Starstruck (The Pleiades Dress)

When I found the Pleiades dress pattern by French Poetry, I was intrigued. I fell in love with the simple details and the styling -- and, let's be honest, the name -- and kept coming back to it. When I found the perfect fabric (Cloud9 Organic's Rayon 2020 in "Wildflower Meadow), I finally ordered the pattern and printed it out. 

I knew I wanted to lengthen the skirt, and I had ordered barely enough fabric (actually less than it called for, I believe). But with some serious finagling, I was able to fit all of the pieces. I did not do a mock-up of this pattern, which was absolutely bonkers considering that the fabric was not cheap (hence why I'd purchased barely enough), and I was very invested in the success of this project. Also, no extra fabric meant no chance of re-cutting ill-fitting pieces. But after plenty of fear-induced procrastination, I took the plunge and started cutting. And the let the already-cut pieces sit for ages, because I was terrified that it would be a failure! Sometimes I frustrate myself...

I did change the neckline to be a bit higher, added length to the skirt, and added narrow ties to the waist (in case I wanted to fine-tune the fit). And somehow, some way, it all came together beautifully! The fabric was a dream to sew, everything matched up where it needed to, and the dress just feels good to wear. I opted for the tie sleeves (though I do want to try the lantern sleeves soon!). I had to order a covered button set online, which happily means I have plenty of extras for future projects. It's been a hot minute since I covered a button.

Happily, about sixty seconds of tinkering put my serger settings right -- it had been off for a while (I think little hands had played with the tension dials!), but I knew I wanted to finish off all of my interior seams nicely. Sergers can be so finicky, so I was relieved it proved to be a simple process. 

This was one of those dream projects where I barely used a seam ripper, and the construction process felt incredibly satisfying. I held my breath for the first trial fit, and couldn't believe it when everything was just right -- I  don't think I even needed the waist ties I added, but I like the look anyway. And raising the neckline is always a gamble, but that was also a success. The original would have been quite scandalous! I would have needed a demi-camisole (like I made here), which I didn't really want for this dress.

I haven't gotten to wear this dress much (yet), as I finished it in October and the weather was already chilly. It's more of a spring dress, anyway. But I did wear it for our family Christmas photos, which we took in October while the cottonwood trees at a nearby state park were at the height of their golden glory.

There's a moth in the center of this photo, if you can spot him!

This easily stands out as one of my favorite sewing projects of all time (along with my wedding gown, senior recital dress, and a few other notables!). I'm eager to make this dress in other colors and prints -- perhaps, if you'll pardon the pun, a whole galaxy of Pleiades?