After finishing my Best and Worst of 2016, I had this feeling I was missing something. It turns out I was! I never blogged about the dress I made in June for the Leaving Ceremony for our Grade 6s (it’s not quite a graduation) and to wear to my cousin’s wedding in July. This is likely as I finished it literally at 11 p.m. the night before the ceremony and left four days later for Europe. There was no time to blog.

I had purchased the fabric at least a year earlier and had taken my time deciding what to use it for. It was lightweight and had some stretch to it (though it’s a woven) and featured a gorgeous, huge, fuschia pattern. I knew immediately that whatever I did with this had to feature this amazing print. I wanted to channel some Stella McCartney and use the wavy, ornate pattern to accentuate my shape.

I knew I wanted to make another basic fit and flare dress like the blue roses dress from several years ago. I wasn’t totally happy with the fit of the original (I made it before I knew about muslins) so I made a muslin of the bodice to ensure a perfect fit and to ensure that my pattern placement was perfect.

For the skirt, I decided to forego the pattern and opt for a more rectangular dirndl skirt so that I could highlight the pattern, uninterrupted. Luckily, I bought lots and lots of this fabric, so I had some to waste in order to get things just right. (Unfortunately, I buggered one part up and not all of my seams match perfectly, but the gathering hides it and I’m happy with it).

I used a light, stretchy lining, so the dress is perfect for the summer. I find that the style is fun but professional enough to get me through many occasions. I still love the cut and the fabric. I think this pattern is making its way into my heart as a favourite. I’ve already got my eye on it for the amazing abstract flamingo border print fabric I picked up on my travels last summer. I’m already excited to get back to my normal shape so I can make it up!