An Easter dress and a little news...

6:39 PM 25 Comments A+ a-

First of all, this post is going to be full of pictures because I actually had someone to take them and decent lighting. It was a red hot miracle and I finally had more than one ok picture to choose from so I chose them all.

Now onto the dress. This is some of the fabulous silk I brought back from New York and yes, I did manage to squeeze an entire dress out of one yard of fabric. Also, yes it is ridiculous that I cheaped out and refused to buy more than one yard of anything in New York but I spent an obscene amount of money buying a few yards of vintage 40's rayon on Etsy today. Actually let's not talk about that....

I knew I wanted something pretty light for the crepe de chine, and since it was a border print, I figured it needed simple lines to show it off best. So I basically decided how long I wanted the skirt, measured up from the border print edge and cut straight across the whole yard of fabric, then I folded over the leftover piece and used Simplicity 2497 (one of my favorites) for the bodice.Then I sewed the top together, gathered the skirt, attached the two, made a casing and threaded in elastic. I lined the whole thing in some light grey lining I had sitting around so I didn't have to fiddle with facings.




I do really love this dress but of course I have one issue. I was dumb and cut the lining larger than the skirt, figuring that the extra gathering would make it stand out a little and look pretty. Instead it just sort of makes me look like I have huge hips and it bunches while I'm sitting. Unfortuntaley this is not one of those mistakes that I can just "put up with" so I'm going to have to fix it. Ugh.



One of the benefits of the border print is that the fabric seldvedge can be used for the hem. I just turned it under and didn't have to worry about finishing it or turning it under twice...




The dog wanted in on the better-than-usual photo shoot too...




This was an attempt to show you the back of the dress that was thwarted by said dog...




Wait, were you wondering about that thing in the earlier picture? That sparkly thing?



Yeah, that thing... Why yes, it is an engagement ring! The boy popped the question last Saturday so things are pretty crazy/exciting around here!

PS it's the most perfect ring ever.


We've been together almost a million years and we'd been talking about getting married for a while, so this wasn't totally out of nowhere but I still was definitely suprised. The wedding will be next May and I wish I could invite you all, but since that's not possible I'll just have to get advice from you on my dress which I will be making myself of course!

Happy weekend my loves!

25 comments

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Amy
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 7:31 PM delete

That print! Love the gray border. Congratulations on your engagement. :)

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Sue
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April 13, 2012 at 7:35 PM delete

Congratulations! that ring is a thing of beauty (and you dress is pretty darn cute as well!)...can't wait to hear more about your plans!

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Heather
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 8:17 PM delete

Congratulations!! I love your ring, it's so unique! It'll be so fun to follow along as you work out your wedding dress.

This dress is really pretty, although I'm sorry to hear about the lining. I love how you just sort of worked it out and tossed it together. You're inspiring!

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T. Sedai
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 8:28 PM delete

Congrats! So exciting! And your dress is lovely! And I can't wait to see what sort of dress you sew for your wedding...

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Sara
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 8:32 PM delete

That ring is gorgemous! I love that you got a dress out of a yard of fabric and I am glad to see somebody likes that Simplicity pattern. I haven't really seen anyone do it with flattering results, but I think it really was the perfect bodice for this. Nice work!

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Ginger
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April 13, 2012 at 9:14 PM delete

Congrats!! And your dress is really cute!

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Jill
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 10:46 PM delete

Big congratulations!! Beautiful ring, beautiful dress!!

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T. Sedai
AUTHOR
April 13, 2012 at 11:26 PM delete

Oh, and on a somewhat unrelated note, I have nominated you for an award on my blog - no pressure to accept, but you are welcome to post the Liebster Award to your blog!

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April 14, 2012 at 3:53 AM delete

Wow that is a rock and a half! Congratulations on your engagement!

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Magpie Mimi
AUTHOR
April 14, 2012 at 3:57 AM delete

Congratulations! Beautiful ring and beautiful dress!

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Amanda
AUTHOR
April 14, 2012 at 6:21 AM delete

Congratulations! Such a gorgeous ring, dog and frock. Perfect triumvirate!

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Stevie
AUTHOR
April 14, 2012 at 10:05 AM delete

Congratulations! Such a fabulous ring! Plus your dress is lovely, bonus! x

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Unknown
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April 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM delete

Congratulations, such fantastic news!!

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Lisa
AUTHOR
April 14, 2012 at 3:29 PM delete

Congratulations your ring is beautiful. Is your dress version C without the neck ruffles ? I love it by the way.

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liza jane
AUTHOR
April 15, 2012 at 8:32 PM delete

Well, congratulations! That's very exciting news!

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emmalemma
AUTHOR
April 16, 2012 at 10:03 AM delete

Congrats! Coincidentally, I just got engaged this weekend as well! I've been thinking that I would make my dress too, so you'll have to keep us all posted on what you plan! I'm so excited for you!

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Meg the Grand
AUTHOR
April 17, 2012 at 11:13 AM delete

OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so super happy for you! The dress is pretty and the ring is STUNNING!

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Unknown
AUTHOR
April 17, 2012 at 11:49 AM delete

Hi sweet lady! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I found your blog via I love you to the moon and I'm SO glad I did! I'm your newest follower! xoxo

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Valerie
AUTHOR
April 18, 2012 at 1:03 PM delete

Thank you for pointing out the ring because my unobservant self did not notice! CONGRATS! Very exciting! Can't wait to see what all you do for wedding planning!

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Anonymous
AUTHOR
April 22, 2012 at 1:31 PM delete

Yay! Congratulations on your engagement! The ring is beautiful. Have fun planning the wedding.

Your Easter dress is gorgeous, too. I love the necklace and shoes you paired with it.

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Forrest
AUTHOR
April 23, 2012 at 12:10 PM delete

Yay! Congrats! Can't wait to see what you make!

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Forrest
AUTHOR
April 23, 2012 at 12:12 PM delete

Thanks everybody! Y'all are the best!

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Anonymous
AUTHOR
April 26, 2012 at 4:56 AM delete

The dress is so beautiful, love the fabric and the color! and of course congrats on the engagement :)

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