This was a different kind of sewing experience for me!  I ordered a kit from Megan Nielsen, and it came complete with the pattern, fabric, and notions needed to make the Eucalypt dress.  So there was no deliberation over fabric choice, no guessing how it would turn out…

It also came with a cute little tote bag to keep everything in that says “I Make Fashion” on the outside.  This bag now lives on my sewing table, and I use it to keep whatever project I am currently working on.  That phrase has really inspired me to make clothes that are an expression of me, and my style, and not just random articles of clothing.  “I make fashion”, not “I make clothes”.  I never fully understood people using clothes and fashion as expression, but for some reason now that I can make my own clothes it just clicks for me.  On days when I am not wearing anything I made I feel a bit off, not quite fully myself.  When I saw this dress, in this fabric, I just knew I had to make it!  I hoped Megan would make it available as a kit, and as soon as she did I snatched one up.  I am glad I did because they sold out quick!  The fabric is linen, super soft and perfect for summer.  I just love the city skyline printed on it, I think it is a very cool effect.  I wish I could find fabric like this in stores, it feels really special and stylish.  I have enough left over to make shorts? A skirt? I am leaning towards shorts.For the fit- I made a muslin first, because that’s how I roll…super simple, I cut the seam allowance off the neckline, arm holes and hem, then just sewed up the side seams.  It took all of 15 minutes.  I cut a XS and it was pretty gapey (is that a word?) in the armholes.  I took the side seams in by 3/8″ and the fit was perfect!

I wore that muslin all evening as I sewed, to bed that night, and most of the next day around the house (don’t judge me, ha).  Which inspired another project based on this pattern that I will show you later in the month.

SO…I cut into my beautiful, irreplaceable fabric and sewed up this dress in one evening- these babies sew up fast!  I did french seams on the sides, and the neck and arm holes are bound with bias tape- whenever I use this method I always follow the tutorial on the Grainline site, it really works to get a nice flat line.

And look at my cute little Megan Nielsen tag!!  That came with the kit too, along with Megan Nielsen bias tape 🙂  It totally looks RTW with that tag in there.  

I played around with the styling a little bit while taking photos:

with the only belt I own.

added my new chambray Archer shirt.

dressed up a bit with a wrap sweater, another Clyde’s Rebirth necklace, and ballerina flats.

This is another favorite pattern for me from Megan Nielsen!  I think she really excels at making simple, stylish patterns that can be modified a million ways.  I was looking through Anthropologie’s website today, and I pinned a bunch of tops and dresses that you could make using this pattern as a base.  And you know I’ll do it!  

And Megan, if you are reading this I hope you are getting lots of well deserved rest and relaxation 🙂  You inspire me!!