Issy's Dress - a made up pattern...

This last month has seen me achieve my holy grail of sewing not once, but twice! One was the modified Vogue 1250 to make a top out of a dress pattern and other is Issy's dress which was made up completely by me (based on an existing dress but still...). It's starting to feel like I have control in sewing and can understand where a pattern is taking me, or how to make a particular thing I would like. As a non-standard size and shape this has been my nirvana for a while, so am quite pleased with myself even though these are baby steps!

Without further ado...this is Issy's dress (and Issy in it...)

Apologies for the terribly awful blinds backdrop - it was late and so outside wasn't an option...

It is an extremely simple T-shirt type of dress (made in a woven from Prints Charming I think) with elastic in a channel around the waist and also around the neckline. I loved the dress this was based on (not pictured, will try and snap one next time it's on her) for it's simplicity and as a vehicle for a nice fabric. I think I did well here in that regard.

Here is close-up which better shows the neck elastic. I think I will use a softer elastic for the neckline next time - to help the drape. The original was a much thinner Japanese type of woven which reduced bulkiness.

And here is my little model getting carried away and being silly - she really seems to like this dress!

I think her main criteria (beyond pink, sparkly, fairy and ballerina-y) is that it is comfortable. She prefers leggings to jeans and would probably be happiest running about in the nud if it wasn't cold! This dress fits the bill. I am going to try one for me (maybe) in a light chambray I have already. I thought about maybe doing the elastic channel in a contrasting colour such as red (in this dress it is just part of the top folded over but there's no reason it couldn't be a separate joining piece between the top and bottom...). Maybe even with overlocked hems instead of rolled also in red thread?

I leave you with the best picture I took, as she looks so gorgeous. Not showing much of the dress though...

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