Photo via tiny happy
When the second volume of the sensational Stylish Dress Book came out, it caused such a stir in the sewing blogosphere that I googled to find out what is in the book. (No, I didn't run to the bookstore even though I live in Japan.) I was not impressed at all seeing some pictures uploaded in some blogs, and was especially not interested in the dress pattern that made out the cover of the book, thinking what a silly way of using such delicate fabric as Liberty. Until one day, I got the chance to look at the actual book and closely examined the instructions. I still insist that the patterns are not new--they are the old patterns from the previous volume with some modifications. However, these modifications are a bit major, and precious to me. I can learn new techniques, such as making buttons with loops instead of buttonholes, or adding smock and simple embroidery to a dress. I was bought.
Of all models, the first dress I made from the book is the dress in the cover. I have 2 yards of Liberty fabric--my first Liberty yardage, ahem--and have been looking for the the right pattern for it. I finally decided to make a muslin out of old bedsheet the style D that is described by the author as "the boxy dress".
Apparently to me, it's not a boxy dress at all. It's an oversized T-shirt that I used to have back in the days when Grifone graffiti skater's shirt was considered cool. When I was in junior high, they made this style in knit/jersey, now they re-invent the style again in Liberty. I was like, huh??
But anyway, I became even more curious. So I did it and it was a snap! Easy peasy. I especially love the sleeves, which in the making were so easy to attach. But, the beauty of the design is that you can opt to leave the sleeves and have a batwing style instead. So, you see, the body and (cap) sleeve is all in one pattern piece. Easy, right? Despite it's t-shirt like, I like the outcome. It's comfortable yet modern. My husband seems to like it even more than I do.
Well, it's not what this post all about though. It's rather about the length of the dress. It's been some time for me not wearing short dresses. When I was young and skinny, about 3 years ago, what considered cute and stylish was the knee length dresses or longer. I still have those dresses and, trying them out now, I feel like they need to be refashioned to keep up with the world today. However, I never really feel like a short dress person. In fact, my thighs are just not so flattering in minis.
I'm glad I made my new dress in muslin. When I wear it and do my activities in my usual manners, I tend to reveal my body parts too much. Although the dress is very comfortable when I stand up and move about, it's not the case when I sit on the couch or on the floor. Hence, I googled "how to wear short dresses".
Well well, I'm not the only one with the problem haha. The links suggested that I wear boyshorts, or leggings, or even wide-leg pants underneath. The idea is the older you are the less revealing your outfit should be. I agree. The Japanese, with their continuing love with wearing layers even throughout the summer, will undoubtedly wear a pair of leggings or stockings underneath. Possibly the cropped ones. The cuter/kawaii types will probably go with pettipants (developed from the idea of petticoat, in the form of pants) with lace trims. But, I don't think that look is for me. Sometimes, when you're not Japanese and you dress like the Japanese do, you'll end up looking silly, if not pushy.
I'm still thinking whether I should make the dress or not. But surely, I won't make it using my Liberty.
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