I tend to buy sewing notions that I think are unique and only to get them home and become unsure of what project I want to use them in. I always felt that any idea I had to use one of these notions whether it was a button, piece of lace, or length of fabric was as special as my find. I was sure another, better idea, would come to me later. So into the tub or drawer it went. Never to be seen again. But wait….
I started this blog so that I could be more creative and to prevent myself from ending up on one of those television programmes that helps hoarders declutter. In 20 years from now they would have to dig me out from underneath my beloved fabrics.
My fear each month is that this month I will not create something with my little treasure that I am proud of. The same was true this month, I loved the green lace but could not imagine at the outset of the challenge how I was going to use it. Even when I had finished sketching the illustrations for voting I thought maybe this design wasn’t going to be interesting enough. But after I saw the final design on the model I was thrilled with the results. I think the design manages to straddle the line between being appropriate attire in a professional workplace and being eye-catching enough to then go out for dinner with friends. It is just the right amount of sophisticated without a trace of dowdiness. If I do, say so myself.
There were a lot of challenges making this design, but looking back I learned a lot and enjoyed the process. The armholes on the dress proved to be the biggest challenge and I think I will continue to tinker with this part of the pattern. I cannot tell you how many times I wish I could have asked advice from Jana, Donna, or one of my teachers from Massey University.
The final dress was supposed to be able to go from a day at work to out to dinner with friends so we thought that two different locations for the photoshoot would be fitting. The first location was at a desk to represent an office. The second location was in a very lovely local café called Krave Bistro. This local restaurant has amazing food and a great atmosphere. Thank you, Amy, and the rest of the fabulous staff at Krave Bistro for being so friendly and helpful. I quite literally think about their sumptuous Mac and Cheese dish at least once a week. I will be back! Please visit their Facebook page to learn more about the restaurant.
Thank you to our photographer Arthur Pengelly. Thank you again to our lovely model Niki Jamieson. The two of you make the photoshoots a lot of fun and they would not turn out half as well without you!
I was not paid or compensated in any way for writing this post. I just love great food and amazing new places to eat and don’t mind sharing my opinions.
Oooh, can we visit Krave Bistro when I visit??!!
Thanks, Jeanette! Since you are travelling to the other side of the world to visit us, it is the least I can do to take you out to Krave for dinner. I cannot wait for your visit. I am thrilled you like the dress. All these positive comments make all the late nights worth it.
It looks fab and the photos are great. Yum, I do love a good Mac and cheese.
Thanks, Dani. Arthur did a great job with the photos. It reminds me of our photoshoot in Wellington. That was a lot of fun too!
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate the feedback!
The dress looks lovely! I can totally see it in my office or out to dinner (love Krave too, by the way). Good job! I’m not a big fan of mixing patterns in fabrics but I like the results here.
Thanks, Robin. The dress turned out better than I imagined. The mini sleeves on the first toile were pretty oddly shaped. Thank you so much for your comment. See you at the gym. I’ll have to work out harder so I can eat more of Krave’s Mac and Cheese.