Meet my new everyday dress. Ever since Teresa made her amazing Alder-Bess Mashup dress I’ve been dying to imitate her. Selfish Sewing Week was just the excuse I needed and now I have the perfect momma-wear dress.
I will probably need leggings with it, I cut it pretty short (oops)! Just like Teresa did, the top of the dress is the Bess Top pattern from Imagine Gnats and the bottom of the dress is the Alder Skirt. Isn’t that so clever? The Bess Top is constructed in a really unique way. There are no bust darts, instead the pleats at the shoulder create the dimension you need in the bust. Additionally, the top is only two pattern pieces. The back of the shirt folds over to form the cap sleeve. I love when designers mix things up like that. I always learn something when I sew.
I made it in a lightweight denim from Jo-ann. It’s very comfortable but oddly collects dust very easily. It is, however, super soft and comfortable and easy to wear. Some might say it is a bit boring but considering I’m not buying any new clothes this year I find myself drawn to “boring” handmades! Because, guess what? Boring = Wearable in real life.
That, my friends, is what this girl needs right now. Clothes she can wear.
I think it’s the kind of dress that will get even better the more I wash it…a little wear will look good. The top portion is a little baggier than I normally like so if I make another (which is very likely) I will size down the top and maybe not cut it so short.
It’s not that unusual for me to sew clothes for myself, pretty common actually. But, I do like that some of the projects on the back burner are making their way onto the cutting mat. I’ve got a few more tops to show off but my selfish sewing is actually done for the week! I’m headed to beautiful Portland for a reunion with college friends (without my kids!) and some scrumptious fabric shopping. How is that for selfish? Yay for me!
Beth says
You have inspired me to make one of these! I love the Alder skirt and love the look of it as a dress. Yay for your wearable clothes! And have fun in Portland. If you make your way to Bolt, tell Gina I said hi! xox
Sara says
Looks like we had similar thoughts about making some basics this week. I just made a plain navy pencil skirt, but it was definitely something I needed to make and will actually wear! Your dress looks like a great wardrobe builder too.
Amber says
LOVE this dress. Great job!
Melissa Q. says
Thanks! It was fun to play with the two patterns a bit.
Carms says
Super cute !! We need to be selfish sometimes 😉
Melissa Q. says
Oh yes we do!
rachael {imagine gnats} says
whaaaaat? SO cool!! this is just fan-freaking-tastic!!
Melissa Q. says
Ah, I was hoping you would like it! 🙂
tracy says
I think this looks great in denim- and on you!
Melissa Q. says
Thank you! Simple but a standard part of the closet, right? Love demin.
erin says
absolutely adorable!
Melissa Q. says
thanks so much lady!