another year older

The weather last week was pretty wet and miserable and I had no desire to be photographed while dishevelled and frizzy. Friday was also my birthday (I won't tell you which one), and I had lots of lovely friends over on Saturday to help me celebrate.
I wore this dress on Saturday, after finishing the hem in the morning, and on Sunday night I added the ruffle to the bodice. I loved it without the ruffle, and briefly thought it was too much, but I like it now. I may tack it down a bit to stop it being too fierce, but after a few washes it may settle down too. My husband teased me that I look like something out of Mad Men, but I think it's more Emma Pillsbury from Glee. Pity I can't wear mustard, which is how she'd style it, I'm sure!
I can see I will need to make more of these - it's a great dress, a good fit without being suffocating, and a nice simple pattern. You may recognise the skirt shape - it's the same as this one.

Dress - Coffee Date Dress made by me

Cardigan - Cotton On

Shoes - Proudly Posh Heel via ModCloth

Apologies for strange lighting, I was determined to get some shots in the bedroom because it feels like sanctuary at the moment. Apparently my little camera is not able to cope with silhouetting!
 

sheets to the wind

As promised - some sewing I've been up to! 

I used the skirt pieces of this dress, and then cut my own bodice pieces free-hand. I've seen lots of dresses in this style online, and love the idea, but can't justify forking out for a style I haven't tried that won't get much wear (because of the sauciness). So I made one myself to try it out. 

 The fabric is a vintage sheet, and I lined it with peach coloured rayon. 

One thing I love about home-sewn dresses is that they fit! I'm quite small in the hips, and fashion industry averages mean that a dress that fits on the top will often be very roomy on the bottom. It's rather nice to have an a-line skirt that actually skims the hips!

I'll try and do another outfit shoot later in the week.

Instagram round-up

 Holidays mean a lack of interesting outfits! I have been rather busy, nesting away and making our new home as pretty and comfortable as I can.
I've also been making ready for a new arrival - a puppy is joining our little family today! We are both over the moon - my husband will have someone to play with, I will have company on my runs and there's nothing quite as cheering as the joyful welcome a dog gives you when you come home.

Agapanthus from the garden

Painting for the bedroom - adapted from this tutorial

Newly sewn project bag, and second sleeve of a cardigan

Blanket for the puppy - polar fleece edged with ribbon

Summer holidays means uncomplicated footwear

More sewing - proper post to follow!

A lot of style bloggers I've been following are doing Style Resolutions. I'm pondering my own, and will get back to you. I like the idea of challenging myself to venture out of my comfort zone...

A return to normal transmission

Hello! I am back online! The move went well, and despite the exhaustion that naturally ensued, we've been really enjoying the new house.

Last Wednesday I wore a newly finished dress. I've been itching to sew for what feels like months, but the move was prohibitive. So, amongst boxes, I sewed for two evenings last week. It didn't get it out of my system any, but felt rather like I was getting back in control of things.

Dress - Me!
Shoes - Barkins
Skirt (worn as petticoat) - Target
Blue Tank - Cotton On

I match my little blue cubby house!