Pattern Matching: Fiona Sundress- Perfect for a Graduation Party

It's finally June, and around the world it's graduation season. Here in Minnesota it's also Graduation Party Season! Lucie (daughter, model, muse, valedictorian, Class of 2019) and friends celebrated with friends and family last week. It couldn't have been better, beautiful setting, good weather, lots of happy guests and the perfect amount of food (450 mini quiches, 325 Glam-Doll donuts, overflowing fruit salad and plenty of OJ and champagne)

For her dress, L wanted something comfortable, colorful and fun. She chose the Fiona Sundress (low back, cross strap variation) from Closet Case Patterns in Rifle Paper Company Linen/Cotton (Julia print in light colorway).   I worked hard on the pattern matching (which is one of my favorite things about sewing. This turned out nicely for the pockets and not quite for the front of the dress (Rifle print repeats often tend to be more complicated than they look and require quite a bit of yardage for perfect pattern matching).

I didn't make a toile for this (no time for that...) but I started with shortening the bodice by 1 1/2 " (this is a standard adjustment for us).We did three fitting to get the strap length and placement juuuust right, which was definitely worth the extra effort, because it fit really quite well when we were done. 

She chose matte gold buttons which was brilliant, not just because we have a bunch of them in the shop, but also because they were a visible detail, despite the boisterous print.

Here is the finished product on the happy Graduate!  YAY!