I took one of those Buzzfeed quizzes they other day. It told me I was Bjork and I balked. I’m not quite that quirky! No offense to Bjork but, seriously, her & me…just not that similar. And then I remembered that I was making a swan dress and I had to laugh at myself. So I suppose this is technically my Bjork moment because check out my swan dress! 
The fabric is from Michael Miller, it’s called swan dive, and similar to the coral dot fabric of this dress, it’s ‘hi-density’ which gives it just a little more drape and makes it more amenable to garment sewing than standard quilting cotton.
I’ll be honest, I was really nervous that I might end up hating this dress. I’m not normally into using a novelty print for my clothes. My friend Kait at Michael Miller (otherwise known as “the fabric dealer keeping this junkie hooked”) assured me it was going to be great when I hesitantly told her, “I might be nuts but I just really want to make a swan dress!”.
Kait was right. It is great. I love my swan dress! The pattern repeat is small enough that it works. (Perhaps I need more novelty print dresses? Not sure. Anybody else use novelty prints in your own clothing? What’s your philosophy on that one? )
The pattern is from the amazing deer & doe pattern company. They are out of France and I’m in love with everything they are putting out these days. The patterns are simple and clear. This dress has a fake front button placket and a side zipper.
As happens with many fitted dresses, I had to scale out from the bust to the waist and hips to different sizes because my body is different sizes at those places. It was a fairly straightforward adjustment. Next time, I need to further adjust the bust area and take in a bit of the hip. Otherwise, the fit is great and it’s cute and comfortable. I’m also eager to try out a few different collars. Wouldn’t this be cute with a peter pan collar? Or a tie-front collar? I’m searching for a soft, simple chambray for the next one…more of an everyday wear kind of dress.
Are you starting to feel spring coming on? Is it influencing what you want to sew? I can’t stop making summer clothing despite steady rain and nippy weather. Get here already spring! I’ve got a swan dress to flaunt.
disclosure: I was given the opportunity to choose this fabric from Michael Miller without any additional compensation or stipulation. My opinions about it are my own.
Turned out great!! Totally Bjork 🙂
Thanks Kait! You are the best. You were absolutely right, this fabric was destined to become a dress.
love the swans ( i am a huge Bjork fan!) and that dress. You look amazing! Spring please come fast.
Thanks! I have a great and growing affection for those swans. I’m a Bjork fan, too…but in smallish doses.
It looks fantastic!!!
Thanks! I loved sewing this with you. It looks much better complete, doesn’t it? I was freaked when the bodice looked so crazy!
I love it! I buy novelty prints for dresses all the time and then wimp out before I sew them.
that’s so interesting!! Why do you wimp out? I mean, I kind of get it. It’s bold to wear a novelty print…maybe this needs to be a movement. Swan it up, my friend!!
This dress looks great. I keep seeing people walking down the street in swan print fabric. Must go find some
Ha! Really? I get the feeling you are joking.
Love it!!! Perfect for Nashville!
Exactly!
It’s very cute. I’d never heard of the “high-density” quilting cotton but it is worth looking out for. As for the print, I think it is small enough and the repeat such that it doesn’t scream “novelty print”. It’s cute. I’d wear it 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I saw it described as hi-density way on the MM website but not in other places, I wonder why they don’t discuss this hi-density thing very much? Thanks for the kind words about the dress.
You freaked me out, when I saw “swan song” I thought you were quitting blogging or something! Phew, glad it was just a pun. I love this dress! I don’t think of novelty prints for my own clothes either but I’ll be rethinking that – it really looks fantastic.
Ack! Yes, just a bad pun..I’m hoping to be blogging in the geriatric stages! Thanks for the dress compliments. I guessing we could have a fun afternoon fabric shopping and discussing the various merits of novelty prints!
I really love your dress! This fabric and sureau pattern are so perfect together!
Thank you! Who knew, right? Swan it is!
I love the dress! I use novelty prints for totes and pillow cases all the time but now will have to try them in clothing. Glad to hear how well the fabric drapes. I am wondering how it will wash. Will it need ironing?
Ooh, that is a good question. I’m guessing it will need to be ironed. So much of my handmade wardrobe requires extra washing effort except for those with knits. Par for the course, I suppose!
Must agree, this dress is darling. Love the swan image! (Did you know they mate for life?) As for novelty prints, I am currently using seven different ones to make draw string bags and matching cloth covered hardbound sketch pads for each of my grandchildren for Easter.
Ah!! Now that you say it, I remember hearing that. Of course you would know that. You are so sweet. You sound so busy…that’s a lot of stitching you’ve got going on. It all sounds so beautiful!
i absolutely love this. i adore novelty prints & this is a great use of one. thanks for sharing- you may have inspired me to finish a couple projects that i’ve started! 🙂
Aw, thank you! What a nice thing to say. If I’ve inspired you to finish a project…then I’m thrilled. This swan dress is a serious workhorse!
The swan print really does work well with the dress! Really cute! And the buttons add a great touch 🙂