My one sewing goal for 2015 is to make a calendar of dresses, one for each month appropriate to the season. Its a stretch assignment, but involves no stretch fabrics. My self-imposed rules are: 1) Each pattern must be unique; 2) Woven fabrics only; 3) The design should be suitable for a number of purposes; and 4) the pattern must have some complexity - simple shift dresses will not pass.
So meet January. I've been thinking about January since the beginning of Spring when suddenly Sydney shop windows were filled with pretty floral dresses. My floral is a cotton sateen print from Lincraft. I've trimmed with the black cotton drill that my husband rescued from someone's castaways.January is built from Burda Style 103 from May 2014. The design is a 'tall' pattern, something that might be a deterrent when you are only 5'2'' or 156 cms. However, being rather long in the torso, (my shortness coming from lack of legs) the only adjustments needed were to raise the plunging neckline by at least 2 inches; dart in the raglan sleeve line and shorten the hemline by 3 inches. The pattern calls for an invisible zip in the back seam. Let me tell you this is really hard to do with the extra layers of black fabric and the precision required. After two attempts that were less than pleasing I gave up and placed the zip in the underarm seam. This worked a treat and is easier to get on and off. All my zips will go into the side seam from now on.
I'm ecstatic about the fit and feel of January. Happy sewing while I trace off February!
Oh, I do like the sound of your calendar goal. This is such a good way to challenge yourself while building a wardrobe for all seasons. I do like January. She looks very striking with the black trims.
ReplyDeleteBernice, do join in. The more the merrier!
DeleteWhat a great idea! I look forward to seeing the other 11 months. I would consider joining in, but this year isn't one for me to be able to consider year long challenges. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun challenge and January is a lovely dress!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Your January dress looks lovely. I like the way you have used the contrasting black against the floral. Looking forward to seeing the next eleven dresses.
ReplyDeleteJanuary is gorgeous and I love the fabric, Absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun project! I love the fabric you picked for January-- florals can be a little hit or miss for me, but I like the colors and more abstract feel of this one. The black contrast is the perfect detail, too.
ReplyDeleteVery imaginative goal and a great start!
ReplyDeleteLove your calendar dress.
ReplyDeleteLove your calendar dress.
ReplyDeleteLove your calendar dress.
ReplyDeleteOne dress a month What a fantastic goal ! Actually I have a passion for dresses too (and coats and jackets lol) but I am not sure that they would fit my way of life. Yours is splendid !
ReplyDeleteJanuary would look lovely in June as well with black tights and a jacket! I always thought you were tall! It is funny how you get a mental idea if someone is short/tall by reading their blog and the reality is quite different. I am 160cm tall, so technically short as well.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a challenge. This dress is a great start and good idea about the zip in the side, however you will need to make sure you can get the neck opening over your head :)
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely dress . Beautifully made . You must have a more structured life than me I would never wear that many dresses. I will look forward to see yours though!!
ReplyDeleteGail that dress is just lovely! I am a bit of a fan of a bright floral like that. You have done a great job on your dress. Can't wait to see February :)
ReplyDeleteVery smart dress and you have given yourself quite a challenge. Looking forward to seeing February!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project...and you are off to a flying start. If this dress looks as good on as it does hanging up you must be very happy indeed.
ReplyDeleteLovely fabric, looks great against the black trim. Good thing you raised that neckline, the original looks scandously low cut!
ReplyDeleteReally great idea to use the contrast black - it makes the floral pop .
ReplyDeleteLove your challenge & I look forward to each month
This is such a gorgeous dress, I really love the fabric and somehow the black bands just enhance it even more. Great goal for 2015, look forward to seeing the next 11 dresses.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!! This is beautiful, I can't wait to see the others ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's so striking - I love your January dress, and I'm looking forward to all the other months of the year! I hope you can also get a tripod - that with a remote or just the self timer makes selfies so much easier!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty print -- the black really frames it nicely. I also prefer the zip in the side seam (easier to zip up!). I love your idea and am looking forward to the next 11 months!
ReplyDeleteA calendar of dresses- what a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteI love, love this dress with its gorgeous print and black accents!. And what a great idea to sew a dress a month. It's tempting to join you but I would have nowhere to wear so many dresses. Looking forward to seeing February's dress!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Gail! You are off to a great start of calendar dresses. It's a fabulous idea. This little number is sassy and cute. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWow, January's dress is gorgeous!. The black bands really set off the beautiful print.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! a dress a month. This first one is lovely, very chic. Looks beautiful with the black bands.
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This is a great challenge, and I may do it one year. You look cool in a dress, and this one is super. It looks like RTW - which is meant as a complement.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great challenge, and I may do it one year. You look cool in a dress, and this one is super. It looks like RTW - which is meant as a complement.
ReplyDelete