Sundress struggles

Some projects take longer than others.  Some walk that fine line between "worth finishing" and "garbage-worthy".  Case in point: this dress.  This dress hovered over the trash can on numerous occasions.  So many ripped out seams, so many alterations, so many changes to the construction.  The pattern (Vogue V1086, by Tracy Reese) had sketchy instructions ("sew {this impossible} seam as show in the {single, oversimplified} drawing").  It had no final garment measurements and strange construction. Initially, I had high hopes when I saw that the instructions specified French seams, but it all went downhill from there.  Among other changes, I  raised the neckline by multiple inches--my less than abundant chest couldn't fill out the very blousy and full bodice.  I know--I should know better by now what works on my body, but we can all hope, right?  Omigosh--and no pockets!  And I couldn't even work them into the design because of a side zipper. 

The fabric, rayon challis from Anna Maria Horner's Field Study line, was purchased at Hart's Fabric in nearby Santa Cruz, CA.  For Mother's Day, I requested family strawberry picking and time at a new (to me) fabric store while the boys entertained themselves at the beach.  Pretty win-win for everyone!  This rayon is definitely not the easiest to work with, but it really makes a lovely, flowy dress, so it's worth the extra effort. And the fabric design really hides the flaws in the dress! 

I'll definitely wear the dress, it's so darn comfortable, but it doesn't fit as well as I'd like.  The midriff is pretty loose, but perhaps that's the reason for the comfy-ness!  It's going to be nice when the weather gets really steamy.

Too dressy for a picnic?  At least with the full skirt, I can sit on the ground with modesty :)  One thing is for sure: after all my sewing troubles with this one, the next seriously needs to be a no-fuss project.

Related note: Melly Sews is hosting a whole month of sundresses!  Hop on over to see the impressive line-up of tutorials!