Laurel Number One

18 comments


I've been in a sewing funk lately, which explains my lack of completed projects. The Laurel pattern is what got me out of that funk. It took a couple of muslins before I was able to cut into my final fabric, but I am so happy I took the time to get the fit right because I know I will be making this dress again and again. In fact, I've already planned two other versions!

For this version I used a woven burgundy fabric from Mood. It's kind of a "Joan" color, don't you think? On a side note, sometimes when I find things in Joan's color I think to myself, "what would Joan wear?" (WWJW) and try to find a pattern to work with it. Seriously!


It's amazing how nice it is to sew with a high quality fabric! It even makes my dress feel more fancy (if that's possible!). I took some of your fitting advice and went down a size from my last muslin and did an FBA which solved most of my fitting problems, hurray. Longer length dresses are a little more my style, so I used the length from size 18 and hand stitched it.


My husband and his friend went on a motorcycle ride, so I headed over to my friend Krista's house and she was sweet enough to take photos for me. Unfortunately, it was super windy, so we only got a couple of photos. Bummer!

Cat hair is my most commonly worn accessory

Bias tape is far from being my favorite thing to make, but I just love the finished look when it matches the garment. The way Sarai recommends attaching it leaves such a flawless and clean finish. I don't hate making it as much now.


I LOVE these sleeves! My first version of the dress is pretty simple, but I think the sleeves jazz it up. My future versions won't have the same sleeve finish, but I'm really loving the look with this color.

What about you guys, do you ever think WWJW? How many Laurels do you have hanging in your closet?

18 comments :

  1. lol, cat hair is my most commonly worn accessory, too :) Love the dress and the color looks great on you!

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  2. I do love your version! I have been a little afraid of doing my own! I know what you mean about fabric choice, I often use not such good quality and I think that matches my confidence, maybe time to step up a little. x

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  3. I LOVE that color! I do think WWJW, especially when I'm accessorizing!

    I don't have any Laurels yet, only because I promised myself that I had to sew at least a few more of the patterns that I've already bought. Darn that promise!

    Also, I just posted about my craft swap for you with the tutorials that I used, since you asked me before. :) http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/2013/05/nautical-inspired-odds-ends-jars.html

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  4. That color looks really good on you! Love the dress and I've loved all the Laurel variations I've seen.

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  5. Wow, that is so your colour! And the dress is gorgeous. I can't really pull off shift dresses, so I haven't got any plans to try Laurel. I'll just perve on everyone else's!

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  6. I currently have 0 Laurel's hanging in my closet, and you've got me thinking that this needs to be remedied - STAT! Gorgeous fit, gorgeous color on you (I agree, very Joanie) and I love the 'sleeve pizazz'!

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  7. This is such a beautiful color! Your bias finish is lovely.

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  8. Very cute! And the color looks great on you. This would look really cute with a "statement" necklace. What's your next Laurel plan? I'm thinking of making one in red chambray.

    -Melissa @ Scavenger Hunt

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  9. Looks great with the extra length! The fabric is beautiful too, such a good colour for you

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  10. I have no Laurels unfortunately. But this is so cute on you, and the colour is perfect on you and definitely a Joanie colour!

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  11. This is so adorable! This pattern is so you-- I'm excited to see the other versions you come up with! I just have one of these right now, but I'm hoping to make at least one more before the summer's over. :)

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  12. Oooo that's so cute!! I LOVE that color on you. Joan should be asking herself "What would Erin wear?" lol :)

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  13. So lovely and simple, and what a great colour. Well done! :D

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  14. It looks lovely on you, so elegant. Glad you are out of your sewing funk! :)

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  15. Great looking Laurel. The color is lovely on you!

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  16. Very cute! That's such a perfect color on you. I really like the sleeves. I have yet to try the Laurel pattern, but I love seeing everyone else's versions.

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  17. this is your color, girl! love it. the sleeves are my fave part. very 60s. i still haven't finished any laurels. :( one of these days...

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  18. Thank you!!! Once you finish one you will be addicted!

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