Nothing like a bit of sartorial anachronism. Nope, I’m not talking about the 1950s pattern (Advance 8591 on top, same pattern as an earlier blouse, with a tacked-on skirt from an old English Woman magazine pattern), I’m talking about the use of loud and cheerful tropical print in the middle of winter when almost everyone else in Melbourne is head-to-toe charcoal, black and grey.
The fabric was once a pair of curtains from a junk market, quite sturdy weight. I love it. I’m also enjoying the rather silly shape of the skirt which, thanks to curved side seams and some deep inverted darts, hangs like a deflated balloon. What I don’t love is the gape at the high square neckline due to my complete lack of shoulders (anyone know a good way to adjust this without losing any girth at bustline?).
In other news, I’ve taken up Moggy‘s recommendation to organise my ludicrous stash of fabric with a database app called Bento. It’s the ultimate in fabric nerdom. And it means you can (virtually) admire your stash anytime and carry it with you to see if you’ve got enough of something to justify buying another pattern (and yes, I’ve built a pattern database, too. What a dork).
Make it 'til you fake it 
This is a really pretty dress! and congrats for getting your stash organized!
I love this fabric, that shade of blue and brown are just perfect for each other. I myself am making a sleeveless dress which is just as crazy for a Sydney summer but you gotta go with what your sewing mojo wants I guess!
That stash organising app is almost enough to make me want to get a smart phone (instead I’m being deliberately low tech in that regard). Although I do have a pattern database so I don’t think that’s super nerdy at all!
That fabric is awesome! How come when I go to thrift shops the curtains are always muddy brown and tan shades?
I have the same problem with my dresses too, I am very narrow at the shoulders. What you do is alter the seam allowance on your shoulder by taking in a bit more near the neck. Not too much though or it alters the hang of the bodice.
Thanks for the tips… I’m planning to muslin this bodice and get the pattern right for the next time. I’ll let you know how I go!
thanks for the tip! very helpfull. Have to try this!
nathalie