I wanted to share this polka dot dress that I wore for Easter this year. I actually sewed this one as my “muslin” practicing for this lace dress a year and a half ago. Since then, it’s been sitting in my sewing pile waiting to be hemmed. So silly – it took all of 10 minutes to hem it using my rolled hem/narrow hem foot. (love that foot for hemming circle skirts!!) WHY couldn’t I have just finished it to begin with??
I was so excited to wear the dress with the 80-90 degree weather, but of course, when I finally put it on to take pictures, the sun suddenly disappeared and it turned freezing cold! Fortunately, the hail (HAIL!!!) held off until I got my camera back inside the house.
The fabric is a heavy quilting cotton – I cannot find a remnant with a selvage edge for the life of me, so if you know the manufacturer, please chime in! Quilting cotton isn’t typically your first choice for adult garments, but I like the weight of the cotton on the circle skirt – it gives a little sense of security that my dress isn’t going to go flying up to my ears with the slightest breeze.
The pattern I used is Vogue V8766. I wrote more about the pattern in my “Lace Dress” post (link above). This was my first go with the strapless version of the pattern and I like how it fits. There is boning in the sides of the dress which isn’t uncomfortable and also makes the dress feel secure. The bust darts came out better the second time around, but I still feel like this dress is quite wearable.
I’m gathering a list of summer sewing projects and I’d love to get some more garments for myself in the closet.
What have you been sewing?
*Dress – handmade by me
*Pattern – Vogue V8766
*Necklace – Charming Charlie
*Cardigan – Anthropologie
Comments & Reviews
Annie says
Your “muslin” looks a lot better than my final projects! 😀 It is good to know quilting cotton can be used for adults clothes…well with great sewing skills and beautiful model anything is possible!
kristin says
oh it’s so pretty – love the polka dots! glad you finished it, seems like it’ll be a great dress to haul out for weddings and stuff. i have a strapless polka dot j.crew dress i wear for that kind of thing all the time. 😉
Charity says
This is really pretty! I love how the fabric makes the skirt flare out more… I usually avoid quilting cottons when sewing for myself, but it works really well here. =) I like the tiny dots too.
PS. You have beautiful hair!
Jen says
You look stunning! What a beautiful dress- so flattering! I love seeing all my favorite bloggers sewing for themselves!
sorahart says
I love it when test muslins actually turn out to be great garments! I was using some interlock that’s been sitting in my stash for years to make a knit bodice muslin of the Lady Skater dress this past weekend and it turned out so cute that I finished it off into a peplum shirt that I love. Happy surprises!
Sabra at Sew a Straight Line says
I love it!! You are gorgeous and the dress is super adorable and flattering.
Rachael Taylor says
You inspire me to sew more!!
Simple Simon and Company says
Just lovely….as usual.
P.S. Can I have your hair? K, thanks.
~Elizabeth
Emily says
What a pretty dress with a great fit!
Abby says
Wow Stef! You look incredible! Pretty good for a muslin, lol!
TerriSue says
It is a beautiful dress on a beautiful woman. I think the quilting cotton looks wonderful. I always wear dresses or skirts, I don’t even own a pair of slacks. I also make or buy my clothes in 100% cotton. I know what it takes to keep that skirt looking so gorgeous. Being the age I am, 56, I would never feel comfortable in a strapless dress. You though carry it off marvelously. If you are wondering why a woman of my age follows your blog and has for so many years, the answer is easy, my beautiful, delightful granddaughter! Again your dress is just fantastic. I am so glad to see you sewing for yourself!