Third time is the charm!

Years ago, shortly after I started sewing, I saw some silky print fabric on sale. It was white with red and blue polka dots, and I thought it would be perfect for some amazing pajama pants. However, when it got home, it was put in a fabric drawer, forgotten and lived there for many years. I recently discovered it again and, being a little more ambitious now, I decided to make something a little more interesting than pants. There were two vintage dress patterns in my stash that I had been dying to use and the polka dot fabric would add the perfect touch! As I started to cut the material for the first one, I realized that the dress would require a stiffer fabric to get the right look, since I only cut a few pieces, I was able to re-cut those same pieces to fit another pattern. I finally got everything cut and was happily sewing away. I was almost done with the dress by the end of the day when I noticed that it wasn't turning out like it should. I thought it was just that it was late and I was tired so I wasn't thinking straight. But when I got up in the morning, it was a mess. after going over every seam, I finally realized that :
1. It was indeed very messed up
and
2. I couldn't so anything to fix it because it was the fabrics fault. (it didn't have the stretch it needed for some parts.)
I was so frustrated I ripped all the seams open and sat there looking at the pieces that were now scattered all over my sewing room. I finally decided to try and turn those odd pattern pieces into a dress that I would design myself. The most important thing I learned while working on my new dress, is that it is very, very hard to fit a dress without a dress form. I would put it on stand in front of a mirror and try to pin it to fit! I got so many pins poked into me during that time! But it finally all came together.

I just did a simple V in the back.

The skirt is excellent for twirling!

See how much fabric is in the twirly skirt?!

This angle kinda throws off the proportions a bit, but you can see the front of the bodice. I made it not so fitted because the fabric is uncomfortable to wear if it's super fitted and sticks to you if it is warm out. Considering that it is a summer dress, it will most likely be rather warm when I wear it, so the loose bodice works nicely. I also added a little red belt to the dress.

15 Reasons to buy fabric

Here are 15 reasons to buy fabrics (Just incase you realy need them)
From http://deckthehalls-christmas.blogspot.com/

1. It insulates the closet where it is kept.

2. It helps keep the economy going.

3. It is our patriotic duty to support cotton farmers, textile mills and quilt shops.

4. It is less expensive and more FUN than psychiatric care.

5. Because it's ON SALE.

6. I'm participating in a contest...the one who dies with the most fabric wins.

7. It keeps without refrigeration, you don't have to cook it to enjoy it, you never have to feed it, change it, wipe its nose, or walk it.

8. I need extra weight in the trunk of my car for traction on snowy icy roads. This is important, even in Florida, Southern California and ARIZONA...you never know when the weather will change.

9. Because I'm worth it.

10. Like dust, it's good for protecting previously empty spaces in the house, like the ironing board, the laundry hamper and the dining room table.

11. When the Big Earthquake comes, all the quilt shops might be swallowed into the ground and never be seen again.

12. Stress from dealing with the Fabric Control Officer (my husband) made me do it.

13. It's not immoral or fattening. It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul, and makes me feel
good.

14. Buy it now, before your husband retires and goes with you on all your shopping expeditions.

15. A yard a day is all the quilt shops of America ask.

One place where I read this added these two:
16. You have to buy twice the fabric so you can make a wearable muslin.

17. Your nearest fabric shop is quite far away so you have to buy everything while you're there to save on travel costs.