Every once in a while, a project comes together in a way that feels as though it was meant to be. This was one of those projects.
I had the pattern stashed away for a couple of years, waiting for the right fabric when I found this Waverly print. It was a remnant and had been cut in two pieces, so I wasn't entirely sure that I would have enough.
Well, not only was there enough yardage, the oversized print almost seems made for the pattern draft.
The skirt front is cut in two and pleated down, and even though I didn't really have any extra to fudge the pattern placement, it just worked out.
I did have enough extra to make sure to pattern match the back bodice, even though it meant "wasting" a bit of fabric. But then I was able to use those partially mutilated motifs to make myself shoe clips and hair combs.
The skirt pleats gave me a bit of grief, and I was unable to perfectly match where the pleats come together on the bodice front at the waistline with the skirt pleats, but the design calls for the addition of a ribbon. I ended up using a piece of fabric to make the "ribbon" which also hides the slight offset of those two pleat apexes at the waistline.
I also love that I had an excuse to pull out my potted plant purse - it almost looks as though I made it just for this dress.
This outcome is perhaps more "day-dress" than the initial intent of the pattern design due to my use of a non-polished cotton textile. But I do love all of the extra special details that went into making the dress.
Is this feasible for ready-to-wear garments made today? Absolutely not.
But I do think that the more we get away from the completely disposable and almost unwearable trash that gets manufactured today that won't last more than a wear or two, and get back to purchasing or making clothing that is meant to last, the better off we will be!
I was thinking about how I no longer look forward to going to resale shops like Salvation Army or Goodwill (not just for questionable business practices) but even the smaller local thrift stores now are overrun with low quality items from fast fashion retailers.
It is a reminder of how lucky I am to be able to make my own wardrobe. The thought of having to choose garments from retail establishments give me a sense of dread.
Thankfully, I have a sewing room full of fabric and patterns that should keep me busy for the foreseeable future making my own wardrobe.
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