Cocoon Dress for ladies

**I am not a native speaker, but I try my best to translate my blog posts into English. The original Dutch version can be found here **

A few months ago, I bought this beautiful Marimekko-style fabric from Mieke's stash. Usually I don't buy fabrics without a clear goal, but I just couldn't resist this one. When I saw the Cocoon Dress pattern by Groovybaby and mama, I knew it would make a perfect match with the sweater fabric.

The pattern comes in sizes 2yo to 12yo and can be bought here. Only a few hours after ordering, the pattern arrived in my mailbox! Since the fit of the dress is quite loose, I didn't have to make a lot of changes for my ladies version. I started from the biggest size, lengthened it and added two little darts. I also altered the sleeves based on her suggestions.

Here in Belgium, university students have two exam periods a year: one in January and one in June. My sewing speed has slowed down a little this month since I was mostly studying, but I found some time for this easy and fast project. Sewing this dress takes less than two hours!

My usual studying outfit consists out of a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. Not very stylish, I admit. However, this dress is so comfortable that I love to wear it while studying, yet it is decent enough for everyday use.

The perfect dress to add some color to a rainy day!

Fabric: bought from Sisko by Mieke
Pattern: Cocoon Dress by Groovybaby and mama (gifted to me by super friendly Trine!), with modifications
Shoes: HIP  @Hippeschoentjes
Knitted cardigan: Boozy cardigan @CKS (AW15/16)
Scarve: Anne Kurris (AW15/16)
Umbrella: Flying Tiger

Little black dress revisited

** Uitgebreide Nederlandstalige versie hier **

On New Year's Eve, I wore this new dress in fabrics I received from the Belgian fabric shop Liesellove. She is having a huge sale right now, check it out!

The pattern was completely self drafted. I designed it together with my best friend Jan. Ready for a little journey around the details?

The front bodice has an asymmetric neckline and consists out of two fabrics: a plain black Ponte di Roma and a printed linen by Echino.

I added a black leather waistband which is asymmetrical as well.

The skirt is a tulip skirt with two box pleats.

The sleeves are just normal short sleeves to which I added a special 'touch' by cutting out two triangles in the front- and the back side. The sleeve on the left is completely black, the sleeve on the right is made up of two different halves (one in black, one printed) to make the print continue.



The back side of the dress is fully black. It consists out of two crescent shaped side panels and closes with two little black buttons. No zipper needed!



The back side of the skirt is the same as the front side. With the pleats, I wanted to create the illusion of a curvy shape.

Sadly, the illusion doesn't work from the side view ;-) Inspired by the Cocoon Dress, I lenghtened the back of the skirt and shortened it in the front.

Combined with the handbag I received from Khadetjes, I was ready for the party!

I wish you all the best for 2016!

Black fabric: Punta di Roma - Liesellove

Waistband fabric: black skai leather - Liesellove

Printed fabric: cotton-linen-blend Black and Natural Geometric Triangles and Birds by Echino (Kokka) - Liesellove

Buttons: Veritas

Pattern: self drafted