Hi friends, I promised that I'd show you all these dresses for "Day and Night Dress Challenge".
Both dress patterns are designed by Blank Slate Patterns.
I chose these PDF patterns; Pocketful of Posies Dress and Auberley Dress.
They were the first time I've used Blank Slate Patterns. The patterns are easy to use because they are divided in parts. You can print out only the parts that you need.
The dress is Pocketful of Posies Dress for "Day Dress Challenge". The dress has a pleated centre panel, cocoon-shape and big pockets. I especially love the banded hem - so lovely.
I cut a size 8 and used stretch polyester. I ignored the instructions, so I changed the fabric directions. I didn't make a gathered hem but I made big pleats instead. I made a slit on the hem and sewed three buttons on it. However, I never keep the slit open in the dress, so I didn't make any buttonholes.
I think the pattern is for spring because it has only short sleeves. However, it's still as cold as ever, so I added to the sleeve length by six inches. The front has some pleats on the neckline, and the area was too narrow. I had to reduced the amount of pleats to widen it. The waist and hip areas are very loose and incredible comfortable! I will make the pattern again, so I will omit to make a banded hem and wear it as a tunic. I think it'll go well with skinny jeans.
I made the dress for "Night Dress Challenge" but I usually wear it with a fur vest (Simplicity 2285) and boots as a casual dress.
I made the Auberley Dress using second-hand kimono. It was transformed into new dress. I recommend the pattern for beginners because it doesn't have a zipper. It’s easy put on and take off quickly, and comfortable to wear. The instructions called for making a tie, but I made a detachable bow instead of it.
I changed these sleeves to three-quarter length with ruffles rather than conventional sleeves. I love these white lace pipings to the sleeves and bodice. Basically, kimono prints are very classic. I think a garment with kimono fabric makes a woman look more mature, because its style is very traditional. BUT I like traditional styles and collecting butterfly, camellia and Orizuru (folded paper cranes) patterned kimonos. When I make a garment using a kimono, I try to choose a youthful and modern pattern.
There are many second-hand kimono stores in siteseeing spots in Japan, but their kimonos are very expensive! I usually buy kimonos from online and local shops. How to choose kimono for making clothes? I never try to choose kimonos that contain gold powder, embroidered, hand-painted, crepe de chine kimonos, etc. The reason is that these kimonos are VERY difficult to wash. Getting them wet can cause problems such as shrinkage and loss of colour. I love cotton kimonos but they lose their colours through water easily. I recommend that you wash them with water containing salt and clear vinegar a little bit. You can prevent the colour loss that way.
Anyway, I will wear both dresses until spring. Thank you for reading. See you again!
Fabric: Pocketful of Posies: 60" 1 7/8yd
Total Time Spent (not including cutting time): Pocketful of Posies 9 hours, Auberley 11 hours