This post is sponsored by JOANN. It may contain affiliate links but all words, reviews and opinions are my own.
A few weeks ago I went into JOANN looking for some thread and saw some SERIOUSLY amazing bottom weight fabrics that had just been added to the shelves. There it was. Blue dip dye 100% modal (I can’t find this fabric online but here is the item#156501, and barcode: 1641-5648)- what summer dreams are made of; I’m telling you. It also comes in a peach and white dip dye color way too. I went home and brainstormed what I could do it with it. Kelli of True Bias’s Shelby Dress instantly came to mind- a gorgeous 90’s throw back dress/romper pattern just perfect for this fabric.
It’s just dreamy! The fabric has some great weight to it, just right for this dress. (Any heavier and it would be too heavy for this pattern). I washed and dried it, and got to work. I went with the maxi length to took away 2″ to create a midi length dress. I sewed up a size 2, and just barely took it in on the side seams, and using the regular sleeve option. I also raised the front neckline by 1″, although in retrospect I wish I would have raised it about another 1/2″or so. I get a lot of questions about how to raise neckline, this is how mine looks. First I marked 1″ above the neckline and then I redrew/blended the new neckline.
The dress came together easily and this fabric was fabulous to work with. I enjoyed sewing all of the princess seam panels together, and the bust fit was really good right out of the gate. I thought for sure it would be a little big, but I think it’s just right. I have a little extra room under the arm and side seam, but not enough that it’s too big of a problem for me. It looks looser than it really is in these photo.
This dress is so fun to wear! It’s floaty and shows of my “curves” just right. I feel like it really accentuates the body, especially mine with my lack of curves. My husband commented right away at how flattering this dress is on me. Throw on a rattan bag and some sandals or strappy heels and you’re ready for summer.
My shoes and rattan circle bag are both from Target.
My wardrobe is really lacking in good summer dresses for church and I’m so excited to add this one to the line up. Happy summer sewing!
The Sara Project 