Hi there, blog readers, and HAPPY EASTER!!!!! So today's dress has been a long time coming - it's actually been finished since early March, but today it was finally warm outside - a perfectly sunny 75 for Easter :) So after an awesome church service, a ridiculously filling brunch with family, and of course a nap, what else to do but take pics for the blog!




This dress was made with Simplicity 2444 - a Project Runway pattern that's become a favorite of many sewing bloggers, including the famous Roisin of Sew Dolly Clackett. BTW, embarassing moment - I totally thought her name was pronounced like the dried fruit "raisin" but with an "o" sound. Turns out, it is pronounced "Ro-sheen" - much prettier :) Derp! Thanks Ashley for setting me straight there ;)

The fabric is "Adorable Retro Bow Print Cotton Fabric by Ascher" from Gertie's Etsy Shop.  Adorable indeed - bows and ribbons with polka dots, I mean come on. It has been in my stash since last summer, waiting for the perfect pattern inspiration to come along. I decided to pair it with this classic fit and flare shape dress and let the print take center stage. I love the darts, pleats, and little cap sleeves!


So I have to pause for a minute with the dress details to tell you about my bracelet :) Did you know that I occasionally work at a boutique that sells handmade goods? Pretty perfect for a sewing type, although I admit, I can get pretty critical of sewn items that have been finished poorly - such a snob! Lol! Anyways, this bracelet is from the boutique and was supplied through an amazing company called 31 BITS. From their website:
31 Bits is a socially minded jewelry company with a new spin on business. Not only is 
this jewelry fashion-forward and made from recycled paper, it's empowering women in 
Uganda to rise above poverty! 31 Bits has taken a holistic approach to development, 
providing each beneficiary with a sustainable monthly income as well as education 
programs enabling each woman to start her own business in Uganda. Every 31 Bits 
purchase impacts a life! 
And even more awesome, their name 31 BITS comes from Proverbs 31, one of my favorite Bible passages, where it describes a woman of noble character who works hard to love and provide for her family! How cool! The bracelet I'm wearing is called Mermaid Lagoon. Keep reading for a 31 BITS GIVEAWAY!


Okay, back to the dress! Here are the details:

Pattern: Simplicity 2444

Fabric: Ascher Bow Print - Mint - Cotton Poplin (no longer available) // Posh Lining in White

Notions: Invisible Zipper - White

Sizing / Alterations: 12, graded to 14 at waist / hips // Pinched out about 1" at center of front bodice piece so it wouldn't gape like my first version - worked wonderfully :)

Construction Notes: Inside is fully lined, except sleeves - serged sleeve seam allowance to lining edge at armhole to finish. The hem of the lining is embarrassing - don't machine hem a slippery fabric in a hurry, if you can help it! Unfortunately I had a wedding shower to go to, and only three minutes, so..... not that any of you have ever done something like that ;)



After posting a couple photos of this dress on Instagram, I was told it would be a great entry for the Sew Dolly Clackett competition, so I had to find me some cute stairs and a door for pictures! There is an adorable set of town homes near us that I have always thought looked very European and they worked perfectly for this photoshoot setting :) Check out all the adorable Roisin inspired dresses in the flickr group!

Hi, don't mind us - we're just going to use your picturesque front door if that's okay ;)
31 BITS GIVEAWAY: The Daphne Bracelet - To enter the giveaway, just comment below and let me know what color Daphne bracelet you would prefer! You could also relay any stories of horridly or hilariously finished garments right before wearing to an event :) Come on, I can't be the only one! The giveaway closes Friday, April 25th at 11:59 PM CST with the winner announced soon after on the blog. Thanks for reading!