My husband and I have always been awed by the 7:15 am sun at the beach ~ so soft and scattered by the rooflines of homes as it rises, gently illuminating the water and sand. We thought this time would be perfect for shooting photos of my new dress, but were quickly reminded that best laid plans often go awry…………..
This is my third maxi in the last three months; one in linen, one in a knit and this one in Mood Fabric’s Grenadine Silk Crepe de Chine!
Earlier I ordered and reluctantly used this gorgeous silk for a dress lining. I thought the fabric could be put to better use, but the lovely silk transformed the dress from ordinary to extraordinary.
My love for this richly saturated crepe de chine led me to order three more yards, and alas, I have a dress from this beautiful fabric using New Look 6372.
Following Linda Lee’s advice from her Sewing with Silks: The Liberty Shirt Craftsy Course, I pre-washed the silk with mild detergent in the washing machine. I admit the thought of this procedure is unnerving, and I tried out the remains from the lining which I did not pre-wash for the dry clean only dress before following through.
Pre-washing the silk not only ensures for successful spot cleaning, but makes the fabric easier to sew by removing a finish from the fabric that creates a slick surface. The color was unaffected.
One would think an unfitted halter type pattern with a gathered elastic back and labeled as easy would be a breeze to fit, right?
I almost cut a size smaller, but in the muslin below notice that it is actually too small in the bust, too low in the neck, too tight across the front and lacking in coverage!
Fortunately the pattern was an easy fix with a full bust adjustment, shortening the chain and adding one inch from the top of the underarm to the top of the bodice for better coverage.
I’m so pleased with the dress, but not so pleased with the photos. The gentle breezes were replaced by wind,
so we left the beach with its beautiful light only to find glaring sun,
or uninspired scenery without the wind, and light perfect for showing off my farmer’s tan.
I intended the dress to serve as resort wear for which it is perfect……..
…… as long as I’m by a pool and not the ocean!
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Book Update!
I just learned today that Amazon has installed the “Look Inside” button on The Tunic Bible page. If you’d like a closer look at photos and text go here and click on “Look Inside” 
Until soon 