summer wardrobe : the washi dress

You probably know those few days following christmas.  Days usually involving relaxing, getting over christmas and eating way too many leftovers. Well, this year my "relaxing" involved whipping up a dress. Of course I still ate way too many leftovers. But it is funny how the more you sew the more you enjoy the whole process, and not just the finished product. Yes, I enjoyed it enough to use my free time cooped up in my sewing room for two days.

As there was a definite gap in my wardrobe as far as dresses were concerned, I chose the Washi Dress pattern, from the blog Made By Rae for this holiday project, which I purchased locally here. The fabric was a cotton voile I had purchased from Darn Cheap Fabrics, and it was indeed cheap. But lovely and soft to touch with a colourful print.

I made a quick version out of an old sheet to test for sizing, which needed a little adjusting here and there in the side seams. It all came together fairly easily, with some fiddling involved with the neckline and facing. There was some frustration when I realized I had sewed on the facing the wrong way, but at the end of the day that is what an unpicker is for.

 There are several lines of shirring at the back (of which I forgot to take a photo of!) which eliminates the need for a zipper or buttons and gives you a nice snug, but comfortable fit. I was a little nervous using the elastic thread, as I hadn't used it before. But don't be scared, it really is very easy to sew with. The simple pleats came together easily, which is something I've struggled with in the past. I also took the hem up a bit.

The pattern instructions were clear and thorough, with several options to choose from for some of the steps. Though I didn't line this dress, there are instructions available for that, as well as the option of making this a tunic top or a maxi dress.

I was very happy with the end result and this has been a favourite pop on and go outfit all this Summer. The only thing I did end up altering was I later blind stitched the inner facing to the bodice, as I had issues with it staying down. Would I make it again? Yes, though I might try the plain scoop neck variation next time. Or possibly in a maxi style.

In the end though, the thing I like most about this dress is that it makes me feel happy whenever I put it on. It is my new "happy" dress.



Do you have a happy dress?
Have you been sewing or making lately?
Any projects to share?