This idea had been forming in my mind for a while; I think its clear by now that I like an oversized simple casual style that I can dress up. Which sounds simple enough, until you try to shop for this AND are a plus size. Hence why I sew. But I still search for inspiration, sometimes things fir the criteria.
One thing that kept popping up was a simple babydoll dress with puff ball oversized sleeves (I am assuming oversized sleeves, but these are on tiny models so just sleeves) So I set about planning one out:
Again, this was another idea I had to purge, it was haunting me and I found that I had to get it out into the world to move on with other projects (the creative mind!) I had a semi sheer crepe fabric in my stash that wasn’t doing very much, I felt that it could be semi wearable, if not, I have not wasted a good fabric, at least get a wearable Toile out of it.
This work was completely self drafted, I made a practice bodice and one sleeve, adjusted the height of where the skirt would sit on my breasts and hardly needed to adjust the paper pattern before jumping right in. To be honest, I find this the best way to work, throwing caution to the wind and just doing.
I am not ashamed to admit I watched a few tutorial and read a few blogs for this one. The online sewing community is amazing, full of talent and an abundance of information. Use it! My sleeve was drafted purely from looking at pinterest diagrams!
So How did it Sew?
Date Completed: 13th April 2017
For a fabric I had little faith in, I am not hating it, its definitely something different in my wardrobe, even though it is a little stiff still. (I am planning a fabric softener soak if possible) This dress was simple and quick make, from idea to draft to completion. This was due to the skirt part just being two large gathered rectangles rather than a drafted piece, but i feel it added to the dress and allowed for maximum gathers.
The bodice part is double layered, despite this I will be wearing it over a slip or the classic vest and leggings due to its sheerness.
One plus about this fabric being stiffer is how the puff sleeves fit. Depending on the materiel for my next attempt (and there will be one) i may have to consider a mesh or a supporting fabric inside the puff.
A great bonus of self drafting is not having to follow a pattern, and although it was a bit of a freestyle, the freedom is a relief. Not that I tend to stick to instructions, its just nice to figure it out yourself. Its definitely more fun, and quicker as long as you don’t make a mistake.
I absolutely love this dress on. As a plus size sewer I was worried about adding volume around the bust without highlighting the waist, but I love the silhouette it gives me.
I have already selected my next material for another of these. I am even considering a single button at the top as something a little different.
