I am very excited about a new upgrade from my current dress form to (basically) a foam version of myself.  I spent hours (and hours) fitting the cover to get as close to my own body shape as possible.  Then came the all-out-on-the-floor fight to get that cover on the rather large foam body.  It wasn't easy.  I hurt one knuckle and broke a fingernail.  

The new me is a little stockier than the actual me - about 2" thicker in the waist - but everything else is in balance.  Vertically, she looks pretty good.   I might get around to further adjustment at some point.  Like, when I feel like another wrestling match.  It actually might be less troublesome to just eat a lot of ice cream and cookies.

Fabric:  Brocade (that used to be a too-big 1960′s dress) on top, Double Georgette for the skirt, and satin for the lining.

Pattern:  None.  I searched my collection of patterns (which I am also trying to put to good use) and couldn’t find a single one with princess seams on the bodice.  Not too surprising, though, as  I tend to have trouble fitting princess seams.  Rather than taking the time to draft something from scratch, I used the bodice of a dress I had recently taken apart (upcycle!) as a guide.  As expected, I had to make some modifications.  Surely I am not the only person whose chest has issues with this cut. Surely.

Year:  Bodice fabric – 1960′s/Style late 1950′s/”Pattern”- 1990′s

Notions:  Zipper and rust colored satin piping which was salvaged from the original dress.

Time to complete: About 10 hours (including picking apart the “original”) (oh and I was watching a movie while doing the hand stitching, so . . .).

First worn:  Today.  Just to snap some quick photos.

Wear again?  The next time I have a fancy event and the mood strikes me . . . yes.  Although, I can’t say I am completely sold on this dress.  Maybe it’s the color – too much brown? Maybe it’s the cut – is the skirt too full?  I’m on the fence with this one.

Total price: Double Georgette – $11.98/Satin – $9.98/Zipper – $1.26/Thread $2.65 for a grand total of $25.87.

I am such a sucker for fitted bodices matched with full skirts, but I am coming to terms with the fact that it is just time for a more grown-up (and slimming) go-to style.  More wiggle dresses in 2012!  Alas. A wiggle dress would not have worked for this project.  So, if I were to tweak this dress and still keep the silhouette and style of “Go for Brocade” I would probably have made the neckline just a tad deeper.  I also would have done something more interesting with the back.  You can’t see it, but it’s just real high and real snoozy.  (But effectively guards against drafts and sunburns.)  I do like the vintage brocade very much.  I will have to keep my eyes peeled for vintage dresses for the purpose of re-purposing.  I mean, after I use all the fabric in my stash, of course.

Name & Location: Liz Cowin.  Portland, OR.

Blog: I just finished up a year long personal challenge with Dress of the Month Club.

How long have you been sewing: Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My mother was at her machine for a good chunk of my childhood.  As soon as I was tall enough to reach the pedal she showed me the basics and it all grew from there.

Why did you want to commit to The Sew Weekly Challenge:  The Sew Weekly is a super fun read and I have to admit that there were a great many challenges I wish I had participated in last year.  Now I have my chance.

What do you love most about sewing garments: Being able to answer “Yes!” every time someone asks “Did you make that?”

What do you hate most about sewing garments: I don’t know why, but I can’t stand marking darts.  I love the darts, themselves, though.  Curious.

What do you want to accomplish this year with regard to the challenge: I am really working to stock my closet with classic, quality pieces that fit well and will stand the test of time.  All the better if I can make them (and show them off!).

Your biggest non-sewing goal of 2012: I guess I hope to pull off a really fun, stress-free wedding.  We just “decided” to get married about a week ago so . . . we’ll see.

What are your favorite sewing/fashion blogs:  Apart from this one, I enjoy A Beautiful Mess and Coletterie.  I really wish The Selfish Seamstress would make a prolific return.

Well, that's twelve of twelve for the year 2011.  December's dress is a really beautiful dark, dark blue wool.  I admittedly splurged.  

The deep squared neckline is something new for me, as are the long princess seams and 3/4 length sleeves.  I like the outcome -  not too dressy, but not casual either.

I added a cutesy leather bow belt because I like to accentuate waists.  The back is very high.  For the lining I used a bright plaid that used to be a dress.  The red shoes are a non-sequiteur.

Happy New Year everyone!  That's a wrap!