A Sparkly Gift

Today is the first of July, marking the official end of the Summer Sparks Sewalong. How did it go for you, everybody? I've seen quite a few wonderful garments in the flickr group (most of which I haven't had the time to comment yet, but I'll get there!) - and you still have until July 4th to upload a photo of your own finished garment, to enter the giveaways for an independent sewing pattern of your choice, some lovely seersucker fabric or a breezy blue and white fabric. :D


I'm a bit embarassed to say that I haven't come any further in the making of my muslin since my last post. Which isn't to say that I haven't been sewing, it's just that something else took precedence. What could be more important than the Summer Sparks Sewalong, do you ask? Well, my mom had an important birthday yesterday, and I'd been promising her a me-made sheath dress for ages, only she didn't want to let me measure her until she'd lost some weight (silly mom, she looks fantastic).

Anyway, at the beginning of the month I very sneakily had my sister steal her measurements, so I could finally begin the birthday dress for her! I used Colette's Rooibos pattern, which I love both for the flattering fit and the cute little neckline detail, and because I already knew the construction. Paired with some lovely black linen, it made for a birthday dress that I'm quite proud of. :) The best thing, of course, was the face of my mom when she saw it, and the fact that it actually fits. :D

The dress is fully lined with some rayon acetate lining, the bodice and midriff traced from the actual pattern pieces and for the skirt I just taped the pieces and cut it out in one, which thankfully worked ok. As it's fully lined, most of the seams are just pinked, which I hope will hold up. The lining is attached to the zipper with handstitching, and I hemmed it up with some black lace.

We're celebrating the birthday in Italy, by the way, at the same place in Alto Aldige that we visited for Easter. A good decision, too, as at least in Berlin it has been raining cats and dogs, while we're having the loveliest, hottest weather. :) We're staying in a beautiful little apartment with a garden. Look at the roses!

Bolzano also is a beautiful little city. And the view!

I leave you with a picture with my mom, sister and me all wearing me-mades. The white skirt my sister is wearing is made of eyelet and a little too long for me, but it fits my sister really well. I also took in the dotted Rooibos during my visit, because my sister also lost some weight. Now it fits us both, and she graciously lent it to me for the evening. ;)

I hope you're having an equally lovely time! Did you  manage to finish your sparkly sewing?