunic dress. I ordered the printed pattern and as soon as it arrived I started making a muslin, fully prepared to hate it.
But I loved it! Completely and utterly. I've been trying to work out why, because I don't like things with collars normally, but the collar on this is small and curvy and neat. It's not big and pointy and flappy like some collars are; I think big pointed flappy collars remind me of school uniform.
I made a couple of changes to the pattern before I cut this out:
- Shortened the bodice by about an inch and lengthened the skirt by the same amount. The dress remains the same overall length, but the waist seam is now slightly higher.
- Added darts to the back waist. I realise that this is supposed to be a loose fitting design, but it was just that little bit too loose on me and sat weirdly at the back. I think that's down to the fact that I have quite a pronounced swayback.
- I omitted the concealed placket as I'd found some lovely glittery star shaped buttons and I didn't want them hidden.
- Lengthened the sleeves by around 6 inches and made the additional length into turn back cuffs with buttoned loops to hold them in place. Is there a proper name for the loops? If so I can't think of it!
This dress feels so nice to wear, the fabric is lovely and soft and drapy, but not too lightweight so it hangs beautifully and I absolutely love the way the collar fits and sits. I think I'm going to make a shirt version next to wear with jeans and possibly at least one more dress.
