Dreaming of the wide open sea, imagining myself sitting down to eat in the dining hall, sipping a glass of Riesling I decided to make the Olivia blouse pattern by Atelier Jupe. I needed a “dining room” experience dress for a cruise we were going on with my family. I chose the fabric based on the color and sheen rather than the type. It’s some sort of polyester so that it can stand up to packing tightly in a suitcase.
I made the dress version in a size 8 in the bust and graded to a 10 at the waist and hips. The mock up version I made in leftover light blue oxford cotton made me feel like I was wearing a hospital gown. :S In the pattern, the neckline and the sleeve cuffs are both gathered. I didn’t like the look of either, so I decided to add pleats. One big pleat went in the center back. And each sleeve cuff had a pleat on the outer arm, just above the elbow. I should have cut a longer cuff piece out of my fashion fabric, as I found the sleeves to be too tight. And the center back pleat adds dramatic drag lines at the back, especially when I wear the belt I made.
While thrifting at Bases Thrift Store in Burnaby, BC, I found a belt making kit for $0.99 and picked it up. It works ‘OK’ but the fabric doesn’t want to stay put around the buckle area. I chose really shiny buttons, and matched them with earrings I already owned.
Overall I was happy and proud to wear the dress I made for cruise! It has such a classic look, but it’s not something I’m likely to wear any time soon. If someone wants to invite me to a winter wedding, perhaps I’ll get to take it out again…
Happy Sewing!
