Strawberry milkshakes forever!

It’s summer over here in New Zealand. The perfect time to wear summer dresses, and drink strawberry milkshakes!

So naturally, I had to make a strawberry milkshake inspired dress for this month’s theme. 😉 (It’s a popular choice too – check out this gorgeous strawberry milkshake dress by another of the TMS contributors! I want it in my wardrobe!!)

For my dress, I used a quilting cotton from Minerva, with a pattern on it in shades of pink, yellow and purple. I figure the colours and the wavy lines are somewhat reminiscent of a milkshake in all it’s frothy goodness. 🙂

Since the fabric has a directional pattern on it, I used the Sylvie dress pattern by Christine Haynes – it features a wide band between the underbust and the waist, perfect for playing with print direction.

I cut a size 10 at the waist/hips and graded in to a size 6 at the bust (my measurements put me at a size 8 bust, but using the finished garment measurements, I felt that the size 6 would be more in keeping with my preferred wearing ease). The other key changes I made were to the skirt – I didn’t have enough fabric for the dirndl style, so instead made the straight skirt 8cm wider at each side seam, creating a gentle A-line shape. Plus, I added pockets. Because, pockets!

The pattern came together nice and easily, although I must admit to having a few fitting issues, all of which were my own fault. (They’re all documented on my blog, if you’re interested.) I think I may have to make this pattern again, and pay a bit more attention to what I’m doing when I cut it out next time, whoops! 😉

Cheers everyone, hope you all have a fabulous 2016 filled with great fabric and sewing!