I was trying to get a few last winter projects off my list – or rather, one last winter project and then turn to some transitional outfits. This dress was from a new pattern that I liked the style lines of – I'm always looking for interesting button front styles. 

It took a while to cut out because of the extra pieces, and the construction was unusual, but not too confusing, thankfully.

I'm not sure if it was my fabric choice or just that it's not the best style for my body type (or maybe both), but I did not like it as much in person as on the illustration. I ended up topstitching the shoulder detail 3 times so that it would stand out a bit more, and that did help.

Despite the more complex construction, it didn't take too long to put together. I like the way the shoulder detail runs into the pockets – a very popular post-war style element, which is when this pattern is from.

I think it's funny that my very first project with pockets similar to this was just my last one – my Valentine's dress. Amusing how that happens unintentionally.

At least I'm not afraid of making this type of pockets now!

(I know this is not a house dress, but the day I wore this it was far too windy to take pictures outside, so you get a futuristic kitchen photo shoot instead.)

Unfortunately (as happens when you are me and don't do trials) the fit has some issues. And while I did prewash the fabric as usual, the dress did not stand up to its first laundering very well. I'll try rewashing and drying it flat, but everything taken altogether, this may be one that I lay aside as a learning experience, and not wear again.

Time is at a premium right now, as you might have gathered from my less prolific posts lately. In retrospect, I wish I had not spent the time to complete this dress once I realized that I wasn't going to love the finished product. But on the other hand, I thought the same thing at one point while making my Valentine's dress, and ended up loving that one! So you never know. Usually perseverance is the right choice.

All accessories except the belt are favorite true vintage pieces from the 1940s.

However, learning experiences aren't exactly failures, even if they don't turn out as you hoped. The thing to do is learn what you can and move on. Hopefully this time to more successful garments in the future! 

I have some fun early spring things planned that should turn out better, to cheer me up. Hopefully I can get to them in a timely manner once I've met some of my more pressing deadlines. There just isn't enough time in a day!