“The name of my dressmaker? Why certainly! It's me!”

If only I were as confident as the creator of this novelty print in sharing the fact that my wardrobe is hand made.  For many years I thought that if someone could tell that I had made my dress, it was somehow not good enough; my hand made items did not pass the "professional" test.  I have come to realize that this is silly, especially since my closet is filled with items that are obviously not something that is found in any department store I have come across recently.  And in fact, most ready to wear items are rather shoddy in their construction, so perhaps it is more of a compliment these days than something to be embarrassed about.

So here is my finished dress, in all of its glory, made from the whimsical "Home Sewing is Easy" novelty print that the online fabric shop, modes4u, sent to me.

The Advance pattern I chose threw me a couple of curve balls, but I am very happy to report that the dress is wearable, and more than that, a whole lot of fun to wear.

It is rather amusing to realize that people are reading the dress you are wearing, although it can be somewhat jarring if you happen to forget for a moment the particular dress you have donned and wonder why someone is staring quizzically at your shoulder!

I toyed with the idea of recreating one of the illustrated dress designs on the fabric in my actual fabric, however, I decided that the shirt dress design that first popped into my head when I initially saw the fabric was a better way to go.

I have become obsessed with these novelty prints.  They do present a challenge when it comes to constructing actual garments, but they are worth it, in my opinion!

I wish they were also printed on heavier weighted fabrics, because I wouldn't mind having a skirt in another crazy design.

But for now, I am happy to stitch away on quilting cottons.

I know that some people avoid them like the plague for apparel sewing, but as long as you don't expect them to drape like silk charmeuse or wear as well as heavy denim, they do a fabulous job.

And to close, I will share a bit of sewing humor, courtesy of a novelty print . . .

Lady in Red:  "And won't it be thrilling when I make a whole dress for myself!  I'll fairly burst my seams with pride!"

Friend wearing Green:  "Not if you've made 'em the right way!"

It's like a bad Dad joke, but make it a sewing themed pun.  And I love it!  Thank you, modes4u, for the kitchy print; it makes an excellent conversation piece, and a great dress.  And to the print, thank you for reminding me, of course, that sewing skills are something of which to be proud (and perhaps even flaunted).  Although, beware the stranger that will ask you to hem their pants or replace their buttons for them . . . just because I can, doesn't mean that I want to.  For goodness sake, I hate replacing buttons that have fallen off of my own ready to wear clothes.  Mending is something else entirely, and that's all I have to say on the subject!

Dress:  Made by me, Advance 6821
Belt:  Made by me
Earrings:  Vintage
Shoes:  Nina "Serena"

[The fabric for this project was received from modeS4u in exchange for writing a blog post]