Because…. I made ANOTHER Gabby dress!
But for others among you, this dress may be very exciting, because, well, look at that beautiful fabric!
Isn't it divine? It's a Japanese cotton-linen I got ages ago. It had been in my stash for a long time, waiting patiently for the right project or occasion. Finally the right occasion came around… a 46 degree day in Adelaide fabric shopping at The Drapery with Anna. Readers, I don't think I've ever experienced that type of heat before. I wasn't in Melbourne for Black Saturday and in Queensland it is pretty rare to get to 40, let alone well above it. I didn't enjoy the heat at all, and the next day (Friday of the Melbourne heat wave) it was still 44 degrees. I actually think I had some mild form of heat stroke as I felt soooooo tired and a bit sick in my tummy.
So I knew something very light, loose, and airy was needed. Inspiration struck and I decided to cut into my beloved piece of Japanese fabric. I wasn't sure what to make, and then just decided to make a Gabby as (1) I had very limited time to sew - I was back at work and knew I could knock out a Gabby in about 3 hours, even with hand stitching the sleeve hems and dress hem, (2) I wanted to let the fabric shine through, and (3) I knew I'd wear this dress a lot.
The spot is placed to irregularly to try and pattern match, and I'm okay with that.
Now onto Adelaide. It was so much fun and extravagant to fly somewhere for the day to go fabric shopping at one fabric store. Thank you Anna. What a treat you gave me! The Drapery is an amazing place to shop. Anna has reviewed it beautifully, but basically, if you love linen, Japanese double gauzes and fine wools, this is your place to shop. The linen in particular was amazing - I bought a Japanese teal linen and a Japanese Ikat-type printed linen. And a piece of Nani Iro double gauze. And… a linen scarf kit and some wool felt bead balls. Did I mention that I saved for this trip for months and I'm now banned from fabric shopping until May?!
P.S. - I'm wearing it with my lovely Elk sandals and and Elk necklace.
Totally gorgeous and I love how you always accessorise so beautifully! Day trip to Adelaide with a sewing girlfriend... Sounds like something I need to plan!
ReplyDeleteI think you should! So much fun.
DeleteI LOVE this dress. I don't think the Gabby dress will fit me BUT I have found a similar pattern that I think I might get (from the "100 acts of sewing" blog if you know that). The style looks so great for summer.
ReplyDeleteI am off to Japan soon and cannot wait to get some great fabrics for the dress. And how decadent to fly off to Adelaide fabric shopping - pity it was so hot. I used to live in that area and the heat was terrible!!!
Thanks! I find the Tessuti sizing pretty generous - I am a small in their patterns. I am so jealous of your Japan fabric shopping. I LOVE fabric from Japan.
DeleteSave your money for May my friend :) Nice to make something with your special fabric that you know you will wear.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be saving my pennies for your visit Christy.
DeleteWhat a fab day! Your fabric sounds like its worth not being able to buy any more until may :)
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is definitely worth it! And truth be told, I don't really need any more fabric!
DeleteMy favourite gabby dress to date!! For you, as I don't actually own the gabby pattern... L x
ReplyDeletePerhaps you need the Gabby pattern?!
DeleteLoved the dress in person and it was so lovely to meet you and Anna. Pity about the heatwave, blah. I am dreaming of a Gabby myself now :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane! I LOVE your store, and you and Fiona rock.
DeleteOh man, I am in QLD and boy did I feel for you all down in Adelaide. Up here we never really get high temps, just killer humidity. Mind you I reckon I might like a Gabby of my own for summer. its been a stinker! So hot and dry. Man alive I really love those polka dots. I wish you hadn't bought it so long ago- its so fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI can't decide if I prefer humidity or the searing dry heat. I think I prefer humidity. I've worn the Gabby in a QLD summer and it is perfect - loose and airy with a bit of shoulder coverage. I think you need one!
DeleteGreat dress! I'm coveting your warm temperatures as we're on our fifth day of below freezing temps. I can totally relate to the fabric over buying--I had to cancel an impulse purchase right after making it because I've got to restore some accountability to my fabric shopping!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah. There are times when the fabric buying just needs to be thought about I think. And times when other things are prioritised!
DeletePerfect use of the fabric, love the spots. It sounds like a fantastic day out even with the high temps.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn, it was a great day!
DeleteGreat outfit! The elk accesories are perfect for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue. I love Elk!
DeleteLove your dress and a trip to Adelaide to shop sounds completely appropriate :) !!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Kirsty!
DeleteNice dress. I love loose stuff too. But in my friends gang everyone dont have a good taste for it. For them tight and perfect fitting is everything :D. - Diya I blog here - TheHobbyHarbor
ReplyDeleteThanks Diya.
Deleteadorable! wish I could properly sew. x
ReplyDeleteIf I lived near you I would teach you… though I suspect you're much better than you think! x
DeleteTurned out really cute Rachel, but the ban on fabric shopping until May! Ohhh..no..no..no... You can't let that happen ; )
ReplyDeleteIt's really ok Joe! I have quite enough fabric to get me by. And I have a small amount for notions etc so it's not all deprivation around here!
DeleteOooh, this is ridiculously cute Rachel! Love the fabric and that style is perfect on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! I think you'd look pretty darn cute in a Gabby too.
DeleteIt's such a cheery, pretty dress and looks fun to wear! You look great in it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dress and i love how you have paired yellow shoes with you. You look adorable!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous fabric - the japanese really know how to do a good print, don't they? Perfect for the stinkers we've been having to put up with... ugh!
ReplyDeleteThis fabric is divine...as is the shoes...and the necklace. I was hoping to pop into The Drapery over the Christmas break but had to settle for window shopping as they were closed for the week I was there.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress and I so love the Elk necklace. a perfect match!
ReplyDeletethanks for this, I love finding out about good fabric shops. the fabric is great and your dress looks lovely, perfect for heatwaves.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it almost as much as you do! When you're on a good thing, stick to it - and you're definitely on a great thing with the Gabby dress (and your accessories).
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with another Gabby dress, and this one is divine :)
ReplyDelete