So, you might be thinking that this is not my usual style of outfit. And you would be right! I did make my dress, but it was chosen by another.
But, how is this so?
But, how is this so?
Have you heard of the Sew Bossy initiative? This is a fun game dreamt up by Heather of Closet Case Files and Oona of oonaballoona. Heather paired up Reana Louise and me as one of her fantasy picks! So after e-introducing ourselves to each other, Reana Louise and I mutually agreed to choose for each other something from the Stylish Dress Book, by Yoshiko Tsukiori; since we both had the book already. Exactly which something, and what fabric was left up to the other. I sent my package off, and then waited with bated breath.
Very soon, I received this in the mail.
Very soon, I received this in the mail.
This is dress "T", from the Stylish Dress Book. Reana Louise chose for me a soft lightweight ivory cotton meadow sprinkled with delicate blue flowers, and with a solid blue cotton for the contrasting neckband and cuffs.
So OK. Floral, and puffy sleeves. Hmmm. I am being fair dinkum catapulted right out of my comfort zone here! But Reana Louise has exemplary taste and always looks quite lovely on her blog, in her handmade creations. I had to trust her guidance.
I did make a few teeny minor changes (forgive me, Reana Louise!) I thought a wide block of the blue for a neckband might be a bit strong against the delicacy of the sprigged floral, so I dug out some lightweight Japanese cotton in my stash, originally bought from Potters Textiles. This is pure white, with an irregular pattern of tiny white paisley motifs as well as little fluffy white spots scattered over. I used this for the neckband and for the sleeve cuffs, and just used a narrow, folded bias cut strip of the blue cotton sent by Reana Louise as a demarcation line between the floral and the white.
Similarly, I broke apart the hemline with bias cut strips of each white and blue together as well. I really like the look of these borderlines in the design, a subtle geometric statement against the pretty floral.
I also shortened my dress slightly to hit just above the knee.
Oh, and I added pockets. Well that's a no-brainer. When it comes to pockets; if you can, then you do: no internal debate entered into!
How do you feel about letting go of control in what you wear.... would you dare to submit your style to another?
Details:
Dress; dress "T" from the Stylish Dress book, by Yoshiko Tsukiori, blue sprigged cotton, with blue and white accents
Hat; Vogue 8844, ivory corduroy refashioned from an old pair of jeans, details and my review of this pattern here
Sandals; Pedro Miralles, from Soletta shoes
