This is my version of Pattern N Deep-pocket shift with ruffle trim from Yoshiko Tsukiori's Stylish Dress Book: Clothing for Everyday.
I could not resist those pockets.
Though I must admit I was concerned they'd give me the saddlebag look from hell. I'm not so sure pockets at that height and of that size are suited to pear-shapes like me. But hello ruffles!! This dress is perfectly balanced by those ruffled "sleeves", very handily giving an illusion of width across the shoulders. Very clever, Yoshiko, very clever.
And we all know my love for sleeve ruffles.
These my friends are ruffles of epic proportions. I don't think the line drawing or the photographed sample reflect their sheer hugeness. I'm sitting with them... but I'm not sure they shouldn't be trimmed back a bit. I do like the quirky though, so perhaps trimming be damned!
The ruffle edges are left raw as is the edge of the neck facing on the outside edge. I'm interested to see how this wears and frays. I'm hoping not a lot, but both are cut on the straightgrain so it seems inevitable.
This dress may appear a-lined, but I think that is the result of my pattern grading more than the design. It is supposed to be a shift, but when you grade from a small at the bust and waist to a medium at the hip, it naturally swings out that hemline. And I'm good with that - aline is my shape. You can see from the back though that it isn't an extreme A.
The pockets. Love...
Perfect for somewhere to put your hands... or something large.
It's rare I think my project photos don't look as good as the real life look, but I actually think this dress looks better in real life. Weird. Have you ever felt that way?
In real life it's the happiest of happy dresses, dripping sunshine wherever it goes, and exactly as I imagined it. I think I have me another WOOHOO!!!!
Oh it's delightful! And those pockets! I don't really get how they're made but the finished product is marvellous. It's a winner!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo all the way home! I love me some statement fabric & a touch o quirky.
ReplyDeleteOh this is just lovely!!! Too cute. I LOVE Japanese pattern books and have a few myself but usually find the patterns a little too twee for me. But you have turned the cuteness on full mod and kicked the twee to the curb. I LOVE those pockets! I'd make this one (but without the shoulder ruffles for me ;-))
ReplyDeleteray of sunshine indeed ... and yesssss hello ruffles! This dress is not simply happy ... irradiates happiness it's contagious through the computer screen ... imagine real life! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe ruffles are perfection as is the pockets! I have this book - why oh why haven't I made this up yet??? Oh this year for sure. The pattern and fabric are a perfect marriage to give you a winning holiday continuing dress. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I love those pockets! Thanks for the warning about the size of the ruffles!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is just lovely, J! I seriously dig your sleeve ruffles (so you!) and will be interested to see how they wear!
ReplyDeleteI lady a work with recently told me that Hamilton Island was the happiest place on Earth...perhaps this is the happiest dress. The pockets are ruffles are just gorgeous, as are those fabulous flowers.
ReplyDeleteThat fabric is beautiful! So summery and fresh. And who wouldn't love those pockets. Beautiful dress!
ReplyDeleteTHIS!!! Another of your fabulous dresses that I simply must make now! I have some vintage 60's large print that I think would work - pockets, structured ruffle sleeveless, Aline-ish = yes! Love your work.
ReplyDeleteGreat dress - I think making it into an a-line integrates the pockets even better because they don't seem to stick out at all. As a fellow pear I'm always paranoid about the bulk that pockets in that region add!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a WOO-HOO. Thank you for sharing on a Monday morning too; very cheery to start the working week. Looks fab. XXX
ReplyDeleteIt was so hard to explain those pockets and clearly I didn't do well! But I do love them so
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna, I'm beginning to realise a touch of quirky is what I need and like.
ReplyDeleteI actually considered leaving the ruffles off myself Debbie, and I'd consider making another version without. I definitely think no ruffle is best for you with those gorgeous shoulders of yours! You'd rock it - slightly, sorta, not really drop-waistish :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sasha, I'm glad other people feel the happiness too :)
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes the sample dresses in Japanese pattern books are a bit drab or uninspiring at first glance. I've taken to looking at the line drawings first so that I'm not swayed by the modelled shot. But that being said, some suit that simple aesthetic. I just look to see how I can make it my own. You gotta make this, it'd be awesome on you!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you, Tassadit. I seriously did not see myself getting to this so soon, but it just kept calling my name! Yep, beware the ruffles - they'd be super easy to scale down though, so don't be turned off.
ReplyDeleteThanks A. I'm hoping they don't look like a rag on my shoulder in a short time. That would seriously suck ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope it's the happiest dress on Earth. Those flowers make my heart sing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think there are so many people with a thing for pockets if the response has been indicative!
ReplyDeleteAwwww thanks Nic, I look forward to seeing yours! It's a super quick make so it won't derail your other plans if you do go ahead. Not much fitting to consider which is a win in my book!
ReplyDeleteKristy I was so worried about those pockets, but I think the swingy shape definitely helps - it's hard to see where my hips start and the dress begins. Win!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Alice!
ReplyDeleteAnything I can do to help with making a Monday happy, Leah! And thank you x
ReplyDeleteooh thats amazing! the colours and the giant poppies (or are the anemones?) are perfect! I too love a ruffle, but i have trimmed some back in the past because they were just too sticky outy - but this is a lovely ruffle!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cat, they are giant flowers, but you're right - they do resemble anenomes. Ah, that word always reminds of Finding Nemo! I think I've come to place of happiness with the giant ruffles now :)
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