This cute little baby is my first ever full on floral dress (can you believe it!), and I am super in love with it. Yay for the gorgeous summer days we've been having lately - no hanging around in the wardrobe for this dress.
As some of you might know I'm a little obsessed with Instagram atm and this wee obsession allowed me to be one of three lucky people to get a discounted 'end of stock' pattern from Blueginerdoll. Abbey had rebranded all her pattern packaging and was looking to off-load the last of the 'old' Billie Jean patterns.
Actually, I was sitting on the fence about the pattern cause I just wasn't sure about the shoulder straps. The discount was just enough to tip me over and I must say it hasn't disappointed.
While I was in Auckland earlier in the month I managed to get in a wee bit of fabric shopping. This lovely cotton sateen just kept calling my name and I kept walking away saying 'I don't do floral', but in the end the colours just drew me in. I actually bought three pieces of fabric that day and this is the only one that has made it to my sewing table.
Billie Jean is described as a wiggle dress, but I actually have a heap of room to wiggle around in. I think the pattern is very cleaver in that it looks super body hugging, but doesn't feel that way at all. When walking it does call for small step, especially when paired with these shoes :).
The construction methods are fabulous making it almost impossible not to be able to line up the bodice princess seams with the skirt darts. I think I might adopt this method for other patterns now.
I lined this dress with a black cotton viole, the perfect choice for a summer dress. I did debate with myself about the length, but went with the pattern recommendation and think that it adds to the charm of the dress.
If you are sitting on the fence about this dress, there is no reason to be any more. I'm sure my Billie Jean will get loads of wear this summer.
More photos on my Flickr -->
It looks great and your fabric is just gorgeous! I really like the neckline, most of patters have a high neckline, I like this one better? Did you alter the neckline, because in the technical drawing the neckline appears to sit much higher!
ReplyDeleteThe neckline is exactly as the pattern provided. I could probably have worn the shoulder straps a little lower to be true to the pattern but i need to get a strapless bra :)
DeleteOh wauw, then I definitely like the way you are wearing this neckline!
DeleteI have a thing for floral at the moment. I can't explain it because I am a solid print kind of girl!
ReplyDeleteI am going to Auckland in a couple if weeks. Where is the best place to buy fabrics. I had the fabric satire in mind since we lost ours to the earthquakes.
You SO CAN totally do floral! Love it with the belt and shoes (ohh shoesssss) and I like the length too but I can see why you would have debated - it's refreshing to see a bit of length these days and it gives a good balance ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks :) Balance, yes the length definitely gives the neckline balance. I was thinking perhaps I needed a belt a little skinnier, but now I see the photos, perhaps not - a good balance for my shoes - cause I always get dressed from my shoes up, hehe!
DeleteYou look great! I always love your dresses and have a case of sewing envy ;) it's so pretty! Well done :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. I'm a bit obsessed with dresses I think, but a good dress always makes a girl feel pretty :-)
DeleteVery pretty fabric and dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dorothy :)
DeleteIt's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Welcome to the Floral Appreciation Society!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks :)
DeleteReally sexy!! Great summery fabric, but made into a hot little evening number. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, our first wee outing was to a cocktail function on a lovely summer evening - ideal :)
DeleteI love this! You look amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteOooh, I love the print you chose! Summer is trying to make an appearance here but as of yet, i'm still in tights. Fingers crossed it comes soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen. I'm making the most of the sun when it is out :-)
DeleteWoah! It looks amazing on you, I'm so glad you listened to that fabric when it called your name, it looks devine.
ReplyDeleteThanks Trees. I still surprise myself sometimes which I think is the nice thing about sewing.
DeleteGreat dress - the style and fabric choice as perfect for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks and lovin wearing it.
DeleteLove that dress on you! So flattering in every aspect - colour, style, fit! Well done! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carola :-)
DeleteThis is is beautiful! I'm all all about striking florals so I'm biased, but I think this is a perfect fabric/silhouette/you combination. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy, I really, really like this dress - at the mo it is one of my favourites :-)
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