We were pretty lax in our vacation planning--we were more or less spontaneous in the things we did once we were on Oahu. However, I did look up fabric stores on the island before we went and was pleased that a trip to buy some fabric could be coordinated with another activity on the Honolulu/Waikiki side of the island. With husband and kids in tow, I couldn't spend heaps of time in the store, so I grabbed a bunch of fabric and headed to the cutting table. This gradient-dyed fabric was right there near the check-out line and when the person in front of me bought a length of it, I couldn't resist either and bought 3 yards.
I had researched
Colette's Hazel dress for a different and unrealized project, but it was the clear choice for this lovely fabric. The pattern has cutting instructions for border prints, so it worked out perfectly. I went with a size 0, grading to 4 at the waist. It would be more comfy in a slightly larger size, so next time I'll go with a 2.
The fabric is truly a gorgeous color, but is an unfortunate cotton/ polyester blend. At $3.99/yard, I didn't really care! You can get it
right here (5 yard minimum, unfortunately), with a few other colorways (
blue and
orange). The fabric is fairly thin, so a strapless bra is necessary (wahh!).
I love how fitted the bodice is, but the dirndl skirt is not my favorite. It's not the pattern's fault--I just don't love gathered waistlines on me (which is funny, since one of my near-future projects is a gathered-waist skirt....)
By the time I got to the hem, I didn't want to lose any of the purple at the bottom--it definitely needs it for visual balance. So, I didn't hem it! Since the bottom hem was cut along the selvage edge, I kept the slightly frayed-looking edge intact. It's not ideal, but I think it looks fine.
I have to say, I'm not feeling very excited or inspired by my other Hawaiian fabrics, so they'll have to wait for a while. I sent two lengths of rayon to my mom--hopefully she makes something fabulous out of them!
Can't wait to wear this to the next summer picnic!
This is beautiful. I have a Vogue dress pattern similar to the Hazel, which I plan to make in a silk that is dyed similar to your fabric, and seeing yours made up makes me think mine will turn out nicely, too.
ReplyDeleteOh silk would be so lovely dyed like that, and the drape would be nice for the gathered skirt! Good luck!
DeleteGreat colors!!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors, too! I really couldn't resist when I saw it!
DeleteI love the colors in this fabric!! I also love your complaint for having to wear a bra haha im always upset because of this :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, a person endowed as I am should not have to wear a bra, so having to go with a strapless one is even more agitating! Boo!
Deletethat is so cute, love the color choice. I have looked at that pattern forever. very nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I'll make the pattern again, but I definitely like the uniqueness of the bodice...I've considered making the skirt a-line, but I don't think it would work very well, especially with dart placements and all that.
DeleteVery striking! I love the fabric. This reminds me that I want to make the Colette Lily this season.
ReplyDeleteI'm not getting paid to advertise this, but the print Lily pattern is on sale at the Colette website (only $9!). If you don't own it already, get on it! (And thank you for your kind words about my Hazel!)
DeleteI love the colours too and this reminds me very much of a cocktail!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, yes it does!
Delete