Laurel Number One

I've been in a sewing funk lately, which explains my lack of completed projects. The Laurel pattern is what got me out of that funk. It took a couple of muslins before I was able to cut into my final fabric, but I am so happy I took the time to get the fit right because I know I will be making this dress again and again. In fact, I've already planned two other versions!

For this version I used a woven burgundy fabric from Mood. It's kind of a "Joan" color, don't you think? On a side note, sometimes when I find things in Joan's color I think to myself, "what would Joan wear?" (WWJW) and try to find a pattern to work with it. Seriously!


It's amazing how nice it is to sew with a high quality fabric! It even makes my dress feel more fancy (if that's possible!). I took some of your fitting advice and went down a size from my last muslin and did an FBA which solved most of my fitting problems, hurray. Longer length dresses are a little more my style, so I used the length from size 18 and hand stitched it.


My husband and his friend went on a motorcycle ride, so I headed over to my friend Krista's house and she was sweet enough to take photos for me. Unfortunately, it was super windy, so we only got a couple of photos. Bummer!


Bias tape is far from being my favorite thing to make, but I just love the finished look when it matches the garment. The way Sarai recommends attaching it leaves such a flawless and clean finish. I don't hate making it as much now.


I LOVE these sleeves! My first version of the dress is pretty simple, but I think the sleeves jazz it up. My future versions won't have the same sleeve finish, but I'm really loving the look with this color.

What about you guys, do you ever think WWJW? How many Laurels do you have hanging in your closet?