2016 Summer Frock Parade – Light Grey Cotton

When I finished this dress back in early summer it was actually a UFO from the end of summer last year and who doesn’t love getting a UFO off their hands?

This is the pattern I used for the bodice, only I made it sleeveless and brought the neckline in a bit as I didn’t want it quite so wide. For the skirt I just cut 2 selvedge to selvedge panels and pleated it up into the waist.

And voila!

I’m not sure but I think the fabric may also be vintage. There’s something about the weave and the soft crispness of the hand that you just don’t really see in current fabrics. Also, it was narrow-ish (about 40″ wide) and has the most beautiful selvedge (haha, how much of a sewing nerd must I be to admire selvedges!) that’s perfectly smooth and clean, which you hardly ever find on modern fabrics. I got it from Value Village a few years ago, so who know?

I feel really happy having used this fabric for this dress, like the textured grey cuts down the sweetness of the collar and full-ish skirt.

While at the same time making a neutral colour so interesting!

I changed up the skirt pleating from my usual a little by leaving it flat for a few inches across the front and then knife pleating it all the way to the centre back. I think it’s definitely something I’ll do again.

Unfortunately, it appears I may not have shortened the bodice back quite as much at the waist as I ought to have done but at least I’m usually completely unaware of it, not being able to see it myself! Lol It’s tough to tell from the photo but I did a rather nice hand-picked zipper for this one, too.

A couple of detail shots, and once again, photo credit to Taylor (we had a whirlwind photoshoot day back in August)

And a look at the insides:

In addition to those awesome selvedges – which you can see at the side seam allowances – the best part about the insides of this dress is the polka dot binding.

It’s actually the reason why this dress became a UFO last year. I had not grey or white binding at the time, found this polka dot one on etsy, ordered it, but it never showed up. I eventually contacted the seller who very graciously sent a second cut of it. But by the time it all got sorted I was deep into Fall sewing and so left this until Spring/Summer.

The bodice lining fabric is leftover bits from a thrifted bedsheet I intended and cut to use as lining for a Victorian dress but ended up changing my mind about. It’s a thin cotton sateen with printed white pin dots that feels just wonderful as bodice lining!

The final awesome thing about this dress is that I believe I may be able to wear it year round! Although it’s awkward to try and wear a sweater over it I can wear long-sleeved tops under it and with a slip I have I can wear tights with it too!

Do you tend to make your you-sewn clothes be year round too or ever had it happen as a happy coincidence?