In the Summer We (Still) Wear Black

But spring-y black, you know? It's got stripes and flowers so it counts. Besides, my other favorite summer dress is black and white gingham. Clearly I have a genre.

This one here is a mash up of the top from butterick 6453 and the all around pleated skirt from Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book (with added pockets!) Two important notes:

1) WHY did it take me so (sew! :D) long to get to B6453!? It's an instant favorite. This is actually the second one I've made already. Whoops.

2) Pleats > gathers. At least for me. I love the look of a full gathered skirt on other people but for me: No. Madame. Gathers at the waist just make me feel... poofy. Even though the pleated skirt is essentially the same fullness as a gathered skirt I find that it sits flatter at waist and looks more flattering on me. Maybe the difference is all in my mind but...

Fabric: Cotton rayon blend from Fabric.com

Patterns: top b6453; all around pleated skirt from Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book

Alterations: Added pockets finished with french seams (I saw this on a RTW skirt and kind of made up how to do it. If anyone is interested in a tutorial comment below!) I also used an invisible zip instead of a lapped zip since that's what I had on hand.

Notes for next time: Right now, literally none. I have no complaints about this dress and anticipate living in it for the immediate future. I do want to play around with different seam finishing options on the skirt that would jive with the french seam pockets. I always feel a bit lazy just serging the seams because I could technically do something more fancy. Technically. I guess. But again, see above gif.

Also, obligatory twirly photo!