SummerSmock

I actually had the day off today, which was a treat, but I still woke up at 6 am!  I guess it's hard to break out of the go-go-go pace, because instead of napping all day as I'd kinda hoped, or finishing one of the dozens of projects I have ongoing, I started a new one.  (But at least I finished it today too!!)  (I did manage to get a sunburn on most of my body--I've got a serious farmer's tan going and it's only May, so I had to start evening it out somehow.)

So.  TheProject.  Since I love delicate florals, cottons, and old patterns, the dress I made today can be found where those three things intersect.  (This is probably true of many of the clothes I make actually.)

Pinning and cutting out the fabric.  I bought this pretty stuff at the Flea Market in Pasadena a year and a half ago, and have been waiting for the right pattern to come along.  It's a simple smock dress (or top) with short sleeves or ruffles, pockets, and a yoke, slightly gathered body.  No collar, buttons down the front.  I chose a sheer, pale olive and white fabric (reminiscent of seersucker) to use as a contrasting yoke.

 Here's the lined yoke and body of the dress, waiting for the sides to be sewn, and armholes to be finished.  I went with the ruffly faux-sleeves, in part because I like little ruffles, and in part to speed things up.

I prefer it with a belt.  I'll need to make one.

 I was pretty pleased with the end result, and it was straightforward as far as dresses go.  Buttons, ruffles, flowers, stripes...what more could I ask for?