Readers, we have moved into our new (rental) house! It’s everything we hoped – quiet, restful, beautiful and in good shape! And boy oh boy, it is so much easier to take blog pics when I’ve got a few locations to use at home!
Up first, a Concord dress I sewed before moving!
I had to go to a conference in early May, and even in the midst of packing, I got the sudden “need” to sew a new dress for the event! New clothes always make me feel better when I’m worried about going somewhere. Gotta dress for success, or in my case, confidence!
I followed Jenny’s tutorial for lengthening the tunic-length top into a dress. She suggested adding ease or sizing up – I took that a bit far, because it ended up huge, and I had to rip the whole thing apart to narrow it from the shoulders down. The hem is finished with a facing. I don’t love sewing hem facings, because I think they can easily shift, twist or go wrong, but I do enjoy the finished look!
The fabric is a near-florescent polyester double knit with a flower-and-dot texture. The lady cutting it for me at Fabricland teased me about how crazy the fabric is, but I’m glad I bought it. I’ve been realising lately that some of my favourite garments are made from bat-shit crazy fabric that other people might find over the top… but I never ever regret buying those prints!
That said, I did whip up a little jersey circle scarf to, um, ground the look (floral grounded in neon? That’s a thing, right?) With a high neck and a busy print, I didn’t think just a necklace would cut it. The quest continues for just the right legging colour though – I think something lighter might match better? What do you think?
It’s now too hot to wear a polyester double knit dress, so it’s been packed away until fall. I’m happy to report that the twirly, ruffled Concord dress I made back in Winter continues to be a winner – one of my favourite makes of the year so far! Maybe I need to make a summer version? I do so love a basic pattern that keeps on giving.
Crafting A Rainbow 
One of the guys I work with told me on Tuesday that he loves seeing the crazy prints I use when I’m wearing something I made because they are unique! So I say long live the wild and crazy prints!
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Bold prints are great as long as you know how to style it. And you’re a pro, my dear. This hot pink scarf is a great match and I agree with you, better than just a necklace. As for the leggings, I think this dark grey does the job. I would also suggest olive green (khaki).
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Maybe my monitor tones it down a bit, but I don’t think that print is OTT. And I love your little hem detail, things like that on a knit can be crazy-making, but when they turn out they’re so cute!
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This dress is so pretty and colourful. A gorgeous print. You did well to lengthen the tunic (it works as a dress) – I have done this too.
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Beautiful Gillian! I have this pattern and looked at “Jenny’s dress hack” thinking I would do this too! I’m toying with the idea of some shirring down the sides 🙂
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Hi Gillian I love your dress. I’m a fan of the bright and bold myself, and I reckon leggings the same colour as your scarf would be fab.
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I love your bright colors! You wear them very well too! I think this is a super fun dress!
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Can we see pics of the new house? I’m sure you’re loving all that space! And, have to say, that fabric is beautiful. Too bad that it’s too warm to wear now. (Of course, I’ll take warm over any alternative.)
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The scarf totally grounds the cute pattern in the fabric! This is super cute and looks great with the grey leggings and scarf!
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I say bring on the bat-shit crazy fabrics!! I love this print and this dress! Bright colors look so great on you. I agree with Sandra- legging the color of your scarf would be really nice.
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What a beautiful dress. You are looking lovely in it and I think that the fabric is gorgeous. Glad to hear that the move went well and that you are enjoying your new home. Our surroundings can have such a huge effect on our wellbeing so being somewhere that is a joy is definitely good for the soul. I agree with K-Line above, pics or it didn’t happen. Oh, and keep up with the bat-shit crazy. It looks wonderful. 🙂 Xx
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Gillian you look so awesome in bright colours – and this dress is no exception! I totally get that having a new outfit helps make scary situations better, I was like that before I sewed always buying something new, and I think it’s part of why I like having so many new things now.
Also I really like this dress with the grey leggings, but I think blue or green or black would work well too.
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Fabric!!!! It’s gorgeous and reminds me of traditional japanese printed fabric. Happy nesting in your new home.
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Glad to hear that the new place is everything you hoped for! Cute dress! It will be a nice pop of color for the fall.
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So funny, that they think they can comment on your fabric choice. I have been keeping an eye on this fabric at my local Fabricland for a while. You may have inspired me!
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Gorgeous fabric, well done on imagining the fabric and the pattern.
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Thank you!!
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I LOVE that fabric! I would have been grabbing the bolt to cut some for myself if I had been the one cutting for you! A crazy print is perfect for a simple garment when it’s all about the fabric. =)
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You’re looking fabulous, I love that fabric! A solid (neon) coloured scarf can totally ground a patterned garment!
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So very cute! I love the print❤️ Could I get the link to the top pattern please? I looked it up but couldn’t find just the pattern. Thank u so much!
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I simply loved it.
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