Bias Print Fringe

I have loved the Chalk & Notch Fringe Dress from the day it was released.  I have 2 beautiful rayons in the stash cupboard destined to be fringes.  But it took me until right before this year's vacation to actually make one up!

*Note to Self:  If you are going to take months to blog something start using your sewing journals to take notes.  Also, don't thrust your belly forward when you stand.

As you can see from the Note to Self, I'm having a hard time remembering what I did for this dress.  I used a beautiful, lightweight rayon with a bias plaid printed on it.  I bought this fabric, years ago - I would guess it was close to 19 years ago by now at a fabric store owned by Nancy Cornwell (of Polar Fleece fame) that closed in 1999.  In my mind, this fabric was always destined to be a dress.  When I decided to make fringe before vacation, I pulled this piece out.

This fringe was perfect for vacation!  The fabric was a little too thin to be worn for anything other than a swimsuit cover up.  But, it was absolutely perfect to throw over a swimsuit.  Also, when I were make it again, I'll add length - again, the length is perfect for over a swimsuit, but it's a bit short for life.

I will make this dress again.  At least twice more as I have a beautiful black and white floral from LA Finch and a beautiful red, white and blue floral that one of the NY Sewcialists picked up for me.  Both fabrics were purchased with this dress in mind.

I think it would be fun to put the facing on the right side with this pattern.  You could use the same fabric or a contrasting fabric.  The shape is so fun that it would be a wonderful way to highlight the interesting neckline.

Standing still with no wind blowing, the length is sort of okay.  But it feels really short to me and I'm just old enough to feel uncomfortable bending over in this dress.  So - at least 4" of length added for sure.  And maybe making the shirt tail hem not quite so drastic?  Thoughts on that?  See - I'm not a huge fan of high/low hems, but this shirt tail hem on a dress - I love it!  

Look Mom - it's got pockets!  And shinny silver hair :)  

This was a wonderful wearable muslin.  I serged all of the seams to finish them.  And while it wasn't tight anywhere at all, the bodice seams shredded.  Not sure if it was due to the age of the fabric or something else.  This dress didn't come home from vacation, but it was well worn during it.  

Pony Up!

Oh my gosh!  I started writing this a week ago.  I thought I actually had a draft post here - but no, all I had was a title.  Figures.  :\

Anyway - when the Pony Tank by Chalk and Notch was released back in early June - what?!  I managed to win Pear Berry Lane's instagram give away!  Whoot whoot!!   I was so excited.  I bought that pattern and entered my code faster than anyone knew what was happening.  But then what happened?  Well - life got busy.  The B&B was non-stop from mid-June right through to the end of July.  

I had a taped together and traced pattern sitting on my cutting table, along with fabric.  I just needed time.  Well - I finally found that time.  I think I spent about 2 days cutting the top out and sewing it up - not because it took that long - but because I only have little chunks of time to sew now.  

Anyway - the fabric I used was (honestly) probably not the best for this pattern, but I don't care.  I love it.  It's a heavy cotton spandex knit and I have no idea where I got it.  There was between 1 1/2 - 2 yards and there is still a little piece left - which I'll save for when Miss Eleanor is big enough for these huge polka dots.  

I made my usual alterations to the pattern while tracing it.  Which is just to take 2 1/2" out of the back length for my incredibly short back (or sway back).  

Once I found the time to sew this up - it took no time at all.  JB didn't get a good close up of the neckband, but this baby has the prettiest v-neck that I've ever managed to accomplish. 

There is a dress length also included in the pattern, but I can't decide if I want to try it or not.  I'm getting more comfortable wearing some of my work dresses in the B&B for breakfast service but they are mostly the knit dresses and have a bit of waist definition.  But who knows - you may see a dress version of the Pony Tank pop up here in the future.  

What's your favorite thing to sew these days?