The April Rhodes Staple Dress is not my most exciting make of all time, but the pattern is a great blank canvas for a fun fabric choice. In this case I used a unique lacy striped fabric I had been saving for ages. It is a sheer weave without much stretch that worked great for this shape, but does require a slip.
Of course I chose the hi-lo hem option. Yes, I may be over-doing this trend, but when I am sick of it I can just cut it off straight.
I made a size small, which was plenty roomy for me. I just serged the whole thing with white thread and it worked well on this lacy fabric. Then, for added interest, I added a neckband, armband and hemband cut across the stripes. Without any stretch, the bands do droop a bit, but I still like them. I think it helps add a little something.
Two disappointments: From the front, the hi-lo is barely visible. Also, the lacy fabric would not allow for pockets (they would show through). Pockets are one of my favorite features of this dress. Maybe I’ll make another in a fabulous large scale print and be able to enjoy the pockets. I don’t think any of the dresses I’ve made have had pockets. Pity party!
But check out that excellent stripe matching! I’m walking sideways into every room from now on. I’d better go practice that tricky maneuver!
Turns out I have a ton of the 
So I have a bunch of this great fabric sitting around. What to do with it? It had to be something light and breezy. So I used 
During construction I tried it on and it looked huge! I know what you are thinking – “What? A McCall’s pattern is too big? And why are you surprised, Helena?” The A-line shape was so exaggerated I looked like a tent. I thought I was going to have to do some major alterations on it, like take it in several inches on each side, and that would, of course, mess up the hemline curve, which was my favorite part of the otherwise pretty plain tank.
But instead of all that, I just chopped it off! I love the proportion so much now! I don’t know if I will wear it without a layer under it, but if the tank under it is slim it preserves the impression of a crop top without actually showing my tummy. Who knows, maybe we will have a super hot day here and I’ll wear it without something underneath…if I do, I will most certainly not take a picture and post it on the internet!
I had so much extra fabric that I could make bias tape to finish my neckline and armholes. I love that finish and I wanted to make sure it stayed light and easy. Then I just turned up the bottom hem twice.
Please note the awesome painted “H” background we found at a school in Bellevue. I wish I could do all my photos in front of my own signature monogram! Hmm… maybe I should paint one of these on the side of my house?
I’m thrilled to be part of the Cosi Swimsuit tour for Suz of 
Here is my Franken-Indie! I’ve been excited about this contest as soon as it was announced. I still waited until the last minute to finish it, though…
Thanks to Jen from 
