The Zoe Dress

Hello all and Happy December! A couple months ago, my roommate and I had a sewing weekend. It was so fun to just sew and not think about school for awhile. I made the Zoe Dress from Serendipity Studio. It is a fabulous retro style dress with a full, deep pleated skirt and curved waistband. 

The dress features an invisible zipper at the back. I am super happy with how well the waistband and contrast trim lined up! I used to be afraid of sewing invisible zippers but now they are my favorite type of closure! 

The skirt is my favorite part of the dress. The deep pleats make it so full and fun to wear. I love how the skirt hangs so nicely too! I chose to do a pattern of grey and black for each of the hembands and the waistband. I think it gives the dress a nice, uniform look! 

The only changes I made to the pattern was to lengthen the skirt pieces so it would hit just below my knees. The pattern was made to hit below the knee for a height of 5'4", but since I am 5'7", I decided to lengthen the pattern by 3 inches. 

The contrasting waistband also helps make it stand out from the rest of the dress. The fabric is all quilting cotton from Joann Fabrics. I bought it two years ago during an after Christmas sale for the purpose of making this dress. It took me a couple years but I finally made it! I'm so glad I didn't change my mind about the fabric because I love how it turned out. I think the fabrics complement each other very well! I was having second thoughts when I started cutting the dress out though.  

The total for the dress was about $20. 

I like my new dress a lot! Have you been sewing anything recently? I have a couple final exams left and then I am free for winter break! I am so excited - it's been a long semester! 

Have a wonderful day! 

 ~Elizabeth