This is me, fresh from an all-weekend sewing retreat in Castle Rock with my mom! We had originally planned to go to Breckenridge, like we did last year, but then thought why not save gas and driving time and just hang out at her house. Which, for me, was vacation enough because I got a break from kids and cooking. It was all sewing, all the time.
My mom had one challenge for me: bring one of the pieces I found at the Trims on Wheels booth during the Denver Quilting and Sewing Expo we went to in March. I had originally been planning on bringing the fanciest one, with beads and sequins, but I couldn’t decide on the best fabric so I didn’t want to rush it. Instead, I grabbed this teal ponte knit from my Grandma’s stash that perfectly matched this teal, black, and gray lace piece that I had found for $1.
Originally when I bought this pattern, I wanted to make the version with the two zippers on the shoulders, but since I was using the lace I knew I needed the simplest option instead. Two problems I encountered were the high darts (I still may try to lower them about an inch or so) and that I just didn’t like how boxy the dress actually was. Sometimes you don’t know if you’ll like a style or not until you try it.
First I tapered in from the size 12 at the hips and waist to a size 10 in the bodice, but after basting the side seams and trying it on, I took in both side seams from sleeve hem to skirt hem about 3/4″ more. This gave it more of a fitted look without it becoming bodycon. And Then I had to deal with the gaping in the keyhole neckline. I originally used one hook and eye at the top, but it gaped so much I thought I’d have to add 2-3 more. Since we decided to run to Joann for some patterns on sale and more thread, I looked and found a decorative zipper that solved my keyhole gaping problem in a cinch, added something fun to the back of the dress, and left the hook and eye on the inside to hold everything in place. I love the loo of it and I’m so glad I decided to add the zipper.
As for the lace, after I had the dress just the way I wanted it (as my Mom suggested!), I stood there, sucked everything in and held my shoulders back, and let my mom position and pin it all over the front so I could hand-stitch it down. I used tiny tacks and worked my way from the neckline down, making sure to go all the way around the bigger flowers and designs. Yep, it took forever, but it was so worth it in the end.
I love the way it looks and feels, like wearing a tshirt but with something extra exciting in the lace insert. And I can wear it in the fall and winter with black tights and boots.
