Duuuuuuuuuuuuudes! I like this dress very much. Very, VERY much. IT HAS PIRANHAS ON IT. I felt completely and totally exuberant the moment I put it on! Can you tell?
But let’s back up for a minute. So, if you’ve been involved with the sewing community for a while, you probably know that people who sew are some of the kindest, best, most generous people around. True story! I’ve made so many wonderful friends through this here blog that have come to mean so much to me, and even though I know sew-y types are amazing, I’m STILL continually surprised by their kindness. Just one recent example: I commented on Mary‘s Sweden-inspired dress post that I had a trip to Stockholm planned, and the lovely and sweet Naomi Molly emailed me a gazillion tips about her town. Man Friend and I have enjoyed SO much good food, window shopping, and delicious coffee this week thanks to her expert recommendations. Take it from me- people that sew are amazing!
In that vein, this AMAZING fabric was a gift from Jennifer. I skipped the #NYLon2014 trip because of the aforementioned trip to Sweden, but Jenny saw this fabric in London, thought it was my style, (should I be worried about this, readers? Heeheehee!) and grabbed some for me as a surprise. How awesome is that?! I can’t even tell you how much I love this fabric, dudes! But I especially treasure it since it was a gift from a friend.
Here’s the thing: I know that it’s easier for me than most to get to know other people who sew since there are quite a few who live here in the city, and even more who trek here for visits from all over the world (it’s a perk of living here that I remind myself of every time NYC gets me down). But, I’m guessing no matter where you live (OK, except for maybe you, Em!), there’s SOMEONE in your area who sews (and if not, internet friends are awesome, too!). I think I’m one of only a few major extroverts in the sewing community, but even if it’s a struggle for you to make the first move, I really encourage you to reach out and get to know someone who shares your passion. It’s really worth it! It’s just so energizing to spend time with other creative people. So, if you’re feeling too shy, nervous, or busy to connect with other people, but deep down you’d like to get to know someone, I really encourage you to take a small step today. Tweet about your next project! Email someone to tell them how much you like something they made! Offer to walk a friend through an easy sewing project! You can do it!
OK, I’m done cheerleading. FOR NOW. Let’s talk dress! When Jenny gave me the fabric, I wasn’t sure what to make, but I knew it needed to be good! Oona suggested I make the Belladone dress since I really love the pattern, and I loved the idea! So this is my third Belladone (here’s #1 and here’s #2)! I just love this pattern. It’s so cute and wearable!
I didn’t really do anything differently than I did on round 2. I stabilized the bias edges of the back cut-out with Hug Snug (I bought two rolls from ZipperStop ages ago and it lasts FOREVER) to keep them from stretching out like I did last time, and I just serged all the seams (no lining this time around). I love how easy it is to sew a garment from a pattern you’ve made before!
I didn’t bother matching the print since it’s so random, but I did place the pattern pieces on the fabric carefully to feature my favorite dudes. I also lined up the waistband pieces so the waistband would be a row of ferocious teeth, which is fun, but probably not too noticeable. I made yards and yards of matching bias tape- not my favorite thing to do, but I like how it looks.
So yeah. That’s the story of this dress! It’s a fun, fun, fun dress, and it will always be extra special to me. Thank you, Jenny, and thanks to all the rest of you for being so supportive, kind, and generous. Now, tell me! Have you made any friends since you began sewing? If so, was it easy for you to reach out and make friends? What tips would you give to someone who’s looking to make friends? Have you ever received an awesome sewing-related gift?
Ginger Makes... 
You totally adorable chomping dress wearer! The sewing community ROCKS, and so does the fact that your waistband is, literally, the fiercest, most ferocious waistband that I have ever had the pleasure of laying my little eyes upon x
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BWAHAHAHAHAHA! This makes me laugh out loud!
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Grrrrr Fanstastic! I hope those things don’t nip you when you’re doing up your zip! Sorry I haven’t left you a comment in ages. Since defecting over to wordpress.org I don’t get the blog feed anymore and have missed the new posts. I’m also pretty social actually (rather than virtually!) and have been busy this summer out and about! Glad you had fun in Sweden. Come to Germany next time!
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Oh man, I need to move my blog to wordpress.org but I keep getting distracted! I would love to come to Germany! I was born in NW Germany, actually, but moved away as a small child and haven’t been back since. Once of these days!
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Make the move, be the owner of your own domain, don’t be a slave to Automattic man! Interesting you were born in Germany although I’m guessing you don’t feel German, or do you?? Hope you make it back here one day!
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I don’t, because my parents are Americans that were just living in Germany at the time (although my mom’s stepdad is German and when he spoke it to himself we knew he was probably cussing and were reallllllly interested in learning the language, heeheehee). But I’ve always felt like I should at least visit where I lived as a wee tot and see if it triggers any memories!
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We’re not German but both of our kids were born here so I often wonder how they’ll feel about their identity when they’re older. I hope they feel international but will they feel British, Japanese, German or general European? Then I go down a rabbit hole of thinking about what constitutes identity and nationality anyway. Is it all political? Aren’t we all just world citizens? etc Anyway, at least I mixed up the global gene pool a bit when I had my kids. You should come back over here and see how you feel and let me know if you do!
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Love the dress and love your piranha face. Looks like you had looks of fun with the photo’s.
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Thanks, Melissa! My husband/photographer thought I was nuts but at least I was having fun! 🙂
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You are so funny! Cute dress and a fun, fun fabric.
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This dress is the bestest thing on the interwebs!!! xxx
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Ahhhhhhh, you’re too sweet!
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OK this is one of the funnest/coolest dresses of all time!!!!!! 🙂 😀 My excessive use of exclamation points is totally justified!
You look so adorable!! I love it with the red shades and shoes.
This one one of my favorite makes of all time. It is just so quirky, sassy and fun (all the things you want in a dress).
I have learnt this year about how lovely the sewing community is too. Being a classic introvert means I dont meet a lot of new people so joining instagram and getting to know other ladies who sew has really given me a boost this year.
Horray for inspiration and sharing on the interwebs!
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Yay, I’m so glad to hear that sewing has been such a nice way to get to know other people! Also, girl, you gotta try this pattern- it would look SO cute on you!!!!!
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🙂 Thanks! It really is a super cute style, I really dig the back. Totally adding it to my pattern wishlist 😀
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great post, Ginger. I love the story and all the things you say about this sewing community. I still didn’t have the guts, or the focus, or the patience maybe, to put myself out there, make my blog and stuff, but your words of wisdom moved me. I am taking part, y’all!
but hey, this FABRIC! piranhas! who did that? had the idea, and made it, produced a fabric like that?! amazing.
Looooove it!
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This is delicious!You totally inspired me to make my first Belladone and I love it – hooray!
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I’m so glad you like it! It’s such a fun pattern!
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Just wanted to say that I lurveee your dress but also totally girl-crushing on your dusty pink toms wedges… :))
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Thanks girl! The shoes are actually a really skinny red and white stripe, so they have a dusty rose look from far away!
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Oh my. I LOVE THIS! It is so you and so fun. I love all the sewing friends I’ve made through blogging. It’s sew good. 😉
I can’t wait to see what else you made up this summer.
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Thanks girl! I hope you’re having a great summer!!!
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Pingback: 5 years of Belladone dresses – Deer&Doe • the blog