I feel like sewing! New Look 6869

I've had the best weekend! I feel like sewing again and it feels soooo good! I kick started my sew-jo by making a frock that I really don't need, but I don't care!

I purchased this fabric from Tessuti, called Autumn Botanics, during my recent trip to Melbourne fully intending to make a dress. I knew I wanted a shealth dress and one with sleeves for winter. Yes they are short sleeves, but I do live in Australia and it really doesn't stay cold here for too long.

Because it was in my stash, I used New Look 6869, which I've used before here in 2011. This original dress is now long gone. Donated to charity as it was a little too small for me. I was thinner in 2011, with younger children and the stress of university.

The pattern was simple and easy to make, perfect to get me sewing again. I didn't line the dress as I wanted to use some of the stretch in the fabric to keep it fitted. I cut mostly a size 10 but ended up taking it in over 1 cm on each side to achieve the right fit. I also lengthened the skirt darts, raised the back vent to counter the shortened hem that I need and scooped about an inch from the front neck as it felt like it was choking me a little. I think the sleeves are a little generous, but I can live with them.

I've really happy with this dress. I made it to wear to an engagement party on Saturday afternoon which was cocktail dress. I cut the pattern at about 8am and the dress was finished a little after noon, with a few breaks to make snacks for the kids, drink cups of tea and hang washing on the line. I also wore it out on Saturday night to my 'surprise' birthday dinner that my husband organised with my best friend. I say 'surprise' because I kinda stumbled upon the plans within days of them being made and kept it to myself until a few days before the dinner when I was quizzed by my husband. Despite the lack of surprise it was still a very sweet thing for my husband and friend to arrange and it was a particularly good night. I also ate all night and was not one bit uncomfortable in this dress.

I'm so pleased with this new dress. I don't think I can wear it to work and I don't have any other occasion to wear it to, but I like it now it is made and it feels good :)

In addition to this new dress, I have also tidied my sewing room this weekend and completed three UFOs that have been lurking in my sewing room, giving me the stink eye. I'm hoping to get cracking on my next project soon and it may just be another frock or item that I don't need :)

Cost
Pattern: New Look 6869, used before = Free
Fabric: 1.2m Autumn Botanics stretch sateen from Tessuti = $33.60
Zipper: $2
Thread and interfacing from stash
Total: $ 35.60