Summer Dress

September 23rd, 2008

Over a glass of wine, a girlfriend and I were talking about Project Runway and our desire to make more clothes. We got it in our heads that we should challenge ourselves, and one of our other dear friends that sews, to make a seasonal dress without a pattern. I’ve never made a dress before, but I have free-formed a few items of clothing. This gorgeous Anna Sui linen has been hanging around in my stash for over a year. It was staring me down and condemning me for having so much unused fabric–another reason we were inspired to create this “challenge.” The plan is to reveal our creations next month at a shared dinner party with our husbands.

The dress I’m making is loosely based on an Anthropologie shirt and a vintage dress I have in my closet. The top has a swoop neck with a high waste and some serious pleats in the skirt. I’m going to embellish the top with some large rhinestones and I’m considering trimming the sleeves with the pleated ribbon I made. It might be too much pleating, though. We’ll see. I’m starting to question the pleats altogether, since the fabric has such a strong pattern on it and in bright colors to boot. I’ve got both of the top pieces made and the front skirt. All that’s left is the back skirt, zipper, and lining. I spent about four hours on it thus far, and probably have about that much left with all of the finishing touches.

It’s a shame the summer’s already gone and I won’t be able to wear it (aside from our party) until next year, but at least the linen’s not shaming me at every turn!

Entry Filed under: Crafts