Smug, shrug or dress?
Smug, shrug or dress? This post has it all. Let’s start with smug. Yes, I’m rather pleased with myself!
Readers, I did I really rare thing. I had an event to attend – Nicole Mallalieu’s The Better Bag Maker book launch) – and I planned an outfit in my head, brought the fabric, washed my purchases, located the patterns, cut out the fabric and sewed up two garments. What’s so unusual about this you might ask? I think it would be fair to say I’m easily distracted and I always have more plans than time!
Let’s start with the dress….
This is the second time I’ve sewn You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress and it definitely won’t be the last. For this version I purchased the most delicious 100% merino wool (medium weight) from The Fabric Store. It’s the perfect fabric to showcase the pattern. And the colour …delicious!
Pattern: You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress (available here)
Size: S
Fabric: 100% merino wool (medium weight) from The Fabric Store
Alterations: I used a 1/2″ shoulder seams (rather than just overlocking the edges) to slightly reduce the scoop of the neckline. I shortened the dress near the hem by 1 1/2 inches
Accessories: Uimi Indiana Scarf (a new favourite) purchased from A Quirk of Fate
To turn this dress into an outfit, I made myself a shrug. Have you notice the beginnings of a shrug-o-lution? Evidence can be seen here, here, here and here. Are you tempted to join?
Everytime I put this outfit on, I feel great. I’ve already worn it three times – to a cocktail party, a book launch and a dinner with some girlfriends – win, win, win!
The shrug is made from another 100% merino wool (medium weight) from The Fabric Store. For a very easy make, this was a slow one, as I painstakingly (and reasonably successfully) attempted to match the chevrons (not shown).
I’ve been wearing the shrug casually too.
It’s an easy (and warm) layer to through over a simple shirt and jeans combo. In my eyes, it’s just a fancy caridgan!
Pattern: Pattern No 4 from May Me (Japanese pattern book)
Size: One size
Fabric: 100% merino wool (medium weight) from The Fabric Store
Alterations: None
Accessories: Black necklace (worn with dress) from Scarlett Jones and teal necklace (worn with shirt) from Elk.
I was in The Fabric Store last weekend and nearly bought your shrug fabric. I didn’t know what to make it into. I wish I had bought it now! I love the dress and shrug!
Thanks Andrea. I must admit I went back for some more of the dress fabric on Saturday only to watch the customer in front of me buy the rest of the roll. The manager kindly let me know that they had ordered more and it would arrived on Thursday… Phew!
Your dress is lovely and you are quite right the colour is delicious. Think I need to add this pattern to my want list. Loving your shrug too, they are so easy to wear.
It’s a great pattern and a great introduction to draping Louise. Just watch the scoop of the neckline and size down if your measurements are between sizes. Otherwise, it’s a gem and a super fast sew!
I love these colours on you. That pink from the dress in particular is stunning and definitely a change from your regular colours. I love that shrug. I love the style. I must try to locate a similar pattern as I think I NEED one!! Great outfit and the photos are good too. Much better than my auto-time ones 🙂
Thank Christy. My friend Sharon takes such lovely photos that she now has the job to take all of my blog photos; it’s a love job! I need more of that dress fabric in my life. I’m thinking it would make the perfect Julia Cardigan. Watch this space…
You deserve to be smug – you look great. I really love the beautiful merinos you’ve chosen, the colours are fantastic.
Thanks Robyn 🙂
What a great combination! Love it. Wish there was a Fabric Store in Canberra or at least an online store !!!!
I used to find the Fabric Store quite overwhelming and not buy anything. I think you can safely say I’ve found my groove now!
Never be shy to be smug! As sewers, I think we can sometimes be far too critical of our own work. Love the dress – I have that pattern and am pleased to see it made up as I’ve been thinking about it on me. The merino looks like it has a nice drape – was it easy to sew?
It’s a really easy pattern to sew Kathy. The hard bit would have been drafting the pattern and that’s been done for us (yah!). As I mentioned in a comment above, the sizing is generous and the neckline is quite scooped. Maybe try and pick up some cheap jersey with good drape to do a test run before cutting into any precious fabric.
Great colours on you Anna. I especially love the dress – it is such a nice colour and good style on you. Xx
Thanks Rachel. I’m not afraid of a splash of colour and you know how I love a sack dress!
I’m really liking the shrug. I’m going to have to give it a try. Thank you for the inspiration.
My pleasure Anna. I love how we all inspire each other!
You look fabulous! great colours and shapes and luscious fabrics it’s a trifecta of amazing!
Very kind words. Thanks 🙂
Fantastic colour and a great dress. I’ve seen the dress pattern a few times and hummed “maybe” a few times. After seeing yours I’m thinking I should give this a go. Plus I love working with wool.
I’m a new convert to wool. I’m at the ‘new love’ stage where all my ideas for projects revolve around wool. Maybe it also has something to do with the cold weather!
Such a great outfit. the colours look fantastic on you and nice co-ordinating job with the lippie!
I also almost bought that chevron wool a few weeks ago thinking my daughter would adore it. (for the record I bought brown wool for me instead!)
The shrug pattern is looking like a real winner
Thanks for noticing the lippie. The lipstick came first, it was a favourite so I knew I could pull off a dress in that colour! At this point I would like to add that there is nothing wrong with brown… says she wearing brown jeans! Whatever works for you… I’m loving your selfish sewing and I can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
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