Raindrops Saltspring

Finally, I finished my Saltspring Dress.  I don't have a whole lot of new or interesting things to say, as honestly, I think everyone on the planet has made this dress.  Unfortunately, I don't learn from other's experiences very well, so I went out and learned the exact same thing that everyone else on the planet already knows: this dress doesn't need the zipper.

Wait, didn't I read that somewhere? Yep.  I did. 

Several places, in fact.  And now I know, irrevocably, that they were right.  All of them.  After I dicked around with the zipper, installed it, picked it out, and reinstalled it correctly.  Sigh.

I look like I'm giving the death stare here, but I think I was just checking to see that the door to the garage had gotten closed.

Top Ten Things You Should Know About This Dress

10.  Yes, it's comfortable. Unshaven legs are our little secret.

 
9.  Yes, it is cool and breezy.

 
8.  Yes, I closed it in the car door 3 different times today while running errands.

 
7.  Yes, my youngest son did bike over the hem more than once as I was "helping" him on the bike.  (He says, "Hold my hand, Mom!" I say, "You're fine. I've got you.  I won't let you fall."  x100).

 
6.  Yes, the very same son told me I shouldn't wear it today, as someone might see me...and rip it off, because they don't like it.  I have no idea what that means.

 
5.  No, I do not take style advice from the men in my home.

 
4.  Yes, a strapless bra is required.  Although, it was a comfortable one.

 
3.  Yes, those straps are crazy long. They don't need to be that long.
Thank God they didn't get stuck in the door, too.

 
2.  Yes, you can expect to spend twenty minutes getting dressed just working on getting those ties situated not in the front, but kind of toward the back side of your shoulder, where there's still a cute bow, but not so that it's flopping around in your face all day.  If you dress after your spouse has left for work, you may debate the wisdom of asking a child to tie them, and if your child can even remember how to tie a bow tie after wearing flip-flops all summer.  You may also consider stopping by your mother's house to have HER fix the ties, before ultimately deciding you've spent way too long on something lame, knot them, tie them crappily, and call it good.

 
1.  No, you don't need the zipper.  It both goes on and comes off easily over the head.

Please admire my useless, but well-installed zipper.  I was also worried that the lining would show where the bloused part hangs loose, but there you go: proof, no lining show through.

The Details

Pattern: Sewaholic Saltspring Dress

Fabric: rayon challis, Valori Wells raindrops print

Notions: 14" invisible zipper, optional, and 1/4" elastic

Notes: I do like this dress, but I think I need a little help styling it.  (I actually searched pinterest for maxi dress outfits, and everything seemed to involve a jeans jacket.  Or a scarf.  With a jeans vest. Not happening in July, people.)  Granted, these pictures aren't the most flattering, as it had suffered through a long hard day prior to dusk and pictures.  And I did get a compliment on at the vet's office.  But I had just purchased a year's supply of heart pills and flea and tick treatment, so really, it was the least they could do.

That said, it was quick and easy, and I do like how comfortable it is.  I just think my next version will be knee length, with no zipper, and bra-strap style adjustable straps.  And I adjusted my pattern for a little more room across the chest, as it feels a little tight.  No biggie.