sewing saturday! brocade holiday dress

Over the weekend, I managed to finish the brocade holiday dress I had started last month and left woefully undone - but now it is ready for Christmas wear, and I can't wait.

Beginning from where I left off in part one, it was time to piece together the three pieces of the skirt - one front piece and two back pieces - so I sewed them together at the side seams, leaving room for a zipper opening in the back center. Then, I put together some soft pleats along the waistline of the skirt by folding pieces of the skirt towards the lines given in the pattern, pinning them in place and carefully sewing them in within the seam allowance (about 1/2 an inch from the edge).



Once the skirt was ready, I sewed the bodice lining to the bodice with right sides together, leaving the bottom edges open.



After the lining and bodice pieces were connected, I trimmed their seams and darts and turned the bodice right-side out, pressing it flat.

Then, the dress was nearly finished - I pressed open the seam allowance for the zipper in the center back of the skirt and sewed the skirt and bodice together, matching edges. I then sewed the zipper in place in the center all the way to the top of the bodice and finished the hem of the skirt.



And it's done!




As seen in part one, I sewed some non fusible interfacing into the top of the skirt and at the time, I doubted whether it was necessary since its point was to keep the skirt stiff and the brocade already did that, since it is such a sturdy fabric. Honestly, now that the dress is all finished I do think it makes a difference. The skirt is tulip-shaped and really structural which is my favorite part, but the bodice is close since the lining turned out so smooth underneath. I didn't have to topstitch the arm or neck openings because it lays flat so well (oh lining you are worth the effort). I love this dress, and now I have a great holiday jumper to wear over silk blouses.. buy the navy brocade fabric from Mood here.

If you haven't entered the chevron necklace giveaway, you can still do so! I'm announcing the winner tomorrow. Happy Monday!

frances baker s/s 2012

Australian beauty Josie Ryder has come up with another Frances Baker summer collection, featuring simple organic cotton day dresses with intricate details you can expect from a Frances Baker piece - princess seams, ruffled hems, flattering open back dresses with bow fastenings, handprinted fabrics. My favorite? The Hannah dress with a cape-like upper bodice and empire waist. The floral dresses seem to fit perfectly with their backdrop of Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, evoking images of Picnic at Hanging Rock. Shop the collection here.



Josie is also offering a $250 voucher giveaway, open through the month of December! Be sure to enter.

chevron necklace giveaway

Pink Sunshine is a series of fun and unique jewelry designed and created by Jess Lucas in her hometown of London. Her latest line features necklaces with needlework pendants and other sweet details like arrow charms and recycled materials. My favorite pieces are the ones inspired by folk Scandinavian designs, like the tapestry envelope and hexagon necklaces.. they add just a touch of geometric pattern and color to any outfit.

Today, Jess is offering a giveaway to one lucky reader, to keep for yourself or give as a gift this holiday season - the chevron needlework necklace in gray and mint!



To enter the giveaway, simply comment on this post telling me how you'd style this necklace or list your favorite Pink Sunshine piece. Extra entries for sharing - share this post on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, and submit a second comment on this post with a link! The giveaway is open to international readers as well.

Also, readers receive an extra 20% discount in the Pink Sunshine shop by entering the coupon code PinkLeopold. Giveaway ends Monday, December 10th!