A dress of my own invention

A dress of my own invention

---

• 3.25.2011

I got inspired for this dress over the last year seeing cute ruffled necklines on dresses for work and parties.  I've never seen a pattern for something like this, though, so I made one up!

I wanted to make a dress I could wear for work or a tasteful summer wedding or something, and a friend was giving away a good amount of 100% cotton navy blue twill sateen--good stuff.  I did a little mental designing, and put together two patterns and a variation on the bodice!!

I used one of my fave dress patterns, Butterick B4915, for the bodice, but I freehand cut the bodice totally differently--much wider straps and the back is solid rather than cross-over.  I used the midriff panel as-is... I love that thing, makes your waist look so small.

I used another fave pattern, Simplicity 2497, Cynthia Rowley, for the skirt, although instead of gathering it I put pleats in!  I love this skirt, since the front and back are the same--it is so simple.  I didn't give it pockets, like it calls for, which made it go together even faster!

I cut a bunch of 4"-or-so wide bias, folded it together, and ruffled it.  I pinned it carefully to the front, right sides together, and sandwiched it between the fashion fabric and lining.  It stands up just like I hoped it would!

Eee!!  So cute!  I love it, and plan to put a cardi over it for work, or a great necklace with it for a party.  What do you think?  How would you accessorize it for the office?  It helps that it's a decent length, I think, but how else could I make it look more professional?

Do any great pattern-combining and designing lately??