Well it’s been a while.  I had such great plans for all the things I wanted to make over the winter months but somewhere along the way I lost a substantial part of my SewJo.  The main problem’s been the lack of light.  By the time I’ve managed to sit down to sew it’s been dark outside and although strategically placed lamps are helpful they’re no substitute for natural daylight.  I’ve still been pottering away on a few easy projects but again the lack of light seems to have thwarted getting out and taking blog photos.  Hopefully the worst is over, the nights are getting lighter and its March on Wednesday.  The promise of Spring seems to have woken my hibernating SewJo and I’m looking forward to warmer days and some serious time with my machine.

Anyway this is one of the projects I completed over the winter.  Here’s the blurb:

‘The Farrow features an elegant A-line shape with flattering diagonal seaming concealing inseam pockets, and a jewel neckline. Imagine wearing View A during the balmy days of summer. View B features bracelet sleeves and is the perfect option for cooler temperatures in the spring and autumn. Layer it with tights and a Driftless Cardigan for the snowy days of winter. Dress it up with heels and dress it down with boots.’

I bought the pattern as soon as it was released (around November?)  It seemed like a good loose fitting dress to layer up over a long sleeved tee and under a cardigan, it also had really big pockets.  I was a little unsure about the hi lo hem but decided to just go with it.

The suggested fabrics are:

Light to medium weight fabrics ranging from linen, linen blends, cotton, lightweight wool and wool blends, silk charmeuse, and silk twill

I used a medium weight grey/blue Chambray from my stash.  It had a little more body than most of the suggested fabrics but I was going for the utilitarian look.

OK, so here’s the problem, I made it so long ago that I can’t remember much about it.  The sizing goes from 0 (32-25-35) to an 18 (44-37-47) I cut a 14 which is my usual Grainline size (one size smaller than my measurements suggest) and I shortened it by 3 inches. I don’t remember any problems along the way, it was quick and straightforward to sew.

The neckline and armholes are finished with facings.  Although they are tacked to the shoulder and side seams they do have a tendency to flap out.  It might be an idea to draft an all in one facing or even better line the whole dress.

As the back hem of the dress is visible due to it being lower than the front I bound the hem with satin bias binding so it looks neat and tidy if ever it gets flashed.

Well that’s about it, here’s some pictures:

 The dress turned out just as I’d imagined.  The fit is fine (the only crucial part is the shoulders and bust) but I could maybe do with just a tad more room across the bust.  Looking at the recommended fabrics I think it would work better with a lighter fabric and a bit more drape.  One of the sample garments was made up in a Liberty tana lawn and as I have ‘the odd bit’ of it in my stash I might try that next.  I’ll also try the sleeved version which will get rid of the flappy armhole facings and maybe straighten out the hem, I’m really not convinced about this hi-lo thing.

I’m still trying to sew spontaneously rather than working to a strict list.  I’m currently working on an aubergine Deer and Doe Auberpine (made purely so I can say Aubergine Auberpine) I also made a muslin of the Named Talvikki sweater which turned out well so there’s two of those on the way and while I’m being practical I really need a couple more Plantains.  So, that’s my plans for the short term, you’ll be surprised to hear not a single one of them is blue! (well, one might be bluey purple)

Anyone else out there started sewing for Spring?