You won’t believe how long I’ve been waiting for August 2014.
It’s a month of two major events – first, it’s my 30th birthday. (Today in fact) Huzzah! And second, I’m moving to my new home and getting a sewing room.
I am VERY excited. I hope you can sense a bottled up giddiness in my photos; take a look and see if you can catch the twinkle in my eye.
So for my August Minerva make I wanted to make a strappy sundress; I mean can you blame me given the weather we were having?
I used an amazing spot viscose from Minerva that I can honestly say is like my absolute ideal fabric –
- the print is small but noticeable;
- it has brilliant drape;
- it’s cool and soft to the touch; and
- there are so many good colours in their I can wear a wild variety of coordinating clothes and accessories.
I’ve even used this fabric before on a dress, that’s how much I love it. I have TWO dresses in my wardrobe in it now.
The dress pattern used is New Look 6886 which is a great staple sundress pattern with several cute variations. I was very tempted to use gathers around the bust but in the end went plain and simple with view D.
The bodice is self-lined, and I inserted a lapped zipper (as I’m done with my invisible zipper obsession now) plus as an interesting touch I used a slider set to make the straps adjustable.
This is something I’ve always loved about ready to wear clothes because I have one shoulder lower than the other and even though I try so hard, fitting straps on myself isn’t 100% fool-proof. These nifty sliders are cheap to buy and come in packs of 10, in black/white/transparent.
Doing this will mean a couple of changes from the pattern pieces and a little extra effort – first you’ll extend your strap piece to cut a much longer strap, then you’ll make a very short strap about 3 – 4 inches long. You should bring out a bra to sit next to you as you sew to compare how the straps feed through the loops.
I absolutely adore this finished dress and feel wonderful in it. It’s been worn every week since I finished it.
Cute dress. Happy Birthday and happy house moving. Being 30’s not so bad- I’m in my 33rd year now. And I’ve just moved house and I too now have a dedicated sewing space. Sooooo exciting. Have fun setting up your new sewing space 🙂
Happy birthday!!!!! From the wise old age of 32, let me tell you that being in your 30’s rocks. It’s such a lovely time to be getting things together professionally and personally, and yet still feel like a teenager at heart… I finally feel like I don’t have to pretend to be older at work! 😉 Enjoy. And the house???? YAAAAAY! Can’t wait to see how you get it all set up!
Gorgeous dress! And happy happy birthday!
Gorgeous dress Amy! Happy birthday, and congrats on the house (and sewing room!)
Happy Birthday, Amy! And I can’t wait to see how you play your sewing room (I’m hoping for house before/after pics, too). So many fun things for you ahead.
happy birthday! good luck with the house move!
Happy birthday Amy! Love the dress and how smart to make the straps adjustable. Hope moving goes well and enjoy decorating your sewing room!
Happy birthday! What a pretty dress. Don’t you think that’s one of the great things about sewing, when you find your perfect fabric you can make more than one garment from it.
Good luck for the house move too.
Happy happy birthday!!! xoxo
Happy birthday!!! Have a wonderful day! What a great dress, and great idea to make it adjustable!
Happy birthday! Hope you’re having a great day, and getting a sewing room is an excellent way to celebrate! Lovely dress – I can see why you like that fabric so much.
Gorgeous dress! And a very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! Rock on with your awesome dress.
Super happy birthday to you!! Loving the dress and the sliders are a genius idea. I too have one shoulder higher than the other, something I often forget to take into account. Mostly it doesn’t matter too much but on strappy garments I really notice.
Happy birthday! Loving your dress, the fabric is gorgeous and the sliders are a great idea. And there must be something in the air about lapped zips, I’m over invisibles and into lappeds as well. Good luck with the move!
Happy birthday Amy. All the best with the new house and sewing room. What an amazing month you’re having.
Loving this dress and you’re giving me good ideas for our summer to come – but it’s still cold here.
Belated happy birthday! This dress is so cute on you, and your version is soooo much nicer than the pattern! All the best for your move.
Happy Birthday! Love this dress on you! Very cute!
Happy birthday! I myself have one more night to finish up my own birthday dress (Eep!) Lovely dress, I’m a sucker for polka-dots and fitted bodices.
Hope you have a wonderful birthday! I turned 30 this year too and can confirm it is a great age 🙂 Your dress looks so summery – jealous!
I wish I had a sewing room! Gorgeous dress. 🙂
Happy birthday! Gorgeous dress & what a great idea to make the straps adjustable. Have fun setting up your new sewing space!
Happy birthday! I’ve loved this year, the first in my 30s. Cute dress and a double win being able to match it with endless accessories!
Happiest of cake day to you, lovely lady! And in such a stunning summer frock! Please tell me gin and mischief was had by all? 😀
Happy birthday! Have a great day. Love the dress too. X
Happy (belated) birthday! I’m excited for you – can’t wait for the house tour!
Lots of good news. Happy Birthday and a sewing room? cool. Jo x
Happy birthday and happy new home!
Thanks for introducing me to this pattern, it’s ace, as is your dress! Happy birthday and hope the house move goes smoothly! xx
What a cute little summer dress! HAPPY BIRTHDAY August friend. Have a lovely month looking forward to being a grown up with a room full of fabric and pins and covered in thread. Good luck with the move.
I love the dress, what cute fabric. And happy birthday too! x
This is so cute Amy! The slider set idea is genius – why hadn’t I ever thoughts of it before when I have strap length problems?? Glad you had a great birthday! x