Sometimes I feel a little like Fanny Brice- not for the talent mind you, but for the feeling of ducks among swans.

Sometimes I get so excited about a project and then look on PR and get so inspired by all the versions I see and can’t wait to put mine out there and join the lovely parade and revel in mine and other people creativity. Then there are other times when I look at the only other review on PR and think, ‘Oh, I cannot possibly put my foolishness up next to the only other review posted- they look amazing- like a model in a professional setting with 3 fairygodstylists working on their look and I feel like a sows ear! ‘ Here’s how Vogue sees it:

Well, in for a penny, right? Here we go. I love this pattern. I’ve been wanting to try a maxi dress and this Vogue sucked me in. I chose an argyle rayony business and hand pleated the skirt to make it lay down where I didn’t. The bodice on this is fully lined and is built like a pinafore, the side seams laying over each other and creating a very open armscye. In the interest of science- I reveal this area for you:

It is bra exposurally low, so either add a gusset or throw on a camisole and live with your decisions. I chose camisole, and I’m happy about it. The skirt is lined to the knee- when I cut it out I wasn’t sure how long I’d want the skirt- is too much argyle a bad thing? I was feeling very overwhelmed with all this and am still not sure where one wears such a maxi beast-  another tip of the hat to the fantasy lifestyle I sew for. Well, who isn’t wearing an argyle maxi at the dogpark this season? Exactly. No one of any style would think it odd, now would they?

So tell me in the comments- leave it long? Chop it to the knee? Tea length? The husband votes just at the knee. But he always says that?! I am pondering it here.

So on the whole, I’m quite happy with this, I’m a little embarrassed that I held off finishing it afraid that it wouldn’t stand up next to another’s gorgeous make. I need to keep in mind that if I wanted to look like everyone else, I’d be shopping retail, right? As the self-appointed spokesmodel for bad pattern choices, I need to never hide my light under a bushel, proudly waving my gaudy flag and inspiring other people to let their foolishness run free as God intended.  Sniff, I’d temporarily forgotten my sacred role. I lost sight of the fact that out there somewhere, a sewcialist is rubbing a overthetop animal print between 2 fingers and  thinking doubtful thoughts until she sees her little rubber ‘WQGWAD?’ ** bracelet and feels better about her skills and purpose. It’s important work I do. Sniff, sniff.

**WQGWAD = What Questionable gaudiness Would Anne Do?

photo credits: pattern review, google images, meadhawg. All images remain the property of their original owners.