Friends, when I was growing up, I loved to take dance classes. I went to dance from Kindergarten until 6th grade, and I loved it so much, I took dance classes again in college. Modern, jazz, tap, ballet - I did as many as I could. I even got to choreograph a modern dance to Tenacious D's "Wonderboy." Yep, that totally happened.
Here is me in my first grade recital. I'm the one with the really pasty legs on the left. Wow. They practically glow. I never noticed that before.
As the youngest of five children, and having siblings who were in high school and college, it was bound to happen that I was going to be stuck being compared to "Bee Girl" for most of my life. It was a good song, so I didn't mind too too much. It was better than "Megan the Mountain Lion," which came after I got braces.
I often dreamed of joining other awesomely dressed characters and dancing in a field, so when this challenge came up, I jumped at the chance of making "Bee Girl" more accessible to the masses.
At first, I panicked because I thought my ideal fabric had been packed. After much searching and hoping, I opened up a box and there it was! I was so excited, Rob thought I had stubbed my toe again.
I've only got so much fabric with me in our sublet and this fabulous piece had to come with us:
Great, fabulous - got the fabric and now... a new problem arose: I had the fabric, but where was the right pattern? UGH. Some of my patterns went to storage and are lounging in a box while I long for them. Those that are with me are ones I haven't used before (to expand my sewing skills and all those lovely ideas that sound so good at the time), so I did some thinking...
Finally, I decided it was time to try Colette Patterns Cinnamon dress. It's a slip dress cut completely on the bias. Normally, that would freak me out, but the pattern on the dress lined up with the bias lines perfectly and it was a total breeze to cut!
Cutting is one thing, sewing is another. Most of the seams call for a small zig zag stitch and the expectation is that you will be able to slip this over your head due to the zig zag stitches and bias cuts. For me, at least, this was not the case, and I had to put in a twelve inch black zipper down the side.
I didn't put a large hem in as it lays really well at my knees. The dress flows beautifully, better than I had expected.
I love the double straps - it reminds me of Bee Girl's leotard and the sequin detailing. It does make it harder to wear a bra with straps, but I've found I am actually comfortable without one in this dress (and that is saying A LOT).
This dress was an unexpected surprise. I liked it at first, and then was thrown off by the double straps and weird bodice, but came back to liking it again after trying it on. I did not expect to have it skim over my curves and fit so well the first time! Ah Colette Patterns, I'm sorry for ever doubting you. This pattern will definitely be used again - I highly recommend it!
Thank you for all of the lovely birthday wishes :) You are too too funny! I ate some cherries in your honor.
Giveaway coming soon...I'm just waiting on a few more things to come together.
Have a fantastic day, all!!