Saturday, May 07, 2016

Hawaiian sunrise Hazel

We were pretty lax in our vacation planning--we were more or less spontaneous in the things we did once we were on Oahu.  However, I did look up fabric stores on the island before we went and was pleased that a trip to buy some fabric could be coordinated with another activity on the Honolulu/Waikiki side of the island.  With husband and kids in tow, I couldn't spend heaps of time in the store, so I grabbed a bunch of fabric and headed to the cutting table.  This gradient-dyed fabric was right there near the check-out line and when the person in front of me bought a length of it, I couldn't resist either and bought 3 yards.
I had researched Colette's Hazel dress for a different and unrealized project, but it was the clear choice for this lovely fabric.  The pattern has cutting instructions for border prints, so it worked out perfectly.  I went with a size 0, grading to 4 at the waist.  It would be more comfy in a slightly larger size, so next time I'll go with a 2.
The fabric is truly a gorgeous color, but is an unfortunate cotton/ polyester blend.  At $3.99/yard, I didn't really care!  You can get it right here (5 yard minimum, unfortunately), with a few other colorways (blue and orange).  The fabric is fairly thin, so a strapless bra is necessary (wahh!).
I love how fitted the bodice is, but the dirndl skirt is not my favorite.  It's not the pattern's fault--I just don't love gathered waistlines on me (which is funny, since one of my near-future projects is a gathered-waist skirt....)
By the time I got to the hem, I didn't want to lose any of the purple at the bottom--it definitely needs it for visual balance.  So, I didn't hem it!  Since the bottom hem was cut along the selvage edge, I kept the slightly frayed-looking edge intact.  It's not ideal, but I think it looks fine.

I have to say, I'm not feeling very excited or inspired by my other Hawaiian fabrics, so they'll have to wait for a while.  I sent two lengths of rayon to my mom--hopefully she makes something fabulous out of them!
Can't wait to wear this to the next summer picnic!

12 comments:

  1. This is beautiful. I have a Vogue dress pattern similar to the Hazel, which I plan to make in a silk that is dyed similar to your fabric, and seeing yours made up makes me think mine will turn out nicely, too.

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    1. Oh silk would be so lovely dyed like that, and the drape would be nice for the gathered skirt! Good luck!

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    1. Love the colors, too! I really couldn't resist when I saw it!

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  3. I love the colors in this fabric!! I also love your complaint for having to wear a bra haha im always upset because of this :-)

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    1. Yes, a person endowed as I am should not have to wear a bra, so having to go with a strapless one is even more agitating! Boo!

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  4. that is so cute, love the color choice. I have looked at that pattern forever. very nice!

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    1. I'm not sure I'll make the pattern again, but I definitely like the uniqueness of the bodice...I've considered making the skirt a-line, but I don't think it would work very well, especially with dart placements and all that.

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  5. Very striking! I love the fabric. This reminds me that I want to make the Colette Lily this season.

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    1. I'm not getting paid to advertise this, but the print Lily pattern is on sale at the Colette website (only $9!). If you don't own it already, get on it! (And thank you for your kind words about my Hazel!)

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  6. I love the colours too and this reminds me very much of a cocktail!

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