Carnival dress

Last Saturday I went op-shopping. Whilst carting around armloads of clothes I REALLY need, I spotted a Laura Ashley quilt cover set which was just BEGGING me to turn it into a dress.

(Extra large rack appreciation pic)

I pulled the quilt cover off the hanger, paid all of $8 for it!! and took it home for its immediate transformation.

Ta-da.

 

 This fabric makes me think of carnivals and fairs from days gone by. There is something sweet about the print which brings to mind innocent fun and freedom. And fairy floss.

 

 

 The pattern I used is a Vogue 8766 , heavily modified. I used one and half circle skirts, which is to say I cut out 6 quarter circle pieces. I did this because I really wanted to gather the waist of the skirt, rather than having a flat circle skirt (if that makes sense). So the skirt is very full.

Attempting to demonstrate said fullness:

 

Weird insect pose:

 

 I gave the bodice a sweetheart neckline. The straps are slightly curved by making a pleat at the ends.

In order to wear the gathered waist without looking pregnant, I knew I had to lower the waistline of the bodice. I intended to make it rounded and soft but it ended up kind of pointed. However, I like it. It's more corsety.

 The buttons were all attached to the quilt cover so I wanted to re-use them. They are only pinned on here. I'm trying to decide how many suits best. Five looks nice but I can't decide if they look a bit crammed in?

 

  

I probably could have worn some carnival-y shoes for this post. Oh well.