Creative Crafty #1: Polka Dot Dress

At the beginning of this year I moved from northern New York to Southern Massachusetts. It has been quite an adventure over the past few months. It isn't so much the moving that has made it interesting, for I have been moving so frequently over the past 3 years due to school, co-ops, and internships, but for the first time I was completely without any familiarity. I have grown used to having other folks from my Alma Mater around me every time I would move. This time the closest people I know live at least an hour away without traffic...thank you Boston.

I also had to stop playing rugby recently ( I have played for 4 years and numerous levels) due to the fact I have had too many concussions. Giving up a sport that I loved so much and took so much of my time and in fact was the largest source of my social activities has left a huge dent in my life. I am a busy person by nature and it has been a struggle having to restructure my free time.  As a result I have been a bit edgy to say the least...just ask the boy friend. : P

Before I started playing rugby I used to do a lot of other activities and had many interests that had to take a backseat to training, practices and games. Recently, the move, the lack of rugby, work and all other stresses took effect and I had somewhat of an identity crisis. It was a moment of frustration combined with the realization that I need to get my butt in gear and get back to the fun things I used to do. So I made a list of things I used to do and things I want to learn to do. Starting this blog was on the list. I love crafting and sewing and making my own clothes and many other things and my cousin suggested I write a blog to share these things with other people.

Since I have moved I have in fact done a few projects. Here is the first dress I have worked on in a long time. It is my return to my design side and just love it.

Polka Dot Dress - Creative Process

I recently went exploring the area and found this amazing fabric store in Natick, MA. its called the Fabric Place Basement and they carry a large variety of fabrics, yarns, notions and these amazing appliques as seen below on the back of the dress. On my first visit, my friend and I found these appliques and simply fell in love with them. We probably spent an hour or more looking through all of them. This was the perfect motivation to come up with a dress idea. I also found this simply charming navy and white polka dot fabric and loved the contrast to with one of the gold appliques that I found. I personally don't like patterns because I feel like its restricting to what I may want to design. I bring the fabric home and just drape the cloth on my dress makers manikin. This is usually where I start making rough sketches and try to figure out my direction.

I decided on a slightly dressy summer dress/cocktail style dress would be my direction due to lack of them in my closet.  I used an old sheet and made my own pattern before touching the actual fabric. I received some useful tips from one of my best friends on how to finish it to look the best. I never had fully finished my seems but with my friends advice the dress turned out a million times better. There are no zippers, buttons or fasteners. The dress simply slips over my head and the gold rope belt cinches at the waist. I am sooo happy about the way it turned out.

More recent projects to come!!! :)

As I am sure you can tell this is all very new to me. If those viewing my blog could bare with me while I develop my blog. I also am welcoming any tips or input.