Dressed for Success

Being a bit strapped for cash this month, it being January and following the expense of all the festivities in the house of Marmalade, when I came to revisit my working wardrobe which has been stuffed in a suitcase under the bed for 18 months, I discovered that, as much as I missed the clothes therein, they were a bit out of date, and not really appropriate for the more 'casual' work attire in my new work place. Everybody wears jeans, but call me old fashioned, I really don't like to wear jeans for working in an office. It doesn't put me in the right frame of mind, even if it is only 15 hours a week. It's a bit like a preist in a grey suit - it just isn't right. So I had to act fast, and make myself a smartish dress which goes with long flat boots.

I dug out this pattern which is quite old now, and adapted it to suit me and the cold weather. Luckily, all the pattern making books that i've been poring over, have done their work and i'm now able to measure and adjust with ease - though this is a very easy pattern with which to practice.

I made a toile from an old sheet, which went through several fittings - it was mainly the darts I had to adjust because I have a small back, but am big (for my size) out front.

A while ago, I bought some polyviscose dogtooth print fabric, which seemed just right for the job. Easy to sew with, doesn't shrink or crease, and is quite sturdy and warm.

Et Voila! It's not perfect, but it was easy and I'm very pleased with it! And I have an accurate pattern for me, which I can use for the same style in other fabrics!