Did you know? "Stylish Dress Book" translated to English!

Now Available for Pre-Order

Yes, it's true....  The much coveted and admired Stylish Dress Book vol 1. by Yoshiko Tsukiori will soon be out in ENGLISH!!  Yay!  It is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com at an attractive price, only $11.27.  The publication date is Sept 10, 2012 so there is still quite a long wait for this title but fans of Japanese sewing books will know the wait is worthwhile.  The title for the english version will be "Stylish Dress Book: Wear with Freedom".  Click the link for more details and pictures!

Amy Butler Lotus Dress part 3

Cap Sleeves are go!

My Muslin/Dress is almost finished...well actually I have worn it downtown twice without the hem finished because I couldn't wait to wear it any longer!  Can't wear it to work like that though, I'm pretty sure the boss will look at me funny...  I am glad I threw this frock on before I stay-stitched and bound those sleeves!  I nearly didn't bother and so I was lucky my sister-in-law came round and I wanted to show her how it looked.  That's how I knew the sleeve sizes on the pattern are quite unrealistic, I had to let them out to the large size and they do still pinch a bit once in a while.

Time for another picture! >

Amy Butler Lotus Dress Part 2

A bit better fit..

The Lotus Dress is fitting a little better.  I have taken it in at the back darts (a lot!) and some at the zipper seam to prevent the nasty zipper lump effect.  The front is no longer sagging as you can see, but it still needs work.  I also moved those belt loops up, they seemed too low.

Amy Butler Lotus Dress part 1

At last I begin the Lotus dress project!  This is the muslin, made from an old sheet, as the dress fabric Mum bought me was very nice and expensive so I am trying to adjust the pattern first.

The pattern is a bit on the big side I think, plenty of ease.  I cut the small size thinking I may have to let it out over the hips and it is actually pretty big.  Fortunately the fabric drapes pretty well so it feels good to have that extra room.  Looks pretty good for a sheet, no?!