Birthday Dress + My First of Many Watson’s!

Yesterday was my birthday, 39 years young, and I decided to break out my party dress to celebrate.  I’ve also just sewn up my first two Watson Bra’s and have 5 more cut up and ready to sew! I got a new nose ring, in lovely lapis, a Wedgwood style pitcher from the MET from my parents, and two new patterns on the way courtesy of my husband, Sewaholic’s Granville Blouse and By Hand London’s Holly Jumpsuit!  Fabulous birthday!

The dress is Gertie’s Butterick B5882.  I made this almost two years ago, pre-blogging, for my Halloween costume as Zooey Deschanel’s character Jess from New Girl.  It’s one of the few shows I watch religiously-my kids love singing the theme song :)  I think? I made this in a size 12…it’s been awhile.  It’s a bit big on me now especially in the bust, but fit like a glove when I made it.  As my youngest is getting close to weaning I’ve gone back to my pre-kids bra size.  Exactly why I’m sewing a whole new bra wardrobe with the Watson. I’m now a 34B, down from a 36DD when I was tandem nursing!  The dress is fully lined with bias straps,pleated bra and boned bodice.  This was one of my earliest dresses and was really interesting to put together.

My first Watson bra in purple was my tester for size before committing to nicer supplies.  It’s made from an old knit top with elastic remnants in a 34B.  I was a bit skeptical at first to go with the sizing (it measures the difference from upper and center bust) as I usually wear a 34C in RTW, but the fit is absolutely perfect.  My band was doubled for less stretch and is quite supportive for a non-underwire bra.

My second version is my favorite.  I made this with a peach colored lace  and used coral elastics from Fabric Depo with rings and bra hooks from Flora’s Garden both on Etsy.  I used Amy’s tips for changing the pattern to use the scalloped edges but decided to line all my pieces. I love the look of this.  Sadly my bra band is a bit snug.  I used a performance knit as my lining and it was a bit too firm.  I can still wear it but may get a bra extender.  I love how the lace looks though, especially with the strap accents.

I’ve cut out two matching sets, bra and panties, both in the longline version out of a knit pillowcase and an older Boden dress that I loved but rarely wore anymore.  Hoping I’ll enjoy it more as lingerie.  I also cut out a bra from a pair of my daughters knit pants she doesn’t like and from a workout top that was too tight.  Bra’s are the best for refashioning.  The panties take up a bit more yardage so I haven’t made as many yet.  I made a tester pair that I then altered by raising the waistline an inch.  Trying to go through my refashion stash before purchasing new fabrics.

I can’t wait for my new patterns to arrive!  I’m planning on making the Granville in a Liberty print, maybe this floral and the Holly in white linen, most likely this one from Marcy Tilton since it’s opaque.

I spent my birthday sewing another Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank, sans pocket, out of fabric I cut from two silk dresses I found at Goodwill in Navy and Cream.  Love how it’s turning out.  I cut the pattern into panels so my centers are in contrasting fabrics.  I had a lovely day even with my son sick at home.  My daughter helped me make my birthday cake, a lovely Lemon Sponge from Nigella Lawson’s How to be a Domestic Goddess-one of my fav cookbooks!  And my husband per our tradition found the biggest loveliest romantic gibberish card he could find! Perfect day!