There are times when I pick up a fabric and just know what it wants to be. This gorgeous cotton sateen from Lecien (Atelier Akiko) was just begging to be made into something from one of my Japanese sewing books. Something feminine, with clean lines that would really showcase the fabric.
Now that it’s done, I look at the dress and know my instincts were right on.
The pattern was from this book, which I’ve sewn from before but it’s been a while. I forgot to add a seam allowance to the straps of the bodice, which made turning it right-side out a little challenging. At one point, I seriously feared that I’d ripped the fabric. Fortunately, I was mistaken but I was holding my breath for a few minutes there.
I could not find the skirt bottom or the pocket on the pattern sheet, but based on the instructions I was pretty certain both pieces were supposed to be sort of self drafted. I fussy-cut some of the border print near the selvage for the top of the pocket (which is hard to see in the picture — my model was not being super cooperative that day). You’ll just have to take my word for it that there’s a sweet little hand-drawn bow near the top edge of the pocket.
Now to wait for spring so this sweet little dress can get some use!
26 January, 5:43 pm
sooo sweet! that fabric is adorable!
katies last blog post..Inauguration Day
26 January, 5:46 pm
That little pocket is the sweetest thing I’ve seen sewn in a long time. Adorable little girl, too.
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26 January, 6:49 pm
I love it!!! It is so sweet! I don’t usually use that word but it fits so well!
26 January, 8:06 pm
So beautiful! I love the little lace detail at the bottom.
26 January, 9:43 pm
Very cute. I hope my next project comes out nice too.
I spent some time picking some sewing last night. I somehow managed to copy the Japanese pattern down wrong. And then I cut it wrong and sewed it up and couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t matching.
26 January, 9:51 pm
Absolutely perfect! Of course, you know that model is really what impresses me! She is so cute!
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26 January, 11:34 pm
Love the dress! I recently got my hands on 2 japanese pattern books. The clothes are so cute! Luckily for me, my sister in law is Japanese and can translate them for me!
Jesss last blog post..My Shaggy Valentine
27 January, 4:29 am
As always— absolutely gorgeous!!
Marlyas last blog post..Times are tough
27 January, 10:43 am
oh….I love it so much! It’s beautiful!
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27 January, 10:52 am
Love it! Beautiful colors and design! The lace just adds such a sweet touch.
Anne in SCs last blog post..She has the proper tools……
28 January, 12:58 am
Very very sweet…
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28 January, 7:38 pm
What a sweet dress. L just gets more and more beautiful!
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29 January, 10:00 am
It is so beautiful! I am excited for spring (and spring clothes) too!
1 March, 11:25 am
Oh, this dress is gorgeous! I saw this fabric in fatquartershop and googled about it and found your beautiful blog. I would like to ask you if you made the dress with the panel and if it’s so, could you tell me if it’s wider than taller?
31 August, 10:42 am
Howdy, I came across your web site a week or two ago and have got through all the posts and comments steadily. I decided might write my firstpost. Not really sure what to say but here goes. Cool website. Will visit soon to see what else youve got to say.