Some selfish sewing – a dress for me!  I was lucky enough to win a copy of the Crafty Mamas Cherish Dress pattern recently.  I paired it with some beautiful soft bamboo/lycra (I think – it drapes more softly than cotton/lycra) from stash.  If only I could remember where I bought this fabric, I’d immediately get some more – so drapey yet substantial, and a terrific colour.

Let me tell you, this dress is so easy to make! One pattern piece for the front, one for the back, and bands for the neckline and armholes. All assembled on the overlocker, and the hem has been fused into place with Vliesofix, but not sewn. There is no topstitching elsewhere in the dress, so I decided to see how long a fused hem would last before I stitched it down.

I cut this out as a size Medium through the neck and armholes, widening to a size Large from the underarm seam down. I wanted it to skim over my waist and stomach bulges rather than cling to them! It’s a very bra-friendly design, with the gathers at the front neckline giving nice shaping and detail. The armholes are cut in a little at the back.

I’ll possibly accessorise with a scarf or necklace – or like today, with leggings, a 3/4 sleeved knit cardi, and a brooch. This pattern can be made up at tunic, knee, calf or maxi length. I rather fancy a maxi in a print – maybe I should make one this afternoon!

I’ve been meaning to link to a few posts that I have found interesting to read recently, all for different reasons.

• SewRuth’s post on the popularity of young, thin sewing bloggers
• Kathryn’s post about how she made her daughter’s incredibly beautiful wedding dress
• Barbara’s post about being a noticed sewing blogger
• Phyllis of CoudreMode’s post about proportion in sewing
• Gorgeous Fabrics University videos
• Leimomi’s series of posts about her visit to Kalaupapa.

Have you read anything in the sewing/crocheting blogging world lately that has made you think?