So I’m scurrying to finish this so I can hop in bed hopefully to get a little rest (baby willing) before heading over to SNAP! the creative bloggers conference tomorrow. This second month of mommyhood has definitely been more rough so I’m surprised that I manged to make these two dresses but I did. Last night actually. So yay for another successful round of Sew Our Stash where Bev from Flamingo Toes and I (and whoever else wants to join in) keep each other accountable to make something for ourselves to wear every month!
This first one is based off of a dress that I made ages ago. I kind of threw it together randomly and it’s still one of my favorite dresses. I seriously wear it all the time and it has followed me through over 50 lbs of weight fluctuation as well as pregnancy and nursing. Really the style is awesome. The problem is that when I went to make this one I wanted more room for ahem boobage (they’re kind of ridiculous people!) and in my hurry to finish it up while the baby was nappy I sewed it totally screwy. Like I sewed the center fronts up the sides. And I found a hole in the fabric right smack in the bodice part. See screwy I tell you. But since my baby DOES NOT sleep and he was actually sleeping yesterday I decided just to with it and make it work I left the pieces flipped all wonky and I just sewed back and forth over the hole. So here is my totally strange thrown together dress. Some day I hope to perfect the pattern to recreate the one I made so many years ago.
And then I also made this dress. I had cut out the fabric before I became pregnant. I traced the pattern off of my then favorite dress. Now it isn’t quite as flattering with my nursing boobs of doom. Luckily it went together fast and I like it enough but I’m not sure how to make it special. Right now I feel like it’s borderline frumpy. I left the neckline and hem unfinished since I just wasn’t sure what to do.
So what do you think should I finish the neck with some pale yellow (or aqua) binding? Change the neckline shape? Add a band of color to the hem? Make a sash? Something else? Help me take this okay (and very comfy) dress to something awesome. Please?
Now go check out Bev’s post for this month and keep tagging your sewing pictures with #sewourstash
Let’s connect! You can also find me hanging out here.
Lizy B says
hm…..how about a pale grey velvet trim for the neckline and hem?
and….that dress on the top….I think it is the exact same cut and shape of my favorite dress int he whole world! So favorite that I have bought half a dozen from target over the years until they changed the pattern!!! You look adorable in both dresses!!!
marissa says
oooh I love the idea of pale grey velvet trim. i’ll have to go see if I can find some. The dress is so comfy if I can sort it out I imagine it’s the type of dress that I’d want a bunch of and just live in all summer!
Annie says
I would suggst maybe a big band of yellow at the bottom and yellow piping a the neckline.
marissa says
I have a yellow that matches perfectly so that would be easy. I’ll have to see how the piping idea looks but I like the sound of that.
Amy Mayen says
I really don’t think it’s frumpy at all. I’d just wear it with a colorful belt or a bright pair of flats and call it a day. Or a big chunky necklace. Anything bright and unique that shows your personality. It’s cute!
marissa says
maybe I’m over thinking it. I don’t hate it when I look at the pictures but I think you’re definitely right about accessorizing with it thanks!
Heidi says
I agree! I think it’s adorable, but a thin belt might give it that little extra you need.
Jeifner says
The waistline is just a smidge in-between high natural waist and regency bust waist that it seems just a bit off. So I was thinking the same as Amy. A statement necklace, belt, headband, scarf or shoe might just do it, balance it. The neckline is very flattering. A finish with pale yellow would be pretty and subtle. And P.S. you sure have a cute figure!
marissa says
Yes I think with the fabric and the “new boobs” from the baby the waistline is not in the right place. I’ll have to fiddle around with that since I really hope I can tweak the pattern into something I love.
Liz says
I vote for a pale yellow peter pan collar and matching bias binding on the sleeves. Gives the impact you’re after without bothersome separate accessories to find. And necklaces are all kinds of awkward when juggling a baby. Grey flats and you’re off!
marissa says
ooh peter pan collar I like that
MaIrene says
I’m afraid that I’m obsessing about the OTHER dress. It’s cute and flattering. Besides that looks cool and comfortable! Is it the same pattern as the City of Bones dress? It is also super cute-and clever! Where did you get the pattern?
marissa says
Obsessing really, that is actually a little flattering! And yes it’s the same design as the City of Bones dress. It’s self drafted. I hope to sometimes soon get it worked out in a format so i can share the pattern. It’s a pretty easy design and it looks good on a me with a 70 lbs weight fluctuation, ask me how I know ;)