Happy 2019. I am so very far behind with my blogging over the last 12 months. I thought I'd better at least post my Christmas party dress for 2018. This is one of those occasions where I had the material sitting around for a few years and also the pattern, I just never thought to put the 2 together. I do love a good halter and I probably have only a few good years left to get away with such a look.
The fabric was from Hearts and Found on Etsy. She has some beautiful and interesting fabrics and a reasonable price to boot. I previously bought a beautiful red fabric with floral border which I used for another festive frock 2 years ago. Then I saw this fabulous fabric with lobsters and cocktails in coconuts. Couldn't pass this one up. This is 100% cotton so I was a bit concerned about what pattern to use because it might get be a crumpled mess 2 mins after you put it on. As it turned out this halter dress was the perfect pattern.
This pattern was very easy to make. The front section is fully lined, but the back section of the bodice was meant to have facing. Instead I decided to line the back as well. Also I did the back section separately, attaching back bodice to skirt section and then inserting the zip. I like making up my patterns this anyway as it is easier doing the zip. I also wanted to do this dress with this method because I made it to a size 14 and suspected I would need to make adjustments to the bodice. And things were a bit loose around the bodice so it was easy taking in the side seems rather than having to unpick the skirt section from the bodice to do it.
I also loved that the halter wasn't too low cut at the sides, or the front for that matter. Much more flattering for those of us in the over 40 age bracket. Very comfortable tie as well. In fact, let's just say a darned comfy party frock.
I know I'll get a bit of wear out of this number over the summer months. I am inspired to maybe make a gingham one as well. I am also proud to say it also resulted in me finishing off some resin jewllery that I made about 5 years ago. I did a 1 day course, which was great, but we were meant to go home and finish sanding the pieces back and do the polishing. I was just lazy and didn't get around to it. So my lovely blue bangle is from that along with a blue ring. I also did a red and brown bangle as well. Now I have them to wear, woohoo. I also had to get my craft on for the flowers in myhair I couldn't find anything in the shops so bought fake flowers from a discount shop and attached them to a comb.
And finally for a litte behind the scenes of my photo shoot. Here's Salem Lebon hanging out. One of the felines is never far away giving me a judgmental stare.
