mklittle: Cynthia Rowley 2497

I've had a great reason why I haven't posted to my blog for a few months....soon after my last post, I received the referral of my first daughter from China after 6 years of waiting! So I've been busy with more paperwork trying to prepare for travel. After you read this pattern review post, you can read our story at journeytomadi.com.

But I have been sewing here and there including a few things for my daughter & some easy travel dresses for myself using jersey fabric ( love knit jersey ). But since I don't have photos ready on those yet, I thought I'd pull up some photos from a dress I made almost 2 years ago using pattern #2497 from Cynthia Rowley.

No, this isn't me. It's actress Amy Adams, ....and she's wearing a dress by Lela Rose, a pretty expensive one I'm sure, ranging anywhere form $800-$1200. I remember seeing it a few years ago & thought I'd love to make a similar one for our annual Christmas card. Even though I do not ( & have never ) owned a single item in Red, I thought I would try wearing this very intimidating color for at least our Christmas photo shoot. Although it's a beautiful & powerful color & I love seeing it on others, there is something about this color that I can't seem to wear...I just don't feel comfortable stepping outside of my house with, truthfully. But anyways, here's my dress....

The pattern I used is by Cynthia Rowley # 2497 and the fabric choice was a Silk Shantung. The neck ruffle may look complicated to make, but it's actually quite simple if you are an experienced beginner to intermediate sewist & you follow the instructions.

The skirt is also pretty easy to make & it's attached to a casing at the waist.

There's no zipper on the back, which is nice for looks, instead -the zipper is on the side, which was probably the trickiest to do. I didn't take any photos unfortunately...but the zipper was inserted between the side casing & the pocket. Yes, this pattern has pockets which is also a really nice feature to have. What's also nice about this dress is that I didn't have to line it.This pattern calls for arm facings to finish the arm holes, pretty easy to do. Overall, I really enjoyed making it, if only to wear for our Christmas Card.

Here it is on our 2010 Christmas Card. I really do love the way it looks in the photo & I did receive many compliments. But, the truth is I have never worn this dress anywhere, despite the fact we go to quite a few holiday parties. There is something about the color red that just makes me feel uncomfortable, and I can't explain it. So if I put it on for a few minutes, I'll walk around inside the house & then decide to change.....to my favorite color Turquoise.

Now that color I can wear everyday no problem.