The Verona Dress

Ania had first grade literacy night at school. She brought a letter home a few days before the event that had all the information about the event, and also mentioned that since this is a celebration of their achievements, they need to dress up and look spiffy for the event. I asked Ania what she would like to wear. She led me to her closet, looked through all dresses, crinkled her nose and declared, "I have nothing to wear. You need to make me a new dress!" You've got some nerve, girlfriend was my first thought. But then I also thought, that she probably would not be asking for a long time and that I need to do it while she still wants to wear my makes. So she got a new dress.

I have had the Verona Dress pattern by Jennuine Design since it was released, and I finally had a chance to make it. It's such a lovely pattern, well drafted and well done overall. It has no closures and is quite fast to make.

I made a few modifications to the pattern. It comes fully lined, but I wanted to make it more hot summer friendly and only lined the main bodice. I stitched in the ditch to attach the lining to the bodice. I also added a sash, for no particular reason.


Let's talk about the elephant, I mean flamingoes the size of elephants. I love them. I came across the fabric at some Chinese store. I was searching on Ali Express for some elastic and trims and realized that there were also stores that sold fabric. Unlike the elastic, it's not really cheaper, but there are some interesting finds, like the flamingoes above. 


Just in case you need another view of the lovely flamingoes. The fabric is stretchy poplin. I really like it in garments. I sort of wish I made a skirt for myself instead of a dress for Ania. :) 


The dress has a very cool neckline. I added buttons, they are covered with the leftoever flamingo. :) To purchase the pattern, go here.  The pattern comes in PDF or paper format. 

16 comments

  1. Beautiful flamingo dress! She's a lucky girl that she has a personal designer and seamstress right at her fingertips ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. "Nothing to wear": she's growing into a real woman! ;-) Really nice dress, the sash makes it so festive.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful!! I love the fabric and the addition of the sash.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Waauw Olga, the fabric is indeed really stunning, I love the big flamingo's!! Never saw it like this before, I'm sure she will be the star of the day! The pattern looks really nice, I pinned it :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nothing beats a big flamingo!!!! Beautiful dress!!! I love it when little girls take advantage of their mum's craving to create clothes :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful Olga!!!! what a gem that fabric...It match so well with that pattern! and she looks amazing. Fantastic job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my goodness! I literally laughed out loud at the "you've got some nerve, girlfriend" comment! hahaha Well, it was totally meant to be. The dress is amazing. And your photography. Oh, your photography! Her hair is incredible. The light! The color! The curls! What a beautiful girl! Love this all, Olga!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The dress and that fabric are a perfect combination!! I want to sew all the pink and white dresses now. The flamingos just send it over the top! Oh no, the dreaded, "I have nothing to wear!" statement has started too soon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So creative - you are such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Olga,
    I've always been apprehensive about ordering from Ali Express, but it sounds like you do. What has been your experience? Also how about a link to that fabric...I love how your dress turned out!
    Deborah

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love this dress Olga ! I want the same for myself :D

    ReplyDelete
  13. Stunning dress with those gorgeous, large flamingoes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a pretty dress, that fabric is perfect for it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. That dress is so so pretty!! You managed to use that fabric the best way possible! Lucky lucky girlfriend ;-))

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!