Project 25, re-branded

Project 25 was a dress from a grey crinkle fabric that I had in my stash.  While looking for something to sew I kept coming across the fabric, and kept on looking for something more inspiring to sew.  I recently pulled it out of the stash and looked at it.  The reason I kept ignoring it is that it was a truly boring, cheap synthetic fabric, and I can’t imagine wanting a dress made out of it!  When I put it on the list of 52 projects I was allocating fabrics from my stash while I was away from home, so couldn’t actually see any of the fabrics.  My idea was making a plain dress then adding embroidery or embellishment to make it something a little special.  In reality, a plain grey dress is going to struggle to be in the least bit special and the nature of this fabric makes it pretty close to impossible. 

While I was in the stash I did come across another grey print that I had forgotten about; it’s a very light weight knit with a small print of black white and grey.  Again, it’s never going to be a stunner, but I can see it being a very practical dress in a shape that flatters my figure.  I attempted this style in a blue, black and white lycra a month or so ago, but I rushed the project and made a few fundamental mistakes because I was rushing it.

The plan was to use the top from a wrap-effect top from Butterick 3344,

adding a full skirt and black bands to accentuate the wrap over effect.

When I made it before I ended up with the waist too high, so I added a plain black panel at the waist.  Although it was a mistake, I decided that the black waist panel actually worked, although it was too wide last time.

 

 I was a little more careful about calculating the waist measurements this time, so ended up with a circle skirt with lovely movement.  It is thin enough that the vast amount of fabric hangs well without looking bulky.

It’s not a show stopping dress, but it’s super-comfy and practical (and doesn’t need ironing)as a work day dress when I really can’t be bothered matching separates.  I’ve already worn it a few times and liked it.