I kept returning to the Elisalex from By Hand London and looking at it closely. I loved the shape but was worried it would make me look huge with that tulip skirt. In the end I decided to buy the pattern and used an old curtain to run up a muslin. My goodness, I changed my mind!! I quickly decided this was going to be the pattern I used for the next special dress I needed.
Such a good job my lovely friend Karena is getting married! I scored some gorgeous floral print linen in the sale at Calico Laine which was already sitting in my stash. To this i added some bright pink cotton for the lining. I got to work on the bodice…

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This dress comes together beautifully and sewing the bodice is a pleasure as its finished off so neatly. I had to take a tiny bit off the centre back to stop it gaping a bit but otherwise it fit perfectly.

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The skirt is very clever. Although it feels like far too much fabric while you are cutting and sewing it, those pleats do such a fab job of creating the tulip shape and it just works! I managed to get my pleats and seams lined up (nearly!) and I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.

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I have still to decide on the hem length – this will depend on my shoe choice which at the moment is veering towards some fuschia pink high heeled mules – sort of retro and elegant, like this dress.

I know I haven’t posted a pic of me wearing it yet – I will do one I have hemmed it but I already know I love it! I’ve got plans to make a sleeved version in a brown suiting fabric which will be perfect for work.

I have also ordered both the Anna and the Victoria so that should keep me busy for the rest of the summer….

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