Palm fronds and Laurel

A summery day always feels better in a summery dress and what better than one printed with palm fronds to lighten the spirit?

Colette pattern information

This is my second version of the Colette Laurel dress and I'm every bit as happy with the pattern as I was the first time I made it.

The fabric is a border-print, polyester remnant from Textile Traders that cost me $2. I've had it for quite a while and have held it up while peering in the mirror countless times trying to decide what to make. I know, big decision after such a financial outlay, but surely any piece of fabric should be treated with respect and consideration!

I couldn't be happier with the choice to make a Laurel. It's simple so the fabric can shine, but the cut looks stylish and classic.

 I made a few changes to the pattern: the neckline was lowered quite a bit; the bust darts were also lowered, but perhaps need to go lower still (or else I need to hoist up my bra straps); the side seams were taken in tapering from the waist to approximately 4cm in at the hem; the length was increased by about 5cm and finished with a very narrow hem (and it's still short!); and flutter sleeves were added.

The sleeves were a bit of an afterthought. I made them very simply using the scrap of fabric left over from cutting the neckline of the back dress piece. The back pattern piece had been placed against the edge of the fabric before cutting leaving a semi-circular scrap. I cut three more identical pieces, sewed each pair together along the curved edge and attached them to the arm holes (no gathers). The entire arm hole edge was then finished with bias binding and top stitched to match the neckline. I think it balances the dress quite nicely. I also like the hemline of the dress, which is slightly curved and lower at the back (this is unchanged from the original pattern).

 I didn't have much fabric to work with but, learning from past mistakes, I tried to place the front and back so the print was in a flattering place.

I think it worked out pretty well.

I wore this last weekend when we walked by the Swan River near Perth City. You can see the progress of Elizabeth Quay in the background to the right of me. This huge development is underway to dig out a large area of land, flood the area with water and make an upmarket cafe, restaurant, hotel and ferry district on the waterfront. Watch out Sydney Harbour!!

 Let's hope autumn stays lovely and sunny so I can wear this a few more times.