A new dress! This one was made with Jewel of Brooklyn Dress kit from Kollabora, that consisted of Simplicity 2281, a Cynthia Rowley Collection pattern, and 2 m of 100% silk Solid Crepe de Chine from Mood Fabrics.
Since I didn’t really want the dress in two colors like the Kollabora version, I asked for the color Tango Red, Tara from Kollabora was really helpful to accommodate my request.
Simplicity 2281 is a sweet dress with gathered neckline, hidden pockets and gathered tulip skirt. I made view A in size 6 on bust and hip, size 8 on waist. Other than my usual adjustments, I also left off the back ties and adding center back seam for invisible zipper. This way I can adjust the sides later if I need to (which I did). Still too lazy for making a muslin first I suppose….
Pattern alteration:
- shortening upper front and back bodice 1 cm
- shortening midriff front and back 2 cm
- swayback adjustment on upper back bodice 1 cm
- discarded the ties and added center back seam to midriff back and skirt back for invisible zipper.
After sewing my first silk dress, I’m not afraid of silk anymore! This crepe de chine was easier to work with than the previous silk, it went smoothly under my sewing feet and was surprisingly a lot more stabler that I have imagined. So, no problem at all with the fabrics.
The instructions are quite clear although I didn’t really follow the instructions order, which called for finishing the bodice and lining it first before attaching the skirt. As I wanted to be able to alter the sides later, the side seams were sewed the last. After fitting, I did have to pinch the sides about 1.5 cm on each side from armhole to the waist. I also lowered the neckline about 1.5 cm. No further fitting alterations other than those two, I guess all the pattern alterations have worked quite well.
Also! Last Friday was my 41st birthday and I celebrated it by getting a new haircut. The last time I got a professional haircut was about two years ago, and it was medium length. I usually trim and cut my own hair but I recently I got a bit lazy and let my hair grew too long that I couldn’t handle it anymore. I went to Dude hair salon in Shimokitazawa. Yes, the name is Dude and actually that was the first thing that got me interested. I want a dude to cut my hair.
Of course the owner’s name was not Dude, his name is Kaz Taira and he was very polite and soft-spoken. We talked first about what kind of haircut that I wanted and he showed me several pictures for inspiration. When he was ready to start cutting, he said, “Now I’m going into my creative zone, so I’m going to shut up.” I like this guy! He worked pretty quick and less than 2 hours later, I emerged from the salon with a big smile on my face.
Dress pattern and supplies are Jewel of Brooklyn Dress from Kollabora.
hi, i want your Red silk dress instruction, how i can swing like that
You look so very beautiful in red. Happy birthday! I love that he said “I’m going into my creative zone”–I really like when stylists bring their special creative touch like that.
I love the dress (just as everything you do)& the haircut! But, hey! I’m afraid you made a mistake while typing your age: your finger must have slipped from 3 to 4. Don’t worry, verybody corrected.
Have a lovely day!
Aww you’re too nice! Unfortunately I was born in 1971! Thank you so much!
I like your dress and hair!
Grettings, El clavel
You look stunning!
Girl, this is gorgeous! I love this style and color on you! The red was a perfect choice! I didn’t like this pattern envelope, but your version is amazing!
Happy belated birthday! Is it weird that I thought you were around 27? Your hair looks AMAZING!
What a beautiful dress and I love your haircut too, you look lovely! Happy Birthday
Happy belated birthday! Lovely hair cut and well made dress as usual:)
You look great in everything you make, and I love your haircut!! So pretty!!
~Happy be~lated birthday!!
You look fantastic!
What? 41? I would never have guessed that! (I obviously would have guessed younger just to be clear 😉
Love that dress on you….and the haircut!
You’re too kind Mia! Thank you so much
Happy birthday! Your dress and the new haircut look grat on you!
Yet another example where the pattern cover doesn’t do the pattern justice. They need to use your pretty dress to illustrate the pattern. Great job and now I’ve got another pattern to add to the list!
I too will be getting my hair cut next week – it’s never ever been short (other than being a toddler) so we shall see if it comes out as cute as yours!
Looking forward to see your new haircut then! I used to have very short hair (5 years ago) so it is nice to have it again now
Very flattering on you. Happy birthday!
Fantastic dress and really lovely haircut. I have now seen two versions of this pattern that have convinced me I must pick it up. I love the sleeves! It looks so pretty and comfortable – a winning combination.
The sleeves are the first thing that attracted me to the pattern as well!
Lovely dress, lovely hair!
😀
Love that dress on you, makes me want one ever more! Great hair too, short hair on women is soooo flattering, you just have to take the leap!
The red dress looks good on you! <3 your new hair cut too!
Lovely! I really like this raglan style of dress- I might have to track down this pattern myself now after seeing it made up so wonderfully.
And the new haircut looks fabulous too :o)
I love your new haircut. It is amazingly chic! I am growing my hair out and it’s getting rather long. I have the itch to chop it off!
I know that feeling! I used to have very short hair and it was so hard to let it grow. I have to say that after 5 years with long hair, it is kinda nice to have short hair again
Hang on in there!
I love your blog, your gorgeous new hairstyle and your new red dress! Every post is an inspiration. Happy birthday
I love your new haircut! Your hairdresser sounds lovely.
The dress pack sounds interesting too, will have to go and check it out.
Congratulations on your new dress! That’s a perfect color to match the colors of autumn. I love your haircut! Kaz is a great dude indeed
He’s been cutting my and my BF’s hair for over two years!
No wonder your hair is looking great! Thank you
I love love love your haircut!!! It totally suits you
I almost bought that dress pattern while it was on sale too and now I’m regretting not buying it! Arghh
I love the dress and your haircut. So cute! You look so much younger than 41! Happy birthday.
Aww thank you Rachael!