Ohhhh, I have a treat for you guys today! At least, I think it's a treat because it's pretty different than anything I've sewn before. It's dress No. 9 from the Japanese sewing pattern book, Drape Drape 3.
I am lucky here in Portland to be able to purchase both English-translated AND actual Japanese pattern books at the local Kinokuniya book store in the back of Uwajimaya Asian grocery which is a bike ride away from my house. Okay, maybe not a bike ride (damn that hill), but it's really, really close. And it also happens to share a parking lot with Mill End fabric store. #WINNING
So I recently went on a Japanese pattern book binge, and the Drape Drape books were high on my list. I ended up purchasing books 2 and 3. This particular dress is from book 3. I have the English-translated versions.
My measurements put me at the low end of the L/XL, so that is what I cut and sewed. However, I felt like it was a little too loose once I was done (probably not helped by the weight of the draped fabric at the hem), so I ran it through the serger again at each of the side seams removing an additional 1/4" from each seam. Next time, I would make the smaller size since the neckline is also a little more open than I'd like. It tends to show my bra strap...but maybe that is a good look?
This dress was actually quite simple and quick to make. The only thing I recommend is basting at pretty much every step, especially before serging! It's easy to get all those little gathers bunched up funny...and no, mine are not perfect. But I am pleased with the outcome either way.
No, the photo above is not an announcement. I simply have bad posture and a wee mummy tummy. It is, however, a demonstration of what drugstore spray tan looks like on skin as pale as mine. Yet another sunless tanning fail for the books.
The fabric is a lovely rayon knit from Bolt Fabric Boutique here in Portland. I've been getting tons of fabric here lately - such a lovely store and a must-go fabric shopping destination for any of you visiting the area.
Shoes are a new designer for me - Ethem. They are made in Istanbul, and I purchased this pair at pedX Shoes in Portland.
