A Stitching Odyssey: #sewdollyclackett Time for Tea Dress

After warming up for #SewDollyClackett with my Springtime Cambie Dress, I've managed to squeeze the 'real deal' in for today's deadline! I'm seriously loving my Time for Tea dress (see how I even named it a la Miss Dolly Clackett herself), so be warned of the 'smiley chipmunk' photos below. There's a reason why I don't usually smile like this for photos, but being dressed like Roisin feels ridiculously great!

The pattern is none other than Christine Hayes' Emery Dress, which Roisin herself is a big fan of. One of my favourite details is the A-line shape of the skirt, which I think looks a lot prettier than a rectangular gathered skirt. Remarkably, I cut out a size 4 and hardly made any adjustments at all! I just stitched the bodice side seams at 1cm rather than 1.5cm and chopped 3cm off the skirt length before hemming. I didn't even have to shorten the bodice or adjust the back and shoulder area! So, believe the hype people...this pattern is a keeper! Although, I suspect that if you're not particularly petite like I am, it may be a slightly different story. 

As you can see, I opted for the 'no frills' version of Emery, as my fabric print is busy enough. I did include contrasting pockets though, for added secret fun! Construction wise, Emery is a breeze to stitch up. However, due to preferences alone, I did / will do a couple of things slightly differently next time. Because I like overlocking my seams where possible, I finished my pocket and skirt seams before sewing up. So I overlocked the curved sides of all four pocket pieces, as well as the centre back skirt seams. I then pinned my pockets to the skirt side seams as instructed and overlocked the straight edge of the pocket together with the side seam. If this is unclear and a 'how-to' would be helpful, just shout as I took a couple of pictures.

The other thing I would change next time is the way the bodice lining is attached. I can't deny that the suggested method is very clever and neat, but I find that my lining keeps catching in the zip. As much as I hate hand sewing, catch-stitching the lining to the zip prevents this from happening. Minor gripes though, which aren't gripes at all!

Other than my choice of sewing pattern, I think you'll agree that what makes this #SewDollyClackett is the fabric print of course! It's a beautiful cotton lawn from my favourite fabric shop in Leicester and I can't stop feeling giddy every time I look at it! Now to actually fill my kitchen with identical crockery!

Hilariously, and I couldn't have planned this if I tried, I've ended up with a 'milk' jug on my...errr...left jug! Luckily it's not too noticeable...is it?!?

Apparently, using props for photos can make you feel like a right idiot! But how could I resist such a fitting opportunity to pose with my stunning 1930s tea-set?!?

A huge thank you to the lovely Sarah of Rhinestones and Telephones for coming up with such a fun challenge (and possibly the best wedding gift Roisin could dream of), and of course to the gorgeous Roisin herself for inspiring countless stitchers around the world with her unique sense of style! 

Have you taken part in #SewDollyClackett? If not, you seriously have to check out the Sew Dolly Clackett Flickr Group!