Gift Sewing 1

About two years ago I asked my cousin, Flossie, if I could make her a dress. I had got the pattern free with a magazine (it was this Cynthia Rowley one) and it wasn't in my size but I still wanted to make it because I thought the bodice looked interesting. I ordered the fabric, zip, lining, etc and got to work.  It was all going swimmingly but for some reason I suddenly stopped and still haven't finished it.  I think I felt like the pattern was too advanced for a beginner to be tackling and I wasn't competent enough to do it justice.  It only needs a zip installing (still sitting in my sewing box) and hemming but still I haven't done anything about it so it hangs in my sewing room staring balefully at me.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago Flossie happened to say that she liked my broderie Colette Sorbetto (seen here in MMM) so I decided to make her one in lieu of a dress.

The fabric came from Stone Fabrics and was in the Cloth Club for the last quarter.  It has a beautiful border on one edge of the fabric so no hemming!

I omitted the front pleat because although the background fabric is very sheer the embroidery makes it feel quite heavy especially on the border.  I also felt with such beautiful fabric simplicity was better.

I lengthened the top by quite a lot because Flossie is tall and I envisioned her wearing this with skinny jeans or leggings.  I also lowered the bust darts because I do for me and I've read other people also have to with this pattern.

I think the fit on her is really good and I'm really pleased I made it.  It took less than an evening to make, the pattern was free and I enjoyed making it so all in all it's a win!  One day maybe I'll finish her dress for her too!