We’re just back from a fabulous vacation at Disney World with my whole family! I’m still exhausted from our whirlwind 4 day trip but had just enough energy to whip up this new dress when we got back home.  I was itching to get back to sewing after being away from home. The kids and I spent Spring Break at my parents, then home for one week followed by Disney. It’s been a busy Spring!

This is the Marilyn Dress from Style Arc sewn up in a gorgeous textured linen from Marcy Tilton.  I wanted another work look to transition into the very hot weather we’ve been having.  This is one of my Make 9’s as well as just in time to wear for the first day of Me Made May!

All the Details:

Fabrics-

Belvedere Blue Linen Woven from Marcy Tilton  (Part of the fabric haul from my FB contest win!)

website description…. This is a beautiful modern basic. Navy mixed with black cross woven linen in a textured gauze with overall vertical crinkles – reminds me of vintage Issey Miyake ‘bark’ cloth. The cross weave adds depth and the permanent woven in subtle texture adds a bit of spring and hides wrinkling. Cool dry hand, lightly crisp drape, opaque, no lingerie show through, but some shadowing if you stand against the light. Light/mid weight is right for soft pants, shirt, top, blouse, tunic, skirt or dress. Ideal for travel and wardrobe building.

Saxon Blue Dyed Blue Silk Lining (for interior sleeves)- reused from my silk Bias dress.

Pattern-

Marilyn Dress, Style Arc Patterns size 10

from the website….. The ¾ length sleeve with its fashionable split opening and tie closure makes this simple, slightly “A” line, “V” neck dress something special. The pattern allows the choice of two different neck drops, traditional and a little lower if you dare.

Construction:

This was a very easy and relaxing sew made on my regular machine and then serged for a clean finish.  Since this was my first try of the pattern I kept the finishes simple in case I needed alterations.  I did end up taking in maybe 2 ” on each side of the waist as its an extremely boxy fit.  Next time I’ll remove a bit from center front as the shoulders were a bit wide and then take in the waist for a more fitted shape. Also I’ll be adding pockets! I used the lower neckline and don’t find it too revealing at all. I finished it off with a 2″ hem  as well as a snap closure to keep my bra straps in place. (pictured below)

What I fell in love with about this pattern though is this sleeve.  I try to stay away from very trendy looks but wanted to give this a try for Spring.  When the open sleeve look goes out of fashion (or I get bored…we’ll see which comes first!) I can easily seam it closed for a more traditional sleeve.

I love the bit of light blue silk that peeks out though it was totally unintentional. I ran out of fabric and had to use an older dress to line the sleeves.  It adds a little touch of whimsy to this simple navy dress.

The texture of this fabric is the real star of the show.  This linen is just stunning up close.  It’s slightly sheer (I’m wearing this over a black slip.) Perfect weight for summer! I laundered my fabric and put it in the dryer to increase the wrinkling.  Still easy to iron without losing the texture.

We also celebrated my little Amelie’s 6th Birthday this past Friday!   I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by. She had the best birthday ever celebrating all week at Disney! She met all her favorite princesses (dressed up in outfits I made her) and got a fab makeover at the Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique followed by dinner at the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh characters! I went all out with Disney sewing.  Ami was Snow White, Cinderella and Elena, Nigel got Star Wars shorts for Hollywood Studios (he was so excited for his Jedi Training!!!) and I Disney bounded as Snow White (with lots of compliments!), Alice in Wonderland and Jasmine!  I have to buy my Disney Memory Maker to get all our pics and then I’ll share all those makes!

It has been crazy hot the last week or so. I had been growing my hair out for Disney (a bob for Snow White) but after getting back and feeling the heat it was time for a change. I got my hair all chopped off this past weekend into a nice pixie at Aveda.  It feels so nice to have all that weight off my head.

Be sure to follow along with me for #MMMay17 on Instagram! I’ll be posting my daily looks over there with  a recap here at the end of the month.  Happy Sewing!