Have you ever felt a bit smug as a sewer? Like when you’ve finished a project and you’re just SO chuffed about the fit, the fabric and you can’t wait to show it off?
Well, I am pretty darn smug today. This dress is without a doubt the nicest thing I’ve ever made for myself. This is largely thanks to the fabric which I absolutely adore. And the Anna dress was perfect for it. 
Altering bodices is definitely not my favourite thing (I always have to do a pretty significant SBA), so after 3 semi ok muslins I just went ahead and made the dress anyway. And after some additional changes as I was sewing that were definitely not ‘by the book’, the fit just clicked. Even the insides look pretty with french seams everywhere except for the zipper/centre seam in the back.
This fabric is from the infamous ‘man outside Sainsburys‘ on Walthamstow market. I bought it for about £8/m I think, which is quite expensive for his stuff. Worth every penny. It’s silky smooth, and delicate – but not so delicate that I breaks easily when sewing. It’s some kind of shiny polyester. I’m really bad at remembering fabric names, so if anyone has a clue to what this is, let me know!
I sewed a size 14 bodice and graded it to 16 in the hips. Quite a big size for me, but I’m glad I did it, as the fit is nice and loose and super comfortable. For a stiffer fabric I’d probably go down in size.
Oh and this is my entry to the #internationalannaparty. The party starts this evening and will pull an all-nighter until tomorrow. Instagram is going to be flooded with Anna’s for sure.
Project summary:
- Anna dress pattern – £9
- Fabric: 2.5m – £20
- Notions (incl. zipper) – £3
Total: £32
It is absolutely beautiful and a perfect choice for this fabric. I know it, because I had it too (and unfortunately it’s really a bad fitting blouse I made from it so I am a bit jealous of your make). But I am pretty sure it is Viscose and not Polyester.
I’m sure yours is gorgeous – it’s hard to miss with that fabric :) And of course it’s viscose…duh. Thanks!!
What a lovely Anna! I love the colors of the fabric, and the fit is so good, especially that back view!
Thank you! Am planning to wear to at my 30th in a few weeks time :)
Gorgeous. You should be very proud x
Thanks lovely!
Wow! This is so lovely! The color really suits you!
Cheers! The colour makes me think of that friends episode with Ross’ salmon coloured shirt :)
So gorgeous and you definitely deserve to feel smug! I love your fabric so much. The colours and the drape look perfect and kind of vintage, but fresh! xxx
Thanks Marilla! Totally agree with you. Need to make more viscose stuff – it’s so darn comfy!
Please feel very very smug! You are glowing! Those touch of neon are so cool! And the fit really looks great, congrats! I am looking forward to dancing with you tonight!
Ah thank you lady! Means a lot especially coming from one of the judges ;) It was such a great initiative! More of those please!
Beautiful! I love the summery colours.
Thank you :) Yeah you kind of need a bit of a tan to go with this one.
It looks amazing and fits you perfectly! Definitely a make to be smug about! :)
Thank you so much :)
so beautiful! They are the perfect summer colours, and they suit you really well. You deserve to feel smug!
Lovely comment – thank you! The fabric really makes the dress.
And so you should be smug! Beautiful fit and the color is gorgeous on you!
thank you so much!
Really lovely fabric. I made this pattern, but never liked it on me. It’s perfect on you. Now you have such a great fit, it will be worth making another.
And I’m pretty sure I will. Funnily enough I wasn’t sure it would work on me either. Have you tried any other of the By Hand London gals patterns?
This is lovely! The fit is beautiful and the pop of yellow really lifts the pink.
Agree – it’s deliciously neon. Thanks :)