Big and Bold Feliz Dress

Straightgrain patterns are always an instant buy for me, and the latest Feliz dress was no exception.

Surprisingly, considering how much I like pleats I made the gathered version first. I used this Cloud 9 fabric from Spotlight.  I loved the big bold flowers and this simple dress design worked well.

I spent ages making sure I matched up the print at the back and it turned out pretty well.

The dress was easy to put together.  This is the size 5 and it is a roomy dress.  The bodice has a slight curve so I had to check the diagrams a few time to check I got it just right.  

The pattern has some lovely sleeve options, including flutter, bell and longer sleeves.  Freya has made her view on ruffles quite clear lately so I used the dolman sleeves, plus anytime I don't have to set in sleeves is a big plus in my book.  

I'm looking forward to giving the pleated version a try!

Rushbrook Dress

Hi! I'm delighted today to be taking part in the Blogtour for the new pattern by Titchy Threads, The Rushbrook dress and top.

Before Laura contacted me, I had looked at this pattern a few times and it was great to have an excuse to bump it up to the top of my sewing pile.  

Freya is going through a very anti-ruffles and frills stage at the moment.  She's not even considering flutter sleeves so I knew my version was going to be on the plain side.  I had lots of ideas floating around in my head but in the end I went with this Cotton and Steel print.  I knew the bold print would be a good match with the simplicity of the design.

As you can't wrong with red and blue, I used red fabric for the placket and hem facing.  I love that little pop of colour! 

Sewing with bias binding is never my favourite thing to do and I was a little intimidated by the thought of the placket, but the instructions were very clear.  Just be careful where to put your markings, making sure if it's supposed to be on the right or wrong side of the fabric!

This was the first Titchy Threads pattern I've made and I was impressed by how everything lined up nicely.  The instructions include french seams and using a hem facing so the dress is finished beautifully inside and out.

The dress also has a lovely racerback.  It will be great for us Aussies in the Summer but I think would layer nicely for colder weather too.

Freya had been nagging me for a "plain pink skirt" and wasn't too pleased when I made this first.  I think she got over it though and had some fun posing for photos! 

Thank you so much to Laura for inviting me on this tour.  Don't forget to check out some of the other lovely versions made by these talented seamstresses.

10th - my cozy co / while she was sleeping 

11th - Made by Sara / Pear Berry Lane 

12th - Buzzmills / Fairies, Bubbles & Co 

17th - Sew Many Adventures / it's Liesel 

18th - Spools + Oodles of Fun / S is for Sewing 

19th - Giddy Ants / La Folie sewing booth

Driftwood Dress

I actually sewed this one up months ago but have only got around to sharing it now.

This is the Driftwood Dress pattern from Twig and Tale.  I have made and love their vest and pixie pants pattern and thought I'd give this dress a whirl.

To be honest I have mixed feelings about this dress.  The sleeves are quite puffy in this version but that may have to do with my fabric choice, maybe something drapier would be better.  This one is made up with some Tula Pink cotton.

The front and back bodice are the same and the dress can be worn with the closure either at the front or the back.  I'm not sure if the elastic waist is hitting Freya at the right spot. 

The PDF and the dress came together easily enough and had very clear instructions.  I'm just not sure if I like it.  Some days I do and then others I don't.  I think the fabric choice has a lot to do with this, to be fair.  It keeps reminding me of an old-fashioned vintage swimsuit... Freya however has called it her cat in the hat dress and likes it.

So mixed feelings about this one.  I think I will try the pattern one more time with a softer fabric and see what happens.