When it comes to garment sewing, I usually only make things for children. It's not quite as intimidating, it takes very little fabric, and if you screw up - it usually looks pretty darn cute on them nonetheless. Plus, I'll be honest, I absolutely hate my body after two kids (we weren't great friends before kids either), so why spend the time and money to make something for myself when the entire aspect of clothing, fit, and size really depresses me anyways?
Enter the Washi Dress. I was lucky enough to be at a sew-in a few months ago when Rae was working on a muslin for this pattern, and pretty much fell in love with it after she basically forced me to try it on. The fit was fantastic, and it was super flattering - hiding all of my not so lovely areas. Ever since that night, I had been practically stalking Rae to get my hands on this pattern, and my patience (or lack thereof) was finally rewarded when I got to test this pattern a few weeks ago.
The pattern itself is incredibly easy to follow with lots of pictures and diagrams, and sews up quickly once you've made it a couple of times. So much so, that I've already made three of them! The floral version above was my first attempt at the tunic style (a bit too short for my liking - but I've been informed that the pattern has been adjusted to add some extra length anyways :)
Oh yeah, another reason I have never been a fan of sewing clothes for myself? I really hate being on the other side of the camera. Blech.
This is version number two, made out of this lovely print from Tula Pink's new line, The Birds and the Bees.
And then here is my latest washi, made out of Sketch in Turquoise. I'm in LooooooooVE! And what you can't tell from any of these photos is that this dress has pockets! Perfect for holding all of the acorns, rocks, and playmobil animals that Phoebe is always giving me.
So basically, this pattern rocks. Many of my friends have tried the dress on as well, and it's amazing how great it looks on all of them - even with their different sizes and shapes! It's super versatile and you can play with the length, neckline, and there's even an additional pattern piece to add sleeves - so you can sew a myriad of different versions. Buy it and make tons of dresses and tunics. I plan on pretty much replacing my entire wardrobe with washi dresses!
***I heard from Rae that the Washi Dress pattern should be available this week! Keep checking her site and I'll post a link once it's available!
wow, I am just in love with all of your versions!!! I have been eagerly awaiting the pattern release, but with the same misgivings as you - is it worth all the effort + expense if I am not going to love how I look in it. So glad to see you don't have to be a size 0 to look awesome in it. You look amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been stalking Rae's blog waiting for this pattern, now I'm even more excited for it! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful! And so does your daughter! I'm not sure which version I like the best...I like them all!
ReplyDeleteThese look awesome! I think I am in good company checking Rae's blog multiple times a day just dying to get my hands on that pattern! I've got washi fabric all washed and ready to go!!!
ReplyDeleteyou blogged your washis! yay! you making three is an inspiration; i think i'm gonna start cutting #2 very soon...like maybe right now. it's only 11pm, that's not too late right? ;) anyway, your washis are gorgeous and i agree that this pattern is a huge confidence builder for the not-so-selfish seamstress.
ReplyDeleteGreat dresses... cute baby too! I want to try this pattern - I'm pretty intimidated by the thought of making clothing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing off this dress! I'm still debating on buying. Can I just mention that your daughter is super adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love your braid!!! I'm going to try doing mine that way tomorrow. And of course your dresses are beautiful, too!
ReplyDeletei SO love your versions! you look great in all three... can't wait to get the pattern- i'm really liking Rae's maxi version too. :) cute babe and awesome braid!
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you for this post. I have the same misgivings as you about sewing for myself. I think of all of the things I have to try on at the store to get something I like so sewing for myself is scary. I have only done it twice with mixed results. You look awesome! I just might have to try this one.
ReplyDeleteEmily - your dresses look great. Did you make a muslin version first or just dig right in?
ReplyDeleteI love all your versions! I thought at first the dress made with Tula's Birds & Bees would be my favorite but I really love the Sketch version.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous in your dresses! I see a beautiful, radiant, glowing woman. In our society it is hard to love oneself if we don't fit the media steritypes.
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