almost finished frocks, part 1
Aug 11, 2009 
First things first: this is not my incredible cocktail deck. Or lush garden. We’re very lucky to be house-sitting for some great pals, and I lugged my machine and half-finished dress over here in a fit of crazy.
Here’s a dress that I made over the course of two evenings, fueled by the fumes of the Weekend Sewing workshop and a couple yards of Italian cotton that feels like melted silk in your hands. Making this style was a bit of a gamble, but I was reeled in by Heather's copy about wearing this all weekend long, for trips to the farmer’s market and fabric store. There’s nothing like some evocative copy to tip me over the edge and commit.
I need to add the spaghetti straps, because strapless dresses make me look like a pinhead with my short hair. But I think it will be a great beach cover up or kick-around sundress on vacation. And it feels like I'm wearing a breeze when I put this thing on.
Lastly, I think my husband took about four dozen photos, and I thought that 99.9 percent of them were completely unflattering to either me or the dress. I know that’s totally vein. And I still think I look smug or sort of peeved in this photo, but it shows the dress best. This work it, work it routine definitely needs more practice if I am to continue dress making and the subsequent show and tell. Let me tell you, this is something that I really hope to keep up, because it feels very good for the soul to make a dress and wear it while sipping rose on a borrowed deck.
Reader Comments (21)
It's so fun to see what people are making out of the book. I think it turned out lovely.. and that fabric looks amazing.
I love it!! Did you get that cotton at the fabric store in Brattleboro? I think I have that same fabric from when my mom and I went based on your recommendation!
You're right. Your "work it, work it" sessions need more practice. For all you faithful fans of my daughter (I, being at the top of the list), Kelly really has teeth in her mouth, and beautiful ones at that. Her broad smile and wonderful laugh are contagious and as cute as the rest of her. Perhaps in another one of her husband's photo shoots, she will bare all --- of her teeth, that is.
Great dress, needless to say! And it looks fabulous on you, Kelly. But then again, what doesn't?
I like it without the straps! You absolutely do not look like a pin head.
I'm looking forward to getting my copy of that book in the mail...any day now!
Adorable Kelly! Looks so comfy but can totally be dressed up! Love it! Hope all is well - I absolutely love all your fun photos and posts! Hope to see ya soon.
Traci - of Traci and Colin deBakker ;)
I think you look great.
Oh, I want to sew something useful like this again! Santa, bring me a sewing machine, please!
Cute blog :)
You in no way look like a pin head. Nope.
Ooh, I like it! Looks great on you, too. I'm afraid I can't hold up a dress like that...
Nevertheless, even WITH a pin head, you're still absofabulutely gorgeous! Your cone-headed pal, A
what a lovely dress. i hear you on the photos. i use the tripod at times because i get so squeamish with someone else behind the lens. cannot wait to see more.
Kelly, you look so great! I love the dress and really love seeing your pretty face! I can sew quilts all day long, but am very intimidated by making clothing. Your dress in inspiring.
P.S. Don't you just love a nice rose' in the summer?
Beautiful! This dress was one of the things that caught my eye in this book (only seen it online so far) and I'll definitely be getting it. I'm just getting back into sewing, though I'm yet to pull out the machine. Ha!
Great blog btw. Just found you via the Purl Beehive. :)
I'll be back.
Adele
I started reading your blog a few months ago, and I love it. Thank you for posting this, because I have been super intimidated to make clothing, and love finding kindred spirits. You inspired me to make Heather's Mendocino dress... I just finished it and put it on... Love it, almost as much as yours!
I really enjoy reading your blog -- your photos and projects are always great. Awesome dress, but I want to know what that turquoise plant at your feet is! How fabulous is that?!
Hi Rebecca, yes, that fabric is from Brattleboro. Isn't it amazing? I'm so glad you guys stopped by there after our weekend!
Thanks to you, I am going to dust off my sewing machine (probably needs more like a power wash/blast), get some material and patterns and try to remember what I learned in high school home ec. class lo those many years ago! It looks awesome on you and just like someone above said - what doesn't!
Hi Kelly, We met at Hart's. The dress look great, love the fabric! Is the pattern from Weekend Sewing? I'll be looking for a pic of a new home sewn skirt soon!
Mary Beth
Hi Mary Beth, yes, it was great to meet you! I went back to Hart's the next day because I couldn't get the gorgeous rack of Nani Iro out of my brain. Yes, this pattern is from Weekend Sewing, It's the All-Weekend Sundress, but I made it shorter than the photo in the book.
Now I just have to finish another dress I have going, and make the back part of the sloper!
I'm really enjoying your blog!
The turquoise plant is a succulent called senecio or common name chalk fingers. I love it!