Pattern: Simplicity 1801 (Cynthia Rowley)
Fabric: Royal Blue Peachskin from Joann Fabric's






Greetings, friends! I am so enjoying this summer! An abundance of friends and family time coupled with the beautiful weather we've had really makes for a great time.  This is my most recent sewing project - a dress to wear to a friend's wedding. This seems to be on the docket of many sewists this time of year - check out Andrea of four square wall's recent make and spot-on description of why we feel compelled to sew for these occasions. Took the words right out of my mouth, she did.

And speaking of Andrea, this dress has been in the wings for a couple years now, since I saw her beautiful royal blue burda dress. This was right around the time when I wised up and actually started thinking about what I would do with a fabric before I bought it (still working on this, actually...). After I saw this Cynthia Rowley for Simplicity pattern, I knew that I had to make a knee length version of the royal blue sketch on the envelope. And so it has been waiting for just this occasion :)


Here are the details:

Pattern: Simplicity 1801 - Cynthia Rowley Dresses and Tunic

Size: 12

My Shape: Tall (6'0), pear shape, narrow shoulders, long torso

Fabric: Peachskin

Size Alterations: None!

Design Changes:  

- Made View C, with the knee-length of A
- No pockets :(

Construction Notes: 

- Neckline is finished with facings - lay very nicely
- Armholes finished by serging and turning under (not as written)
- All inside edges finished with serger


In conclusion, this was a very easy dress to sew - the gathering adds a nice touch.  This would be very cute with the yoke and waist band color blocked somehow. This fit exceptionally well right out of the envelope and has a great amount of room for the hips :)

Also, I just have to show you my favorite new accessory of the summer:


I'm not usually one for bracelets, but I could not resist this adorable leather bow bracelet (it buttons closed on the back) and have been wearing it with almost everything! I wore it with a pearl necklace and ivory/leather shoes to the wedding.  This wedding was so eclectic and chic - I absolutely loved it!

1. Backdrop for the ceremony - barn wall with variety of mirrors
2. Wooden sign pointed guests to the location
3. Flowers and hay bales added to the rustic feel
And here am I and my dapper gentleman on the big day: