Finally, My First Finished Project of the Year or B5211

I apparently need to add balance to the list of things I pray for. After not sewing finishing anything all year, I have finally finished this dress. I actually had this 90% completed since Fall 2009 and got distracted and then it was Spring, then I was pregnant Fall 2010 so finally I was determined to finish this dress and wear it this year. Actually for weeks, night after night I kept saying "I just need to put the elastic in the sleeves and hem it and it's done, I can knock that out and wear it tomorrow." And then . . . Nothing. Imagine my surprise when I found myself up at 4am yesterday at my machine finishing the dress so I could wear it to work. I was again reminded that often for me it's all or nothing. I recently got a few new RTW pieces what with the birthday and all and that was nice, but there was no comparison to how good it felt to wear something I made again. I definitely have to make more time sew.

Pattern Description: Dresses A, B, C have back neck opening with button and thread loop closure, extended shoulders and topstitching detail. A: front upper and lower sections. B: self-belt. C: gathered sleeve with elastic casing, length 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing: F5(16-18-20-22-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were so easy I didn't even need to use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?: I like the sleeve detail and that there are in seam pockets in the dress great detail for a work dress (I need a place to carry my keys).

Fabric Used: A cream and black double knit from Denver Fabrics that I fell in love with the minute I got my hands on it.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my standard FBA and omitted the key hole opening in the neckline in the back.

Would you sew it again?: Would you recommend it to others? When I originally chose this pattern I thought I would sew it just once, however after seeing how comfortable this is to wear, I will probably make at least one more. I would definitely recommend it, especially to beginners.

Conclusion: This is a really easy pattern and makes a really comfortable dress with pockets no less, a winner in my book. It is OOP but if you have it in your stash or can get your hands on it give it a try.

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Pocket love.

And because I don't want people saying about me the things I say about them when they don't provide shoe details, here is a close up of the booties (Steve Madden).

Steve Madden ankle booties (see more suede boots)

Now on to what to wear for Christmas.