Winter lasts a long time here (even though I live in the most southerly part of Canada), so by this point in the year, I’m ready for a change. Since I can’t change the weather, I change my wardrobe!
At the start of March, I moved my wintery-coloured clothes out of my closet, and put the spring-coloured clothes front and centre. All my cosy red plaids and brown leopards are put away til fall! It’s not that the spring clothes are for warmer weather – it’s still snowing – but they are brighter and have my favourite shades of turquoise, hot pink, and royal blue, and generally have more white than black in the mix.
Like, for example, this new dress!
Case in point: It was cold but sunny when I got home from work, so I changed and ran out to take some pictures… by which time was dumping snow with harsh winds! Thank goodness for the windbreak provided by my porch!
This is my second Sew Over It Heather dress. The whole point of this pattern is those fabulous deep pockets – other than that, it’s not actually the best fit on me. That’s ok, because I was able to tweak some things this time based on my first version!
Changes between V1 and V2:
- Last time I shortened it too much – it is pushing the line between tunic and dress!
- Narrowed shoulders: partly at the princess seams, partly at the shoulder
- Snug sleeves: I sewed them with less than the 5/8″ seam allowance, and they are still a bit snug! Be warned, because that’s not usually a problem I have with patterns.
- Slimmed the bodice: My bust tells me to sew Size 20 (the largest size) but I could do with a smaller size and FBA. I refuse to FBA these weird shaped pattern pieces though.
Something also isn’t quite right about the balance of the garment… it looks like I need a swayback, but I think the real problem is probably that my front needs more room!
Who cares though – look at those pockets!
My favourite part is this perfect print with all of my wardrobe colours! Pink, royal blue, turquoise, cream, black… this fabric makes my heart sing. It’s a Liverpool knit (remember when I talked about them in my “In Praise of Polyester” post?) from Fabric.com, although they only seem to have a more muted colourway at the moment. It’s got the pebbly texture that seems to set Liverpool knits apart, and cut edges have a hint of loft/foam sponginess like a scuba. It’s weird stuff, but I love the drape and texture.
Do you change your wardrobe at this time of year? Is your weather changing, or just your mood?
Crafting A Rainbow 
What a bright cheerful print! I think all of us Ontarians, is that even a word?, are looking forward to brighter days. Love the pockets, too!
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Thank you! BRING ON THE SPRING!!!! 🙂
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Another Ontarian here! I’ve been puling out all the linen in my stash, and plotting and planning my warm weather wardrobe, even though it’s still chilly and grey out.
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Ooh, lovely! What are you dreaming of sewing?
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I’m in Minnesota. Close enough to Canada to truly understand the of why behind the need to change the color of your wardrobe at the start of March! I only wish I’d thought of it myself.The dress is adorable Gillian!
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Has you weather started to warm up yet? We’re kinda getting warmer, but still with snow once a week or more.. Boo hoo!!!!
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Would you ever give thought to doing a post on grading your patterns. I’m completely clueless as to how to do that appropriately, without destroying my garment. Thanks!
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Do you wear leggings or tights with your dresses? I’m just wondering about the dress creeping up because of whatever is underneath. Thanks!
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Yes! i always wear leggings and a slip.
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Just love your new pretty coloured top and yes you have refined the fit and it shows. Well done.
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Thanks Lois! 🙂
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Love this make, Gillian! I has all your colours in it, too! Maybe that is why it looks so perfect on you 🙂
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This fabric is SO me! It was one of those fabrics that I saw online and thought, “Yup, buying that right now, and no waiting around!”
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I love your version. I have the same problem at the back although not as much wrinkling as you – I was thinking to just take in the back princess seams a little to see if it helps? I always find SOI sleeves to be too tight and have to sew with a smaller seam.
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Those back wrinkles are something that confuses me every time. Do I need less length or less width at the waist, or maybe more width at the hips? I can never decide! Your plan of adjusting the princess seams sounds good though…
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Lovely dress! That’s a very pretty fabric. I’m so much in the mood for spring colours! I count myself lucky that we’re already enjoying spring weather in Germany – up to almost 20°C this week! 🙂
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Ooh, that’s lovely and warm! We’ve been above freezing most days lately ,but still at -8 and snowy quite regularly!
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Gillian, I adore this fabric!!! And it surely would brighten your mood on any glum and dreary day. And I’m so with you on the curved pockets. Those are brilliant for a dress! Love Notions Trendy Tunic is similar in design and can easily lengthen to a dress, so maybe try that one?
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I”ll go look that pattern up! Thanks Abbey! 🙂
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I definitely change my clothes for a spring feeling! I did mine in February though, and used it as an excuse to make new things 🙂 your dress is super cute!
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Hehehe – any excuse to sew pretty things is a good one! 😉
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Such a fab fabric, it looks great on and those pockets, I love them 💗
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Thank you!!!
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I live in Wisconsin where we have four seasons. I change my wardrobe in April for spring/summer and in October for fall/winter. The colors change, too. I wear fuscia, turquoise, and more blues in summer. I wear brown, marroon, olive green, navy and red in winter. I mark the start of warm weather by making a dress and the start of cooler weather by making a turtleneck or cardigan.
I also refuse to eat fruits and vegetables out of season. They just don’t taste right. Seasons matter – I feel sorry for people who live in single-climate areas.
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I love your positive take on living somewhere with distinct seasons! Having traditions definitely helps make it feel like there is something to celebrate for each season.
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I’ve just started my first Heather dress. Hope it looks as good as yours!
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So??? How did your Heather turn out??? 🙂
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Just finished yesterday. I think it’s great, but will take it for a spin today and find out how much I enjoy wearing it… 🙂
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Looks great Gillian! I love those bright colours!
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Hey! Greetings from Finland! The spring is on the way over here as well, but we still have something like 30cm snow on the ground. So it isn’t excactly the time for light spring clothing just yet. Myself I’m totally stuck with my favourite colors, I wear then all year round: purple, pink, turquoise. Guess what I totally love the colors in your dress! 😄
Gillian, I very happy to have stumled on your blog. We’re almost the same height so it’s really helpfull for meto see how these patterns look on you. Thank you for takinh the time to blog! I’ll be going through your posts now that I’ve found you!
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Lovely dresses, both of them. Although I have to agree, I had to re cut new sleeves (fortunately had enough fabric left over) – far too tight . Otherwise, a lovely pattern.
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