Visions of Dubai (Simp 2053)

While I'm not one that thirsts for world travel or international ports of call, I have to admit that this project has me feeling thinking of the exotic and amazing city of Dubai.

Why? Well, that's where the fabric came from! My cousin had a friend that traveled there, and brought her back 3 pieces of amazing silk as souvenir. Personally, I would love that friend forever! But, my cousin doesn't sew, and she wasn't sure what to do with these luxurious cuts of silk.

Silk Paisley Chiffon (1.5 yd), and 4 ply silk (2 yd)

She tried to find someone to make her some garments, but everyone she contacted said that they only did alterations, not actual dressmaking. Their loss, my gain! So, my cousin mailed me the fabric (she's in California) and after some discussions of garment style options with the limited fabric available, we settled on this Simplicity dress, 2053 view B (minus the flower).

Sewing long distance is a challenge, and when paired with the fact that this silk is irreplaceable... I've been just a little nervous with this project. Someone awhile ago called it "Analysis Paralysis", and I need to post this quote in my sewing room...

The pattern called for more than the 2 yards I had to work with, but by laying the pieces on the crossgrain everything fit (minus the facings).  I made a muslin, mailed it out, and the fit was nearly perfect (just need to take 3/8" out of the shoulder seams, as she is petite). Cutting chiffon can be nerve racking, and I wasn't about to spray starch it, so a roll of craft paper was purchased from Joann's and spread out underneath it for the pinning and cutting of the fabric.  After much thought and consideration, I decided to treat the solid silk as an underlining, and work with the two fabrics as a single layer. I didn't want the darts and pleats to show through, and seeing as how this dress will always be worn in warm California temps, I didn't want to add unnecessary lining layers. I have enough of the chiffon left over to make trim to finish the neck and armhole edges, I'll just use a lightweight interfacing to stabilize it and that way, there won't be a solid peeking out at the edge of the print, as sometimes neckline edges do.  I basted all the fabric layers together once the pieces were cut out, stitched the pleats and darts, and here's the front of the dress...

I'm really happy with it so far. I need to run to Joann's today to get some teal serger thread, since the seams will be exposed on the inside of the dress. The pattern is a good one, too, I really wouldn't mind making it up for myself.  I really wouldn't mind if someone gifted me some silk from Dubai, either!!!