Clover and Elm: The Lace Shift Dress That Could (PMW #5)

This is one of those projects that starts out as something in my head, and ends up not meeting my expectations. It could be due to the warped body image I have, which tends to lead me to make patterns larger than they should be to fit my 'discombobulated' figure. Thank you, insecurities. Or it could be the heart attack I experienced purchasing this fabric for quite a bit more than my budget intended. Branson assured me it would be fine, that I shouldn't take it back. Even days after I've finished the dress, I'm still not certain how I feel. Anyway, I digress.

All negative feelings aside, this dress is actually one that I have grown to love. Granted, there are parts I'd like to change, but that's the awesome thing about creating: You learn, you grow. Hopefully when I venture to make another such dress, I'll remember my mistakes and use my newly found knowledge.

First lets look at this lace, which is probably the most gorgeous, feminine touch of class and romance. I'm only moderately obsessed at this point. And by moderately, I mean 115%.

If you want an idea of what I was going for, you can check out this post from Merrick's Art. What looked lovely on her, didn't look so wonderful on me. I have to give Merrick credit for really wonderfully detailed tutorials and the pictures aren't complicated. Ever since I stumbled onto her blog in 2013, I've been obsessed. Today there won't be a tutorial from me, simply pictures. A nice break form the normal don't you think? Enjoy my lovelies!

(Also, my apologies for the pictures. Just as I was about to go outside it started a lovely downpour.)