Hancock Fabrics has some special occasion fabrics on clearance. I found taffeta with a matching shimmery accent fabric on sale for less than $3 per yard! Now there was a catch. The fabric was a bright lime green. I figured I could get away with it for Easter. People really get dressed up at my church so it would be a fun dress to wear for the occasion.
The pattern I settled on was Butterick 5850
I chose view A. Love the no peek-a-boo issue mock wrap and sash
Unfortunately, what started off as mild congestion on Thursday turned into an all out monster cold on Friday. I was down for the day. Saturday I worked on altering praise dance dresses for the youth ministry and went to my niece’s birthday party (the baby is 5 already!). Before I knew it, it was midnight and I was putting together folders for scripts at the last minute for my youth group. That green dress was not happening. I ended up wearing my rose dress instead. New Look 6184 Here.
I did finally finish this week, post Easter but better late than never. The tucked shawl collar was a little tricky for me and the huge skirt required more gathering than I was used to doing but all in all it came together okay. I’m not sure where I’ll wear this bright green dress but it was a great learning project. I probably need to lay off the taffeta for a while now.
Inside bodice is linedAfter several failed attempts to hem by machine, I found it much nicer to hand finish this slippery, stretchy, too fragile to press fabricThe dress has a lapped side zipper that hides behind the sashClose-up view shows the self- facing tucked collar. I think it looks better with the collar turned out.Butterick B5850Butterick 5850
I have had an fascination with handcrafted textiles since before I can remember. The most influential women in my life have been skilled at sewing and needlecrafts. This includes great grandmother Mattie and grandma Arelia who was ever encouraging and proud of her “sweet pea” as I attempted my first projects at the age of 11.
Starting with braid weaving, then progressing to sewing, then crochet I was on my way. I received a bachelors in Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising from Eastern Michigan University in 2006. Over the years I have picked up knitting, loom weaving, embroidery and finally spinning every type of fiber I can get my hands on.
The process of creating using traditional techniques has brought me much joy and fulfillment over the years and I hope to inspire others to explore our heritage skills through my sharing.
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Traditions in Cloth 
