I cut out the large, based on my bust. The muslin told me that I was spot on in the large for the hips, and I only needed to take it in 1/2″ in the bust. I made the modifications to the pattern and cut it out. This gave me about 1.5″ of ease throughout, which is perfect for dancing.
The pattern weights are leftover scraps from making some bandannas, filled with rice. I used Amy Butler Daisy Chain Sweet Jasmine in brown. For the contrast and bias binding I used a green and white print I found on sale at Joann’s. For the lining, I used the leftover white fabric from my demo dress. I think I spent about $60 on this, which seems like so much (because I paid $10/yard for the main fabric and $15 for the pattern), which is the most I’ve ever spent on a garment project. Even my knit sweaters cost me on average $20. But I fell in love with the fabric, and I’ve been eying that pattern for ages, so I was determined to make my splurge worthwhile. Hence, the muslin, and also no shortcuts!
I stepped away from my costuming “It only has to stay on for the 20 minutes he’s on stage” belief and really sewed this dress. I carefully matched the notches, finished all the seams, tried it on at various times, the whole 2 1/4 yards (of fabric).
And this is the result. A gorgeous summer dress that fits me like a glove. It’s fitted enough to give me a great shape, and has enough movement so that I can wear it dancing and biking. Though I’ll definitely need shorts under it for the latter. The lining is not completely necessary, but it does give this dress such a finished, complete look. I made the sleeveless version of the Tunic, and left off the belt (completely unnecessary), and raised the hemline to just above the knee.
I love invisible zippers. They’re so easy to install, and they look so good on dresses. I don’t even have to use the zipper–it can go on over my head.
The contrasting shoulders work well with this fabric, and it breaks up the large floral pattern,but I don’t think they’re always necessary. If I was making this a solid dress, then it would be one color. Or if I was using a smaller print. I have some green wool, and I think it would be a nice winter jumper with this pattern. I can see myself making this dress many, many times.
