I just finished my second Colette Pattern, the Laurel dress!

The Laurel is a simple (probably to others) shift dress.  Not necessarily the best dress shape for someone with (ahem) curves, but one of the most comfortable.  You will not see a picture of me from the side in this dress.  There is a not very skinny reason for that....but I will proudly wear it out and about!

I used Amy Butler's "Wild Poppies" that I ordered from Cotton Blossom Farm.  If you need beautiful fabrics FAST, order from Cotton Blossom Farm (www.cottonblossomfarm.com).  Love them!  I added a solid pink band around the hem to add length and just for the fun of it.  Since the fabric was a little see through, I also used an inexpensive lining I found at JoAnn's.  And it works because you can't tell that I am wearing my black zebra striped bra underneath.  But I just told you, so kinda defeats the purpose now.  Moving along....

I also made the front neckline a bit lower.  I feel like it makes me look more svelte.  I know, you thought I looked just like Heidi Klum with my lower neckline.  See what a little altering can do?

I had never set in a sleeve before, and sort of missed the part of the instructions where you are supposed to baste it in first before sewing.  There is a reason for that.  I found out the hard way as I pulled out a nice tight sleeve seam that I had accidentally attached up by the neckline.  Don't ask me how that happened.  But, if I had basted first like the directions said, it might have been a little easier to pull out.  *Note to self...as a somewhat beginner to sewing - follow all the directions!!!

I do love the fabric and have ordered another Amy Butler print (from Cotton Blossom Farm!  You would think they were paying me...or had a clue as to who I am) for the shirt version of the Laurel.  My goal is to have that done before my college reunion this upcoming Saturday.  And I'll keep my lower neckline...I don't want people to actually realize I've put on 50 pounds since I graduated.  And the neckline will hide that, right?

Oh, and the picture taking disclaimer:  I finally found a time delay app so I took all of these using my iPad.  I tried outside, but the sun wasn't cooperative.  So I moved inside.  And couldn't find one part of my house that I wouldn't mind people seeing.  I think I took over 25 pictures in order to find three worth posting. Well, two really...I just threw the shot of me and Phoebe in because she was royally pissed that I was holding her and I find anytime I make her mad hilarious.   I really need a photographer at my beck and call.