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!
