Happy New Year! Are we still saying that? How far into January are we wishing others a happy new year? Since this is my first blog post of 2024, it feels appropriate. Do you know what’s not appropriate? My first make of 2024! Well, it’s not weather appropriate. I should be working on my coat and other cold weather projects, but sometimes, you just want something quick to make. When working on a complicated project, it feels really good to take a break, make something completely different, and ride that dopamine wave of completing a task back into your complicated make.
Today’s dopamine dealer is the Rose Blouse and Dress by Crew, the subscription service for Closet Core Patterns. Using Meadow Melody Viscose Challis fabric provided by Minerva, I made the dress version, added pockets and a fabric belt. I love it so much that I made earrings to match the print! It’s a quick make, super cute, and totally inappropriate for this weather. I wore a thick undershirt while taking these pictures and I was still freezing. But, you just wait. When this godforsaken winter is over, I’m wearing this hell out of this dress!
Rose is the Crew pattern for December 2023. It’s described as “a beautiful and romantic peasant style pattern that may be our quickest sew yet!” I have to agree – it’s really romantic and dare I say, sexy! Also, it only took me 3 episodes of “The Crown” to complete, which is pretty good since I added in-seam pockets and a fabric belt to the dress. This is a wonderful beginner-friendly dress pattern that would work for a number of woven fabrics. Closet Core recommends drapey fabrics (like challis and silk) and lightweight cottons (like batiste and double gauze). If you prefer more structure, I also think it would work well with a light linen or chambray.
As I mentioned previously, I used Minerva’s Meadow Melody Viscose Challis fabric for my Rose dress. This exclusive print is so fresh and fun and is also available in a jersey knit. The black and white poppies really pop on the bright green background. I think with the inclusion of the black and white flowers, the bright green could also work as a neutral base to build a bright, pattern mixing outfit upon. I can just imagine how great a top made with this fabric would look paired with some yellow capri pants or a fuchsia skirt. Like all the Minerva viscose challis fabrics, this launders and sews up beautifully. This is a light to medium weight fabric that scores a 10 on the swishability scale and is fully opaque. Minerva’s exclusive fabrics never fail me, so you should add this one to the long list of happy fabrics.
