The Green Malvarosa | A Finish {Dressmaking}

 Beware - this post contains some dodgy poses 

and non-existent hair and make up styling... 

But at least it was not raining!

I have finally made the Malvarosa. I thought I would have had this dress by Christmas (hence the Christmas tree colour) but there were way too many things going on at the time. However if I had known it was that quick to make, maybe I should have allocated some time! 

Pattern: The Malvarosa dress by Pauline Alice (available here) - 

Pauline also designed the Cami dress

Fabric: A boiled wool jersey fabric found 

at my local John Lewis (Welwyn GC) - similar online here. 

For info, I used my normal sewing foot. 

Size: 42 but probably made a size 38 in the end

Modifications: Less loose fitting and shorter. Also I made the hems more visible, but I may change that modifications. I am not sure it works.

Result: It is really a fun dress, very feminine. I made a more winter version, but I reckon it would be an awesome summer dress as well. I was wondering whether to make the pockets and I am glad I did - it adds to the fun size of the dress. 

this is my very serious pose

Here are my five things to know about the Malvarosa:

• It is quick to make - I did it within a week (including putting the pattern together) - and probably spending an hour and a half every day on it. 
• There are two tricky sewing points: the inserting of the sleeves at an angle (see this tutorial for help); and the gathering of the skirt (see this tutorial for help). 
• The pattern is a loose fitting version - I cut mine in a size 42 but by the time I changed what I wanted to change, I probably made a size 38. 
• I wished I had seen this version and the use of a patterned fabric before making mine
• Proportions are key to this dress (see picture below). I made it much shorter to suit my size - this is really easy to modify of course. I cut the suggested size for the skirt and just shorten to the size I wanted it to be. 

This is a Ted Baker version (seen on IG and facebook) - and it felt wrong on me 

I have bought some fabric to make a black version of this dress for work. I know:  handmade clothes at work - even considering it makes me feel all funny. I try to wear colours at work - but this would just be just a step too far - I may also have to make it a tad longer. But it is so comfortable, and I don't feel too self-conscious about it, that I have to make one!

I had to add this last picture .. an interesting shot of me twirling (yes I twirl with my hands like this - don't you?). Mr MiH (and my neighbour incidentally) thought I had gone mental. All I can say is that we have now established that I cannot possibly write a fashion blog!

In case you were not convinced about the dress, you may have noticed that I did not mention a zipper - because there is none to sew in. No buttons, no zipper. I know, brilliant right! So have you bought it already?