Laurel, the first

This is my first Laurel. She's pretty sassy malassy, if you ask me.
It's a little strange to think of writing a post about  a dress that  didn't require a lot of fiddling and fussing.
That's right, pretty much, straight out of the package, two muslins later, no FBA. Which is pretty much unheard of for me.

You know the story. I was inspired by this Kate Spade shift with the double ruffle sleeves:

And I had some fabric in my stash...a silky polyester something or other that was black and white.  I was at Joann's yesterday for a serger class and I saw some zebra print sateen. Dang! But, I probably won't make one in zebra. My version will have to do.

I think it's an adorable dress. And I don't have to hold my stomach in.

See those sleeves? I did that on my serger!

The first time around, I cut a size 18 just to see.

Then I cut a size 16, grading down to a 14 through the hips and skirt.

It does tend to shift back on my shoulders. I don't' know why, do any of you?

Because of the width of the neckline, it really didn't need a zipper. I am thinking that my next one, I'll raise up that neckline in the back.

It's a cute dress. I will wear it this summer with flats and during the fall/winter with some tights. I would have shown you a few different outfit options, but honestly, I have sworn off tights until October! I think if would look really cute with boots, too.

My next version is going to be from that Pantone loaded print ( blogged about here), along with a poppy red coat to wear as a companion piece for the Pattern Review Contest.