Yep, the crazy dog lady is back again!
And I’m still riding the pink train! I actually made this dress for my vacation last month, but have never worn it. I love it immensely, but it’s a bit too warm to wear, so it’s relegated to my spring or fall wardrobe. I actually started sewing a bunch of pink fabrics in my stash because I love how they look with my green merino wool Jenna cardi. I also have been carrying around a green purse for a while now and they all pair so perfectly together that it’s hard for me to tear myself away from a perfect combo. I just need to get myself some perfectly matching kelly green shoes and I’m set! 🙂
[source: Simplicity Patterns]
I made View A with the cap sleeves and cute little keyhole collar. I did sew on a little button, but really should have known that that collar was a bit too high for me to be comfortable with it. The photo above (which is snatched from IG and the only pic I took on my dress form), is likely the only time you will see it buttoned up. The collar has a neck facing, so I just ironed it opened and I’m pretty happy with the outcome of that.
I’m a wee bit addicted to Japanese prints lately…. in fact, I am borderline obsessed. Who wouldn’t be when your dog is on the fabric?! This one is a Kokka cotton linen that I got from eQuilter. I happened to be perusing dog print fabrics one day (as one does…. or as Tanya does….) when I came across it. It’s labeled as a “French Bulldog” fabric, but some of those dogs really look like Boston Terriers (of which I have two in my lil’ family). I mean, look — there’s ones that look like Bostons with bow ties — how could they not be Bostons? They call Boston’s the “American Gentleman” after all, as they look like they’re always dressed up in a tux. I say they’re Bostons. 🙂 The other ones resemble my parents’ Frenchie, Artemus, btw.
Other than grading this up to about a 26/28, I didn’t do a whole lot to this pattern. I enlarged the sleeves and did a slight swayback adjustment. I can’t recall if I lengthened the skirt, but if I did it was only about an inch. This is a little shorter than my preferred knee-length skirts, but I’m really happy with it. My favorite things other than the cute sleeves are the pockets and the pleated skirt. This linen works so well to keep those pleats nice and crisp.
I don’t need a belt with this, but I like wearing belts to break up prints in dresses and I love my favorite white belt.
And a dress covered in dogs wouldn’t be right without a pic of me and a dog. Rollie was nearby, so I grabbed him to take a pic. Fun fact, I usually have a menagerie of animals around me when I’m taking photos at home…. you just can’t see them unless they photobomb me or I pick ’em up. My two cats are usually with me, plus one or two ranch cats and at least two dogs. Nosy beasties! 🙂
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Simplicity 1419 in pink French Bulldog/ Boston Terrier print Kokka cotton linen, made by me
- Belt: Macy’s
- Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Great dress Tanya. I love the colour on you and the print is just adorable!
The dress looks gorgeous and you look so happy and lovely, but the fabric.. OH THE FABRIC!!! IT’s amazing
I love this one!
Not only are they adorable Frenchies, but they are adorable Frenchies with bow ties! So so adorable, and another great pink on you. I think your cute dog knows that he is loved.
Looking good! I love your dress. This pattern is the first I sewed for myself last year.
Love the print and love how the linen holds the pleats. Looks great on!!!!
Love this, Tanya. The skirt is really great, i love the shape and the pleats. I need to find some alternatives to my typical gathered rectangle and this looks like a good candidate.
Love this dress. The colour, fit and style are all perfect for you. Your dog is lovely. He looks like a real character. What a fab “accessory” for your dress. Xx
Thank you!!! I’m really happy with the fit of this dress. I’d love to make it again and change the neckline. Dogs are the best accessories! 🙂
I love this dress and it fits you perfectly! I love pink and green together! I am currently obsessed with Japanese fabrics. They’re just so delicious!
Thank you, Kathy! I think we both need some pink and green Japanese prints! 🙂
The fit on this is fantastic! Pink and green are really great together! I fully endorse your plan to make a mini pink/green wardrobe, complete with matching accessories. 😀
I am really happy with the fit of this dress and it makes me want to try more Lisette patterns. Mini pink/green wardrobe with more on the way!
Oh, that dress is one of my favourites of all the ones you’ve made. The fit looks perfect! The colour looks so good on you!
Thank you, Nita! I truly think I need to make another dress with this pattern, although i think I will change the neckline a bit for version 2.
I just found your blog- and am now a new follower 🙂 You are adorable, and your sewing is fantastic! I have only sewn a few garments for myself, but I’m hoping to learn some tips on fabric selection and pattern sewing!
~Jen
dressingwithclass.wordpress.com
Thank you, Jen! I’m happy to “meet you” and hope to see some of what you’re making! 🙂
Wow, this is such a cute pattern! I love the high collar and the pleats. The bodice fits you super well, and I really like this slightly shorter length on you too. Might need to track this pattern down!
Thanks, Nicole! This pattern would look fabulous on you!
This dress just screams, TANYA! It suits your style perfectly. Great dress, great print.
Thanks, Alicia! 🙂 Yes, this dress is very ME, isn’t it?
Gorgeous dress, Tanya! 🙂 Pink is definitely your colour!!
Thanks, Andie! I’ll just borrow the pink from ya for a little bit, soul sister!
Not a problem! 😀
Is there any advice u can give about grading up wovens? I’ve stuck with knits (Moneta) because they are so forgiving. Just adding to the side seams?
Hi Marina! I do have a tutorial about grading up. This is the method I use most of the time: http://tanyamaile.com/2014/08/06/tutorial-pattern-grading-method-one-easy-way/ I hope it works for you!
This dress looks great on you! I also have this pattern in my stash, now you make me what to get it out and sew it up too! I was worried that the dress was a little too school girl on my plus frame but your photos assured me it’s a nice dress. Thanks for the review. PS I love the dogs!
http://www.sewplus.blogspot.com
Thanks, Bonnie! I think it could be a lil schoolgirl-ish depending on the collar. I do want to make this again as I love the fit, but change the neckline as I prefer more rounded styles.
A round neck line would look great! Maybe even a boat neck or a v neck would be nice too. I can’t wait to see your next version!
Pretty fabric! You look lovely and Rollie is the best accessory! Same here, It’s hard to get pics without a photobombing dog in it!
Thanks, Marianne! Yep, dogs are the best accessories and the best photobombers!
That’s great fabric and you look lovely in this dress, you really suit bright pink
Thanks, Kerry! I can’t get enough of bright pinks lately!
So cute again! I love pink and green together too! I just bought some magazine boxes from IKEA for my sewing room and they are pink and green. That dress is fabulous.
Oh, pink and green magazine boxes! I die!!!
I loooooove you in pink, and pink and green is one of my all-time favorite combos! Also, I love that this has a shirtdress feel without a front button placket, because I am a guilty of buttonhole avoidance.
I just can’t get enough of pink and green!!! Perfect colors together! You could skip the button and loop and make it even easier on yourself!
Adorable! I just bought this pattern when I was back in the States- yours makes me want to push it to the top of the to-make pile!!
Oh, this pattern will look awesome on you! I was actually thinking about you and your Lisette dress with the cut outs as I was making this!