So last year at MaryJo’s I fell in love with some ridiculous fabric. It’s a Minky paisley print. I believe that the designers intentions were probably closer to this-

Ooh, look! Giraffe!  Sorry, I got distracted. Where were we?

The designer might have actually had a bad dream about their textile being used to drape my dainty loins in an odd retro sheath mashup, but hey, that’s how I play, right? Scarilly and unadvisedly! So who was my victim? Burda 7031!

A subtle, basic shape with nifty curved darts that were a pleasant challenge for me. This is the first time I’ve done a dart that wasn’t straight, these curve- more so on one side that the other, so there was much slow going and easing along. They also just had to be cut open to lay flat on the hips. I’ve only cut open darts a few times- always makes me nervous! Here they are accented subtly for you-

Once more a dress that didn’t really need a zipper- the back seam is really unnecessary. Other than that, I made no changes- I just wanted to show off my extremely cuddly fabric! Do you feel teased enough? Shall I reveal my foolishness? Ok- but I did warn you.

I have a slight concern about being mistaken for a beanie baby from the back, but hey, it happens, right? 

I seriously think you more people should check out this pattern, it’s a classic shape and easy to wear- you can hack up your own bears to make one, or perhaps try a sensible fabric. Bruderlein likes this one and the husband titles the picture file  ‘fleece beast’ – do you think thats bad or good?

I’ll give him a pass on this one- he was really struggling to not make me clash with my decor! Ever notice that these photo shoots always end up being about Bruderlein? I think he resents not being the fleeciest one in the room today……

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

Ever wonder what would happen if Betsy Johnson

and Joan Holloway

were trapped in an elevator and a comet struck the building and radiation started to melt them and …….ok. I’m about to let you know inadvertently that most of my science has been formulated watching Michael Bay movies. Oops. Anyhoo. The fusing of Betsy and Joan is my point. Here is what I think you would get:

Yup. Me in Burda 7301. It’s a little retro, a little sweet  a little classic. So it needed gaudying. Of Course.

I’ve had this pattern forever- I think it’s even out of print now. Once more proving that I either make the dress EVERYONE has or the one no one has. Lets defend my choice:

It’s perfect for a bit of gardening. Did you see? I touched nature!! It has these frisky little pleats at the bust and little useless pockets- I’ve pulled the belt down ‘undergut style’ so you can see the raised waist and nifty darts and breastal pockets.

I can’t decide if I need to take in the upper body or just use a little more giving fabric next time. It’s boxy, but I think intentionally, but one can be too boxy, right? Perhaps not for my alter ego ‘Boxy Le Smut- ineffectual Spy Girl!’

I’m fairly certain that the folks at work were a little overwhelmed by my floral predator action. They seemed not just nonplussed, but maybe even a little negativelyplussed. Deplussed? Reverseplussed? Oh, you know how coworkers are. Ouch! Got to watch those thorns!?

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