Laowai

I tried a new pattern from Liesl and Co. – it's the Kyoto Dress.

I saw this dress online and I've wanted to emulate it. So I made sort of a wearable muslin. I found the fabric at a church rummage sale and only spent $5. Is it taffeta? Maybe? Seems like a home dec. fabric that you would see at Joann's or Calico Corner.

Here are the changes I made to the pattern: I straightened the v-neck – I just like a more severe shape. I took an inch off the length of the bodice because I'm short. I made a size 16, D cup but then after it was sewn I ended up taking about an inch off each side seam at the waist. I made short sleeves with an elastic-encased hem. I cut the bodice out of one piece of fabric instead of having a seam down the middle. And I lengthened the skirt. 

For a second version I would like to deepen the v-neck and made the sleeves poofy. I also find the skirt sort of awkward – probably because this pattern is not intended for a stiff fabric like this. I think if I use a similar fabric I should either add more fullness or take fullness away. Also, at this length the back of the dress seems sort of boring – again maybe more fullness is the answer but not sure how I would do that.

So I'm happy with this and as always the Liesl and Co. pattern was a pleasure to use. I didn't take a photo but I matched the plaid perfectly along the back zipper – yay! It feels good to make a dress that is fitted properly to me!