Sorry for the mini hiatus folks! I had an incredibly hectic week last week and something had to give!

Today I’ve got something very special to share with you though!

This Vogue 9253 pattern has been popping up on my Instagram feed all summer long and I longed to make myself a version but I was determined to hold out for something special! I finally found the perfect fabric at the Sew Me Sunshine pop up shop a couple of weeks ago at The New Craft House. It’s a linen-look viscose with a large graphic pineapple print all over it.

The dress is a full length kimono/ kaftan-esque thing with deep grown on sleeves, tie belt and the deepest V neck you’ll have ever seen. It’s the perfect summer maxi dress for swanning around by the beach feeling a bit glamorous.

Now I’m well aware it’s a bit late in the summer to really get good use out of it but I’m taking it on holiday next week!

I took this project to The Sewing Weekender in Cambridge last weekend (hosted by the fabulous Kate and Rachel from The Fold Line and Charlotte from English Girl at Home). I managed to sew in up in a day despite all the distractions!

I opted to skip the pockets because I ran out of fabric. I also shortened the bodice (by 2cm) and the skirt (by 15cm) – Vogue patterns tend to be drafted for ladies a lot taller than me!

With the deep V neckline, I know this is something a lot of people have made their own adjustments too in order make it a little more wearable. I ended up overlapping the front bodice pieces by about an inch (the excess came from some badly cut pieces rather than an intentional adjustment). I then placed a stitch at the crossover just to keep it closed.

It ended up being a slightly more modest deep V and much more wearable!

The print has pineapples going in both directions but weirdly it’s ended up a lot of upside down pineapples on the front and right side up ones of the back! I doubt it’s anything anyone but me would notice though!

I’m going to be keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for a few more warm days so I can get as much wear out of this beauty before I have to pack it away for winter!