In honor of Indie Pattern Month (hosted by Kat of Modern Vintage Cupcakes, I made my wonderful Colette Eclair dress.   I did finish this dress a few days ago, in which it was still June, so I’m certain that it qualifies! 🙂

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

My Eclair is made of this gorgeous leaf print cotton damask I found at Fabric Mart in this beautiful kelly green.  You can see the design and the color much better in this photo taken in my sewing room.

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

I put boning in the bodice for extra support and as I used plastic boning, it didn’t hold its fit as well after 8 plus hours of wearing this dress the other day, but that is too be expected.  I fitted my bodice enough though that there were no real worries about me flashing anyone, but I was still pulling it up anyway…. I am not a huge fan of strapless dresses and rarely ever wear them, but I loved this pattern so much and thought it would be good for this summer heat, that I made it and am very happy with it. 🙂

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

The cotton damask fabric is pretty thick, so I only lined the bodice and I used cotton voile for that.  This dress is not too hot and very breathable, and I’m sure that with it being strapless, that it helps quite a bit.  The side zipper opening on the pattern does not fully open, and I initially followed the directions, but ended up having to taken apart the side seam and reinsert the invisible zipper with a hook and eye closure at the top.  As the bodice has to be very fitted so as not to fall down and flash everyone, it makes it very difficult to get on and off without help.  the full side zip works far better.  When I was looking at the pattern, I figured it would be a problem, but followed it anyway, when I should have just used my instincts.

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

Two other things that I should have changed when I didn’t was to use the fashion fabric to make the pockets instead of the lining fabric and I should have lengthened the tie sash more.  I thought that perhaps pockets out of my green damask would be to bulky, but as my cotton voile is white and not green, I can see the pockets clearly instead of them disappearing into the dress.  The thickness of the fabric also didn’t make it feasible to tie a bow in the back, but I’m happy with the knot instead.  I got a lot of compliments whilst wearing this dress the other day, so it must look good!  I love this pattern, but not sure if I’ll make it again unless I add straps or sleeves.  I am just not too much for strapless dresses as they make me feel so exposed and I’m always tugging at the bodice.  But it certainly cools you off in the summertime and as we are currently experiencing a 100+ heatwave here in California, I imagine I will be wearing this again!

Kelly Green Colette Eclair

Happy sewing, friends!

Dress:  Colette Eclair1004 in kelly green leaf print cotton damask made by me

Shoes:  Yellow Box

Necklace:  Etsy

Sunglasses:  Burberry