A Flowery Anna and Some Rambles

I believe it was last summer that By Hand London caught my eye . . . maybe last spring.  What I do know is that the Anna came out last summer, and in BHL fashion it did not disappoint.  As much as I love my Charlotte's (which more will be made next fall, after  hopefully long and gloriously hot summer some wool will come out for a smaller grey and one in black . . . yes, my grey one will be on ESTY in about three weeks as after this winter with weight dilemmas and body image galore it's too loose in the waist--if you can believe that!), I might love this bad boy more  . . .Well, the dress not the color.  Anyway . . . 

I actually made her Easter Weekend, took less than an afternoon.  I see her as a quickish make, with some nice potential to alter her look.  ;)

Pattern calls for one slit, which you will want on the long version . . . I went all ballsy and did two.  FYI, for folks of a normal height the slits are fine.  For folks, like me, barely making 5-3 with shoes on . . . lower it an inch or two.  I did not and while I don't flash the goods the allusion is certainly here on a good windy day.  

I also pulled out the fancy filters for ya.  The Dude took photos, as I begged him this time.  This was my second wearing of this dress.  I worked it a week or so ago with boots . . . in all fairness it was supposed to be my Easter Dress.  Plan was to bum around Central Park, but the Dude expended too much leg power on Record Store Day (the day before Easter this year).  He was spent, and had legs of jello, so we slummed around the house instead.  That was good for him, as well, his Easter basket contained this: 

Yup. Two pairs of boxers, one zipper bag (that he was psyched about  . . . i.e. for his electronic cords in his messenger bag), and I tossed in two bags of sour gummy candy and attached a key chain from Holland.  Yes, that's left over lining fabric from his Valentine.  Vintage buttons I had in the stash . . .why buttons? He asked begged for "sleep pants for summer, but short." To which is said, "Boxers?" Him: "Um, sleep pants, but short . . . " Me: "Boxers."  That occurred several more times.  He got them on Easter morning and was all, "Sleep pants for summer!"

Beat head against wall.  At least he's happy.  

Mutlly cooperated for half a second.  This dress fits well, and look . . . it looks good.  I didn't even have to hack up a thousand photos.  I really like the lines and how it shapes my hips.  What? I really did just go there.    

I wore the sweater with it, as it's somewhat spring chilly . . . But, yea . . . A great dress, I really love how it fits and forms at the top.  The double pleats are a breeze, and matching the pleats on the skirt is simple.  I realize I should note here that I've been told what I consider easy is not "easy" in general.  Eh . . . Just go slow.  You'll get it.  If it takes you two days to make the dress . . . it is still worth it.  Just as in life, don't compare yourself (or your sewing skills) to someone else.  Slow and precise is better than fast and sloppy.  Trust me, there are some projects that take me forever because I get nervous or go slow to make sure I don't make an error (like on complicated patterns with a thousand pieces and even more money in fabric).  There's my note of the day on that.  So jennyandjulielearntosew folks . . .take your time.  When I started sewing a dress like this would have intimidated me with double pleats, an invisible zipper, and those slits.  I would have never edged them back them.  It would have take me two to three days, some serious cussing, and a pack or two of cigarettes (and, I've given those up these days for sure).  Of course, in the 90s--when I remember seeing similar dresses--I would have never worn that slit or the maxi.  Too self conscious. 

No joke.  

Just like my sewing, I've evolved.  We all do.  

Some more notes on this dress, if you will. 

On that hanger it doesn't look like much.  

When I was marking the hem.  Nice, huh? Those sleeves even fit me.  I mean, it's like kismet on these By Hand London's and me.  

If you can't tell, I'm a fan.  So much so, that when BHL had a kick-starter to launch a fabric line I gave.  I'm dying for the launch!

The 411:

If you didn't notice, I chumped out and bought the kit.  Why? That floral channels my brief flirtation with Laura Ashley in the 90s.  This is a classic 90s vibe, and . . . well, cotton lawn and floral make a nice dress.  Cost: about that same if I had bought the pattern and fabric apart.  Yes. 

Changes:

Shorted like six inches.  Used extra fabric for some knickers.  I still have a hunk left . . . I'm lining some zip bags with it. 

One size smaller on the top, graded to next size on hips.  FYI. if you shrink, this is an easy intake.  Straight down both sides.  

Double slit.  Though, I should note, that the double slit makes the waist roomier, so in all reality I could have sewn the bottom and top on the same smaller size.  I edge stitched the openings of my slits .  . .floral and cotton lawn lend this look as fine!  I'm also not bad at edging   When I do my next version in silk I'll hand pick that.  

I forgot a back shot, but I can assure you that my zipper is invis, and it fits well.  ;)

I'm not sure about the white though.  I'll certainly wear this some more, but much like my self conscious early 20s vibe of fearing slits and maxis (as short + maxi often make you stout and round) I'm on the fence about white and me.  Sometimes we just have to own up and admit that we have doubts, no matter if we crafted something, bought it, or  . . . in this case, get compliments on it but still have the underlying layer of doubt starring us down in the mirror.  C'est la vie.  It happens.  

On that note, I'm sporting another Maxi that will show up here late this week.