A Summer Darling Ranges Dress

I have been planning another Megan Nielsen Darling Ranges dress since I finished the last one in April, and finally, it has been sewn!

I used fabric that my Mum and Dad brought back from America last summer. I wasn't sure if it would just be too loud for a dress but used it anyway and I am glad I did, I love it!

I cut a straight medium again and, apart from a sneaky safety pin between the top two buttons it fits really well. I had enough fabric this time to make it the correct length, perfect for bare legs and sandals (which I froze in...)

I used glass buttons from my Grandma's button box, I couldn't decide on a colour of button so clear it was! I am slightly nervous about them though, I am good at smashing things...

Hopefully we get some warmer weather here soon so I can maybe wear it without turning blue :)

On a totally random note, look how much the garden has grown in 3 months!!

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Darling Ranges Dress

I have been meaning to make a Darling Ranges dress for a year, since I made this muslin,which was massive. I do love Megan Nielsen patterns, did anyone see her brilliant April Fool's this year? It was brilliant!

I cut the L for the muslin so this time I made a straight M and it is practically perfect, maybe a teeny bit tight over the bust.

this face is much better than the one I was pulling

I had to drop the but darts by about 3 inches (I am not sure, even pre kids, that my bust has ever been as high as the darts are on this pattern... )  and I shortened it as I ran out of fabric. I used a cross weave organic cotton that I got in a bundle from here.

My right bust dart appears to be a bit pointy.... I will need to deal with that.

I have plans on a summer version to use up some of my enormous cotton stash that really needs attention but for now it's back to a couple of pairs of trousers that are WIP's.

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Darling Ranges - a wearable muslin

I have had the PDF Darling Ranges pattern by Megan Nielsen since November and finally got round to printing it out and sticking it together so I could try out a wearable muslin a few weeks ago.

After reading Kerry's post about broad upper back adjustments I realised that this is what I have needed in a lot of patterns. When I made the Banksia I did a FBA and it ended up massive so went with just a broad upper back adjustment with the Darling Ranges. I also made the arm holes slightly deeper and sleeve pieces slightly wider to accommodate my bingo wings :)

I was using a cast off maxi dress from my Mum for the fabric and didn't have enough for the full DR dress so made a blouse instead. It looks nice on the hanger but it is not the most flattering - gathering round my widest part.... I think when I make the dress I might put a circle skirt on it to avoid the gathering!

Linking to some of these fab linky parties!

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