More Laurel!

Well, hello there!

I'm back to share more photos of my recent Laurel shift dresses. I had so much fun making these, and adding on little embellishments and details. When I added them to the Colette Patterns flickr group, though, I was BLOWN AWAY at all of the other amazing, awe-inspiring versions posted there. Really, go check 'em out.

My grey linen version was my first go at the Laurel pattern, and I was instantly hooked. It's such a simple pattern to sew up and the fit was pretty great -  it just needed some taking in along the side seams for me, and then, voila! Cute, wearable, comfy dresses that are fun to make and wear.

For my second version, I opted to use a cute, busy floral print I'd had hanging out in my stash for a little while. It's a fun quilting cotton that Tom's mom passed on to me after she'd gone through her (amazing) craft room.  That's another great thing about this pattern - it works as well with plain fabrics as it does with busy prints!

I omitted the sleeves (obviously) for this version, and went to town with the kelly green bias tape (also from my stash). I had just enough to add tiny bows to the pockets after binding everything, which is now probably my favorite feature. I just love the summery 1960s feel of this dress. I made sure to make this version slightly longer than my linen one, so that it's still well above the knee, but is a little more... modest & work-friendly.

In adding the pockets on this second go-around, I will share one (very tiny) little tip I learned. When the directions suggest that you create a cardboard cut-out to use in turning under and pressing the outer edge of the pocket, before attaching it to the dress, I was like "heck no." I just ended up stitching 3/8" from the edge all round the pocket and then using that line of stitching to help me guide the fold of the fabric when pressing. It worked pretty well and I didn't need to dig up any cardboard. I did cheat a little and use my Dritz Ezy-hem to aid in pressing, but it wasn't actually necessary.

So, what do you all think? Are you as hooked on the Laurel pattern as I am?

Have you entered the Colette Laurel Sewing Contest? There's still a tiny bit of time left if you haven't posted yours yet!