The ‘Flowers in Paradise’ Dress

Aloha!  This week’s creation was lucky enough to be first worn on the island of Oahu while I’m on vacation visiting friends in Hawaii.  It was the perfect summer dress for the gorgeous Hawaii weather.  But what else makes this dress special?  Well, it’s my VIP fabric and pattern. I’ve had Sewaholic’s Lonsdale dress pattern in my stash for several months now but hadn’t found the right fabric to make it.  And I’ve only made one other Sewaholic pattern before and I was a little chicken to bust out of my Simplicity, Colette and Vogue patterns world.  As I started planning for my trip, I decided that I wanted to make a couple of sun dresses so I dusted off the pattern.  I had recently actually looked at the contents and realized that it didn’t look that difficult.  Now I had to find the right fabric for it...

I’ve had this cotton print in my stash for a while too, and while it’s just a simple cotton print, I really liked it and kept putting it aside for the right pattern.  None were good enough for it or I kept thinking ‘I could do better.’  That’s when Lonsdale and the cotton print came together.  As soon as I held the two up side by side I declared ‘that’s it!’

My vacation was quickly approaching and I was worried I wouldn’t have time to put the dress together, but luckily it was one of the fastest projects I’ve made in a long time.  It only took about 4 hours from pattern cutting to finish.  The assembly was ridiculously easy.  The top of the dress is lined, but not the skirt.  I could easily have lined it, but it wasn’t necessary - the fabric is dark and I wanted a lightweight dress.  I love the neck tie and the way it loops around to the back.  

The Facts

Fabric: 4.5 yards Michael Miller floral print cotton, on sale ~$35

Pattern: Sewaholic’s Lonsdale Pattern, on sale ~$15

Year: Contemporary

Notions: 16” zipper, $1.50

Time to Complete: 4 hours

First worn: On vacation in Hawaii

Wear again: Yes!

Total Price: $51.50

The dress fits great and was just right for the Hawaiian weather.  I probably won’t be able to wear it for a few months back home so I just have to get my fill of it now.  

What I Watched: 

Some of Scrubs Season 3