Back from Outer Space

Despite what my lack of recent posts might indicate, I did not indeed fall off the face of the earth (I'm still trying to figure out exactly how to, tho--I'll get back to you on that) But I confess that the holidays were so busy and so fun that I completely forgot my blogging goals! But my sewing wasn't dormant, and the new year gives fresh reason to share some of my projects!

After several casual ideas in the fall, I decided I needed to step up my game in designing, and my office does a fairly formal affair for the holidays each year, so I wanted to design a holiday cocktail dress. Of course, I didn't have a chance to start it until the day before, and with a baby shower planned for a friend on the same day, I ended up not being able to complete it, but I took some pictures of the process, and hopefully you can give me some good input to make it even better in time for Valentines Day or just next year!


I've always loved the asymmetrical necklines and sleeves, but as modesty is a big deal maker for me, I can't really wear the strap on one side and nothing on the other, so I tried vamping up the concept by including a long triangle sleeve on one side (to be open in the front to the elbow, almost in the fly-away style that you might see on a fairy costume, and then taper downward) and a cap sleeve on the other shoulder. I also love architectural details like pleating and rouching, so I created a pleated empire bodice and balanced it out on the bottom with a left to right swish of the same pleating and left the rest of the skirt simple to reduce distractions from the top. It was the first time I've designed by draping on the mannequin itself instead of sketching it (and I'm not a very good artist either), so it was really fun and exciting to do! Now I want to hear your opinion on it--thumbs up or down?