Have you ever wondered what the most “you” fabric would be, if you had the choice?  Like….what the colorway, print, etc would involve?

This might not be the most perfect, but this is 100% a “me” fabric.  Purple AND animal prints?  Hello!

I am a “brand ambassador” for Minerva (www.minerva.com) which sounds way outside of my league but I am honored that they let me play with their fabrics from time to time.  When this printed polycotton fabric showed up in my feed, I jumped at the chance to have it in my hands.  I’ve been wanting to make a dress from the Made for Mermaids Reese pattern since Megan first showed me her early draft version of it — and this felt like the perfect fabric to make it in.

The Reese pattern is drafted for woven (non-stretch) fabrics, which made it a perfect pairing with this adorable giraffe print. There’s something extra special about nailing a placket and a collared item, isn’t there? Being someone who usually sews with knits, it was fun to switch it up and remind myself that I’m capable of the precision needed for sewing with wovens.

Notes about the pattern: it has an FBA and an SBA piece, as well as instructions in the event that you need a larger or smaller bust adjustment. When I measured, I was wearing a different bra than the one in the photos — which is my mistake because it looks like it’s pulling in my bust, when it wasn’t during all of my fit checks. I’ll just remember to switch out my undergarments when I go to wear this next. Easy peasy!

I also did not have enough yardage to complete the waist tie.  I didn’t think I’d want it, and then of course I did.  So I made a makeshift version for these photos.  I 1000000% want to make another dress, so I’ll be sure to incorporate that into my yardage next time around.

The fabric is printed on a lighter weight polycotton base. I wouldn’t recommend it for bottoms (minus maybe some lightweight shorts, or some pj pants) but it was great for a dress. I could also see myself adding some interfacing to the back and sewing it into a zippy pouch or purse!

The colors were sweet and I think my new summer dress is just perfect.  Don’t you?

Patterns: Reese by Made for Mermaids
Fabric: Giraffe Print Polycotton from Minerva