The Exceptionally Festive Dress

This is the dress I made for Christmas this year. I used Simplicity 2176. I used 100% cotton Christmas fabric I found on clearance at Jo-Anns.  Instead of hemming the bottom I used white bias tape. 

I designed and crocheted my little white shrug.  

(I was dramatically eating chocolates while Mom was taking pics.)

Back view. Next time I will use an invisible zipper. On this dress it blended well with the main fabric, but really popped out at the contrast band.

I am very happy with the fit of the bodice. I was not so excited about the drape of the skirt. I think I need to use a more flowy fabric next time. Overall I am pleased with the finished product.

I am such a nerd =)

I was quite happy to have an excuse to wear a pair of cute shoes and show off my snowflake toenail polish!

The Seamless Pledge... Except for Underwear

Taken from: http://seamlessblog.wordpress.com/the-pledge/

THE RULES

1. No buying new clothes for the duration of your pledge. By new, I mean any new mass-manufactured clothes.
2. You can buy second-hand manufactured clothes – so be prepared to get to know your local charity shops awfully well.
3. Vintage clothing is a-ok!
4. Anything you’ve made by hand is definitely allowed. Get your sewing machines and your knitting needles out, because handmade is definitely in!
5. Get involved! Join in on the Flickr group and like our Facebook page. I’ll be looking to feature pledgers on the blog in the future. I’d love to see your second-hand finds, refashions and hand-made creations!

I, Brittany Cole, take the Seamless pledge until 3/31/2012. I will abstain from buying any new clothes until the end of my pledge. I will find ways to be fashionable without breaking the bank and without contributing to the cycle of fast fashion consuming the high street. I will trawl through charity shops, I will attend clothes swaps, I will look for second-hand items on eBay and I will craft my own clothes with my own two hands. 

I am going to take this pledge for my clothes. However, I am still going to buy new clothes for Billy and Brian. I will try this for 3 months and see how it goes. I don't think it will be to difficult for me because I already get most of my clothes at thrift stores anyway. I also love to make my own clothes. So here goes!

Rose's "It's Not a Date" Dress

I drafted and sewed this dress for Rose to wear on her "not date" with her "not boyfriend." It is made from 100% cotton polka dots fabric from Hobby Lobby. It is actually Christmas fabric that was on clearance for $3.50/yard. The dress used 3 yards. It has a full circle skirt and a fitted bodice.

The bust is a wee bit big at the sides but it is not to bad. I will have to tweak it a but for the next version. Overall I am happy with it, considering it is the first pattern I have ever drafted.