Blue skies and warmth on our skin during Summer (that lasts for more than three consecutive days) has been unheard of here for five years, according to my own recollection.
I used a cotton/rayon blend that I found in a remnants bin for $10 whilst on holiday in Australia last year. It has a substantial feel to it and a subtle shine which gives it a luxurious look and feel.
For this version I decided to add the little capped sleeves, gives it a slightly less casual look.
I have worn this with jeans to play ten-pin bowling and a meal out with "the girls" and not one person asked if I'd made it myself. Usually they're onto it straight away. Perhaps the pleating detail, along with the rich nature of the fabric made it look a bit more mainstream. But in a way I was glad not to have to say "Yes, I made it myself" for a change, and just get to wear it. Another benefit was that my colleagues weren't compelled to have to give my clothes compliments, which is what usually happens once they find out I've made something that they've admired. I do love to have my handmade clothes complimented but sometimes it is nice just to be able to enjoy wearing them without chatting about them.
One is that I have put on a lot of weight during the months of June and July, and hopefully acknowledging my overindulgence and stagnation will motivate me to be more careful and active in the coming months.
The second reason is that many, many times I read a lovely blog about a dress and they never show you the back. There are some blogs that I read regularly and really enjoy, but despite sharing nearly 10 photos of themselves in their new dress, with a close up on a side seam, a collar, a waistband or a hem, not one of the photos shows the back of the dress. And these women have fabulously svelte figures and create stunning dresses that really suit their curves. And so I have decided to show the backs of more of my makes - even though this one is a plain style and my curves currently are not as I'd like them to be.
