Looking through the Garnet Hill catalog recently, I came across the most fabulous linen dress. It is one of those crossover/wrap dresses that do so much to hide figure flaws, and the color--sage green--was calling my name. The hang-up was the price, $98.00. What can I say? I am a cheap-skate at heart, even though I did consider buying it for about 10 seconds.
Fast forward to my fabric store trip where linen (real linen!) was on sale for $2.99 per yard and it came in the exact same color! So for less than $10.00, that dress is cut up and in line for completion using New Look pattern 6674. (I am making the red dress in the bottom right corner in the second picture.) Take a peek:
The scary thing is that this dress has many more pieces than the patterns I usually try. For clothes I don't progress any farther than Sew Easy or Sewing For Dummies patterns, but for this dress I am scaling that mountain. Hopefully I will be posting some successful dress pictures soon!
The last items to be made for my craft show at the end of the month are these handbags:
Getting ready for this craft show has been much easier than my last since I already have lots of things made. That, of course, is another way of saying that lots of goodies didn't sell last time! Oh well, I am hoping for better luck this time!
Have a wonderful day!
That looks like a lovely dress! I'm looking forward to seeing your finished product. You always inspire me to sew more! Good luck with your craft sale. If I lived closer, I'd be a good customer and it would be easy because your stuff is lovely!
Posted by: Crystal | July 12, 2007 at 01:21 AM
oooh-LOVE it! I love those wrap dresses too! I am REALLy loving those two red and cream ones in the top left hand corner. Too classy!
Look forward to seeing the results!
Posted by: Rebecca | July 12, 2007 at 04:52 AM
THat dress is beautiful! I'm jotting down the pattern number - I wouldn't be able to sew it myself, but I know an excellent seamstress who would put it together for me for $20!
Posted by: Beck | July 12, 2007 at 05:39 AM
What a pretty dress... I bet you'll do a wonderful job! Can't wait to see it completed!
Posted by: Julie | July 12, 2007 at 05:41 AM
ooh i can't wait to see the finished dress. i'm such a sucker for sage green, myself.
Posted by: Cici | July 12, 2007 at 05:58 AM
You are going to do a great job on the dress. I know what you mean about being a cheapskate. I'm the same way. I just paid $30 for a denim skirt and I had a *really* hard time paying it!
Posted by: Robin | July 12, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Randi,
I only wish that I could find linen.
We have Walmart. And a few quilt shops that sell nothing but cotton.
I love the pattern. So, here's what I have found... the easy patterns don't turn out as well as the harder ones. Yes, there are more pieces, but you make bags, and such. You CAN handle it. It will probably fit much better than an "easy" pattern.
I can't wait to see the pictures!
Posted by: Tracy | July 12, 2007 at 06:39 AM
It sounds like it will be a fun sewing project to tackle! You can do it...and you'll have a wonderful dress as the finished project :-) And I agree, often the harder patterns fit better in the end.
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
Posted by: Tammy | July 12, 2007 at 07:13 AM
I agree with the others - you will definitely be able to make that lovely dress.
Your bag picture is so cute - like they're lined up and ready to march to the sewing machine!
Posted by: Beth | July 12, 2007 at 07:14 AM
i love that style of dress and have always wanted to try one - thanks for sharing the pattern number!
Posted by: kirsten | July 12, 2007 at 07:20 AM
I love making clothes for a fraction of the cost to buy them! Way to go! Have fun with it!
Posted by: jessi | July 12, 2007 at 08:33 AM
I know you'll do a great job! That style is very cute!
xo
Posted by: Susie | July 12, 2007 at 08:36 AM
i am lovin those bags! wish we were closer, i would love to see your craft show! ca't wait to see all the pics! and the dress...shut UP!! too cute!
Posted by: heidi | July 12, 2007 at 08:38 AM
What a beautiful dress! If I wasn't so lumpy I'd love to wear that style.
Have fun at the craft sale :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | July 12, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Ooooo...ambitious woman! Post a picture of the finished result when you have it, pretty please?
Posted by: Rocks In My Dryer | July 12, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Oooooh, that is going to be a super cute dress. (I love Garnet Hill stuff, but most of it is really pricey.)
Posted by: rohanknitter | July 12, 2007 at 09:50 AM
oh, the patterns of those bags... they are stunning!
Posted by: Lei | July 12, 2007 at 09:52 AM
What a deal on the dress!! It's really cute. So are all those handbags. I hope your craft sale goes well.
Posted by: Morning Glory | July 12, 2007 at 10:45 AM
I can't wait to see the finished dress...I know it is going to beautiful! I hope you will share more pictures of the handbags when they are completed as well! :)
Posted by: Darcy | July 12, 2007 at 11:26 AM
How pleasing to be able to wear you dress, looking a million dollars but knowing it only cost a few. I'm sure it will be smashing once it's made
Posted by: French Knots | July 12, 2007 at 11:54 AM
LOL Well here's hoping that everything sells this time!
Posted by: Felicia | July 12, 2007 at 11:56 AM
I cannot wait to see your dress!
Posted by: Heather | July 12, 2007 at 12:13 PM
hey you are so gifted. come see me at my new spot.
Posted by: sarah w | July 12, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Lovely - I love it when a plan comes together! :)
Can't wait to see the finished product on beautiful *you*!
Posted by: Elise | July 12, 2007 at 08:55 PM
good luck on the dress sewing! I don't envy your task. But what a good deal on the linen! That is an impressive sale. Love the bags, they look adorable.
Posted by: amandajean | July 12, 2007 at 10:25 PM
I'm impressed Randi. Can't wait to see the finished dress. No doubt it will look lovely on you. The bags look great too. Happy sewing my friend!
Posted by: erin s. | July 13, 2007 at 12:30 AM
What gorgeous colors on those bags!
Hope the dress making goes just as well! :o)
Did you get your prizes?
Posted by: The Woman | July 13, 2007 at 06:57 AM
I believe in you Randi!! YOu can do it. If I can do a handbag with no problem I'm sure you can do the dress. Those bags are so cute, I think I'm jealous of your fabric store, I never see anything like that where I shop. Oh well. I don't think I said thank you for the Reflection Award, I was feeling rather glum the morning I saw it and there it was, an award for me, I was so excited. You are too kind.
Posted by: flowerlady | July 13, 2007 at 09:34 AM
That's a great looking dress! I hope it's going well.
Posted by: Christina | July 17, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Thank you so much for the comment on the dress. I will bookmark your site so that I can come back and see the finished dress.
I love, love, love the totes that you've made!!!
I'm working on another dress for a friends 1 year old little girl. Hopefully I'll complete this week.
Blessings,
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa ♥ | July 18, 2007 at 04:40 PM