I have been getting a head start on my spring and summer sewing and today it seemed as though spring had sprung and so I got out one of my favourite new dresses made from Vogue8904, previously made and reviewed here

I changed the design a bit. Instead of sewing the shingles into the side seams of the body, I sewed the body and shingles separately. I was hoping that the shingles would “float” a bit this way, but they don’t! However, I think I like the look better than the sewn into the seam feature. The only other issue I had is that the pattern on the fabric isn’t directional enough to show the variations in the shingles – some are cut across grain, on grain and off grain. With the striped version, it is very clear that this is happening, but I don’t think I can tell with this fabric.

It’s also my birthday so Mark took me out for lunch and we were joined by Archie, Tom and Bridgette – bliss. I really enjoyed wearing the dress, but wonder if it isn’t a tad small – or am I getting a tad large?

The fabric is lovely. It is a remnant (of course!) from Knitwit, is black and grey, and is quite textural, with splodges of silver paint randomly overprinted. I’ve had it a while, so it is great to have found a use for it.

This time I used different fabric for the underbody – a really soft grey jersey that came from Global Fabrics in Dunedin and which was also languishing in my cupboard. This worked fairly well, but the underbody is stretchier than the shingles, which is one of the reasons I think the dress looks a bit tight.

So all in all, I have had a lovely birthday, got flowers and presents and had lunch with my family – what more could I want? Well, if you are a faddist, there is always something and Mark gave me a wonderful present, which I will be sharing with you soon, when I am a bit more organised.

The details:

Vogue 8904. Shingle fabric from Knitwit, Nedlands, underbody fabric from Global Fabrics, Dunedin, NZ

Shoes: XSA from Dimario Shoes, Subiaco

GCC: I am up to 24,000 most days. I am going to have a big push on Saturday!