What I do when I'm supposed to be packing
July 25, 2012
I know that I have been neglecting the blog when Fatty asks, "What? You don't post anymore?"
Yep. Sorry. I didn't mean to be away for so long.
I blame summer, people. It's busier than I'd like, but still oh so good. Our day to day changes, well, daily. And since I was last here, we've been to the beach and have come home. It was a great week with my family - lots of sun, sand, surf and way too much food and drink. And now, back at home, I'm getting the girls ready for a week at camp and myself ready for grown-up camp (a.k.a. a Denyse Schmidt workshop in Portland, OR). Exciting for all, right?
Before we left for South Carolina, I did sew up another version of Anna Maria's Painted Portrait Dress. This was my third go at this pattern and each time I sew it, it comes together quicker than the time before. I love making it and I love wearing it. I also love that it can be made in so many different combinations - sleeves, no sleeves, top, dress, with patchwork, without. I can safely say that there will be more than three versions of this pattern hanging in my closet. I'm just about ready to start another one for fall.
But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you about this one. I was inspired to make it when out shopping for something white to wear for a family photo on the beach. I found many options at different stores, but loved nothing. It dawned on me that instead of spending more time shopping, I should just start sewing. I bought the fabric locally - it didn't have any identifying marks on the selvedge so I can say who makes it. Because it is white, I knew that it would require a full lining. The pattern only has instructions on facing the yoke, but having sewn this pattern before, I was confident that I could figure out how to line the entire thing. There was some serious contemplating about the arm hole, but once I wrapped my brain around what I needed to do, it all came together very easily. Again, like the blouse version I made earlier this year, I took in the back seams so it would fit me better. Each time I have done this after sewing everything together. I think I'll try altering the actual pattern pieces before I sew the next one.
And because I didn't have any white cotton perle on hand, I couldn't resist adding a little surprise for the button loop. It makes me smile every time I see it.
Also, it should come as no surprise that instead of getting everyone ready for their respective adventures, I cut out another blouse last night. This time, it's a Tova and it's green. See you on the other side.
Fab dress and you look great in it. I'm sure you're smiling in that last picture! :-)
Posted by: Jan | July 25, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Fun loop. I can see why it makes you smile. I think it's cute that Fatty is a reader of your blog. My husband reads mine too and every now and then I forget until he too gives me a compliment or a gentle posting reminder.
Posted by: Suzanne | July 25, 2012 at 01:58 PM
I really, really love this, erin!
Posted by: beki | July 25, 2012 at 02:20 PM
It's beautiful! How cool that you can make instead of the endless, frustrating shopping. Way to go!
Posted by: Rachel at Stitched in Color | July 25, 2012 at 04:20 PM
That is really my perfect dress.
(I'm so happy you're coming! It's almost overshadowed my desire to have everything perfect for Friday. It won't be. At all.)
Posted by: Melissa | July 25, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Haha, if you go to her talk at Modern Domestic, you'll have been there before I have! Sad, really! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on whether Portland lives up to its stereotypes. ;)
And if you want to meet up at Bolt on Saturday, LET ME KNOW!!
Posted by: kristin | July 25, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Perfect is way over-rated in my book. Can't wait to see you!
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | July 25, 2012 at 09:36 PM
I think I'm skipping the talk, just doing the class. I'll check what the schedule is and let you know if I can make it to Bolt. That'd be fun!
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | July 25, 2012 at 09:36 PM
THIS made me smile...from your gentle reminder to your sweet success.
Posted by: Beth | July 25, 2012 at 09:40 PM
Soooo cute! I love it!
Posted by: Hannah | July 25, 2012 at 11:51 PM
wow. that looks great on you. absolutely stunning--wish i could sew that well. i would never have tried that bc of the yoke thing, thinking it would only look good on a waif (not that you are not a waif--you know what I mean) and not a C or D. You've got me interested now in trying that out for a tunic length or something to hide my "areas" and to wear with leggings in the winter. do you think it would only look good in thin voile type fabrics or could it be done in something a bit heavier? I can't get over how fabulous you have sewn that! kudos!!
have fun in pdx! lucky!! in my dreams i'll be at that workshop!!
Posted by: Susaninfrance | July 26, 2012 at 01:03 AM
It's a great dress to make in voile! The first version I made (which I still haven't posted, but will eventually) is made from voile and it's heavenly. That said, unless you are wearing leggings or tights, you might want to wear a slip or line the voile as it can be see-through.
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | July 26, 2012 at 07:01 AM
It looks gorgeous on you! Can't wait till tomorrow!!!! xo
Posted by: Blair | July 26, 2012 at 09:25 AM
You look amazing in your dress! What a beautiful fit.
Posted by: larissa | July 26, 2012 at 09:56 AM
Oh, Erin, it's just lovely. And summer's entirely right, not to blame at all. Have a wonderful stay in Portland -- we'll be in Seattle the next two weeks, so looking forward to a break from the heat!!
xo,
Molly
Posted by: Molly | July 26, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Great dress. You are tempting me to sew!
Posted by: Beth | July 26, 2012 at 04:52 PM
Such a pretty dress! I love the little surprise of green :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | August 17, 2012 at 08:50 PM
This is a very sweet dress.
Posted by: From A Heart Of Love | August 21, 2012 at 08:31 PM