(iCandy) "Lucky" Spring Dress

 {Dress: Jen} 

{Music & Lyrics: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat}
{Photography: KC Petersen}

Do you hear me? I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

 I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

 

I am calling this my Lucky dress, because I LOVE this song, and my dress reminds me of it.  This song (if you haven't heard it, google it and listen) really transports me to another world.  I picture a tropical island, or lounging on a yacht.  Wish I was either place right now.....

Anyway, back to reality.  As the basis for this dress, I used a pattern. This pattern was great.  It was McCalls 5927. 

When it comes to sewing womens' clothes, I think the most intimidating part is fitting.  This pattern has different bodice pieces, according to bust size.  Therefore, cutting out the right size and having it fit better, is much easier.  I recommend this pattern very highly.  Because it is so basic, it can be used as a base for so many different dress designs.

I used the cap sleeve version, and changed my neckline to a rounded V.  Then I made my own trim, just by cutting a strip of the blue fabric and sewing white trim to each edge.  Then, using Steam-A-Seam (My best friend), I hand pleated the strip around the neckline, starting at the back zipper on each side.

I folded a pleat, ironed it in place (on the Steam-A-Seam) and then folded another, and so forth.  Then I sewed them down on the edges.  I added a couple of rows of the white trim to the bottom of the dress, and the edge of the sleeve.

For my sleeves, I added three vertical seams near the shoulder for an additional design detail (which you can't really see very well)

I was really happy with the way this dress turned out.  Now whenever I wear it, I can pretend I am in another world....

Have you checked out these cute blogs that I linked this post to?