Spring Stripe Dress with Measure Fabric

Have you been following along with Fashion Revolution this week? I've talked a lot in past years about Fashion Revolution and things we can do to during the week and beyond, but today I'm talking about how my general sewing has changed.

When I first started sewing, I would go to JoAnn Fabrics often, and after college, I bought from Fabric.com about twice a month. I spent a lot of money on fabric, fabric that I didn't think about buying, I just wanted to make and make and make. I was on this path for a few years, buying new fabric whenever I wanted, trying to finish a project a week to have something new to write a blog post about, but it wasn't a sustainable path.

Since I now don't have a consistent income, I don't have as much money to spend on fabric like I used to. But it has also made me incredibly aware of the quality of fabrics I've been purchasing. Now I only want fabrics I truly love and want in my wardrobe - not just because it's on sale. What I love even more is getting to work with companies I really believe in, and want to work with.

I am so proud to work with Measure Fabric. Their quality and collection is beautiful and getting to work with these gorgeous fabrics is so special. I saw this striped fabric on their website, and was intrigued. I've been falling in love with stripes, but have no stripes in my wardrobe! I thought this was a perfect stripe to get into the Spring Spirit, and try out a new silhouette. This dress was a total experiment for my body and my sewing, but I am so proud of the result!

This dress was inspired by one from Kate Spade. I used a pattern already in my collection (Simplicity 8086) with many, many changes. I really only used the bodice pieces in view A, and added a gathered skirt and an additional hem band.

I don't have a lot of experience working with stripes, so this project was a little new to me. I had to re-do the zipper about three times to get the stripes right. The first time wasn't bad, but what I really want out of my sewing projects now is a more professional look. I want to re-do steps to get things right even if it takes longer. My favorite pieces are ones that I took extra time to complete. (and as I say that I know I have to add a hook and eye to the top of the zipper!) I was so happy with how the stripe matching came out, and definitely took time to get them to match up!

Now, lets talk about this fabric for a minute. The colors in this stripe pattern are beautiful. A light pink and olive-y tan on a cream background. It is a beautiful mix to ease my way into more stripes. The fabric is a really cool cotton twill, that gives it a more casual feel. I can see this fabric going into a number of different projects (my mind is still on dresses) including apparel and home projects. After washing, it became much more comfortable, and relaxed. I was a little nervous that it would be too stiff for apparel, but I have no problem with it against my skin! The bodice is lined with regular cotton, and even though the skirt is unlined, it's comfortable.

This silhouette is definitely different for me, since it is a much longer skirt than I normally wear! I'm still not positive where a "midi" length is supposed to be, and I think taking this up just about an inch will make it perfect. (sometimes you have to see the length through a lens to get the full picture). But overall, it feels like a classic design for a dress that will do well for me throughout summer.