Two things I didn’t expect this week: to completely burn out and stop blogging for five days, and to sew two dresses in one week. We are almost half-way through the 100 Day Project and I honestly can’t really explain why but two, three, four days went by and I couldn’t bring myself to write. I thought, “Why am I even doing this? I’m doing it for me, and to get better, and to move forward.” And I realized that it was OK if I took a little break. Sorry for anyone who may have looked for posts in the past few days and none were to be found.
Pretty much right after finishing my Wren, I started cutting out the pattern pieces for this dress. I read the instructions and despite feeling very advanced, the directions were really simple and all techniques I had done before, so I decided to just go for it and tackle it over the long weekend. This was also a PERFECT example of why when I order or purchase new fabric, I wash it so it’s ready to go, and use PDF plotting to just cut out patterns and go. Cutting out those initial process steps is so awesome for my making and really allows me to just focus on the sewing, which is, of course, the best part.
This is the Roscoe View C and I created it out of Brussels Washer Linen from Freeman’s Creative. Decently structured while still having nice shape, it has a really nice yarn-dyed quality and is a really gorgeous berry color that I think will be awesome for all seasons. It feels much more summer than fall right now, and I’ve seen other versions of this dress in flannel that I think I am definitely going to have to duplicate come September. There’s nothing better than a cozy dress to slip into on a cool autumn morning. My measurements would have suggested I make a size 10 according to the pattern instructions, but based on other reviews and the fact that this fabric is not as flows as say, rayon, I actually decided to size down two sizes to keep the bulk from being too much. I think it worked out well and is still oversized and easy.
All in all, the dress only took me about 5 hours to sew. I had some issues with the neckline and had to end up cutting it out twice, and I decided to do French seams for all of the seams instead of using my white serger thread to finish the insides, so that took a little longer but ultimately was a choice I was really happy with. It looks very finished on the inside and I love it. The final detail I chose was to finish the bottom hem of the ruffle with a decorative embroidery stitch built into my machine, making these sweet little flowers all along the hem. Definitely bumps up the Molly Weasley vibes in the best way. :)
So yes, definitely a flannel version for fall in my future, and I would looove to try this in just a super flowy and fluid rayon or viscose that just is all drape to make something really comfy but also a little more dressy. I am almost tempted to use the black viscose I just ordered from Blackbird Fabrics for that purpose, but I realllly want to make another pair of Winslow culottes this summer, so I’m resisting!
It feels good to be back, and I promise I am also still knitting a ton in the midst of all of this time at my machine. I can’t wait to share more soon.