My family just got back from a little vacation to Breckenridge and I have a ton of photos to post about our adventures there, but I was too excited to share this dress to wait! I had started this awhile ago in between my final Etsy orders, but only finished the hand-stitching literally the day before we left. I used some kind of shiny woven twill from my Grandma’s Stash, and also some lovely white lining fabric, so this beautiful creation cost less than $5 (cost of pattern and the invisible zip). I wore it the night of our 13th anniversary dinner with the kids.
My two favorite parts of this dress are the cut-in shoulders and the high-low hem. I also have been getting more adventurous with the backs of my clothes so I have been needing to find bras that accommodate different back designs. Luckily, while thrifting in Frisco (after riding there on our bikes from Breckenridge), I stumbled upon a perfect, smooth strapless bustier in my size that I grabbed for $23. I had finally worn through the one I had from college for my sister Rebekah’s wedding, which was 14 years ago! This one is in great shape and provides a smoother look under fitted bodices than the older one, and it was perfect timing to wear with this dress later that day.
It also has pockets. Of course.
I think it is incredibly flattering. I love the way it moves.
I cut a size 10 bodice, tapered to a size 12 waist, and a size 12 skirt. I am hoping the wrinkles along the back and bodice seams will iron or relax smooth, because I would like a cleaner line. I also top-stitched all of the seams because the fabric wouldn’t hold a clean press.
The pattern, like all the Vogue patterns I’ve used, was impeccably drafted and fit perfectly with no alterations (other than the size gradation).
I used a simple white lining fabric from my Grandma’s Stash, and only had to line the bodice. I also used the lining for the pockets. I’m glad the woven is opaque enough to not have to line the skirt.
To add some sparkle, I gave Mike the choice of either wearing a pale blue ribbon belt with a rhinestone notion that I had made, or this blue chiffon wrap and antique pearl brooch that I had found in the Trims On Wheels display at the Castle Rock sewing expo that I had gone to with my mom a few weeks ago. The wrap was $1 and the brooch was free! He chose the wrap, so I’ll save the belt for another time. (hoping it doesn’t look like a bridesmaid dress!)
13 Years of marriage to this amazing man. I can honestly say that every year gets better, with fewer and fewer misunderstandings and more and more good times of connection and intimacy. Plus, he’s fun to be around, just as adventurous as me, and a wonderful father to our kids. There’s no one else I would rather share life with.
As to why I am calling this dress “clean slate,” well, with our church closing and my Etsy store closing, I am finding myself seeking a job and needing to start over in many ways. I’m also trying to give myself new grace in some areas of my life that are frustrating and difficult. So I claim August 1 as a fresh start and had to wear white to mark the occasion.
