I prefer the first fabric, but I'm not totally sure about the print. What weight is the fabric? I'm liking this pattern right now.

Maybe, for me, it's all about how it looks when finished and it has to look fabulous if it's homemade, more so than if I bought it.So you might put a lot of work into it and I might think it looked awful or great.

All this stems from my grandmother making me thick polyester pants in the 70's.

You need to look at the finishing and fabrics of reasonably high end dresses, $300 +and how they are constructed. Not Dress Barn.

Annie, I love the Kay Unger pattern. I think the blue fabric will work up into a gorgeous dress. Since you have shared some of your sewing projects, I know you have the skills to create a very high end dress.

Bumblebeez, I'm a good and experienced seamstress, taught well by my Mom who taught sewing, so if I make it the dress will not look "homemade". So I think we can leave that part aside and instead focus on the pattern and fabrics.

Thanks, happy. The first fabric is a deep purple, not blue. It's not iridescent, but it does change to more black depending on how the light hits it. I find the fabric so interesting with the color change and the crinkle texture.

Annie, I think the first is a perfect choice. From the picture, it looks to be a good weight and drape for that pattern. The trim is just right.

Sure looks blue to me, too!

spanish, the first fabric has some crispness too it. The teal border print has a very soft and silky hand to it.

I'm not so into the flutter sleeves. Years ago I made a dress with flutter sleeves out of a print. It was later I realized it looked a lot like Eunice from Carol Burnett show. That ended that!

That's so funny, sheesh. On my screen it looks like a real royal purple. When I first tried to photograph the teal, it kept coming out really blue on my phone until I got the lighting just right. This picture of it looks royal blue to me and it's definitely not that.

I love sewing, fine garments especially. I look forward to seeing your dress. It's going to be beautiful.

Tell me, Annie. When someone who doesn't know you sew compliments you on a garment you've made, do you say Thank you, or do you say you made it? I never say I made it unless asked where I bought it. Those who know I sew always ask Did you make that? about everything I wear, and that makes me happy.

sheesh, it depends -- sometimes I do say I made it, depending on who it is. I do like seeing the surprise on their face when they find out I did. :)

But dress sewing is getting much harder these days. We've had so many fabric stores disappear and mostly what is left is home decor stuff.

Fall must be coming as I'm getting that sewing bug again. Just this a.m. I was thinking about the drapes I had planned for my DR and never made...maybe it's time.

I think the kay unger pattern is gorgeous but oct in MA, will you be comfortable in sleeveless? It isn't really a style that looks great with a sweater or shrug.. and I find a wrap just isn't enough when it's cold (and who wants to spend every minute in a wrap-- especially if dancing)

I love the first fabric and pattern, and I know it will look incredible since you are an expert seamstress, Annie.

I vote for the first fabric choice as well. You really have to post a picture of you in it.

No fair, if you don't ;)

Thanks, funky...I was thinking that too. It's early October so it could be warm and nice, but even in the evening, I'll need a cover of some sort, and that collar isn't conducive to a fitted jacket or anything.

The other thing is I do like to dance some --- not a lot and not too wild -- but I do like a fuller skirt that's easier to move in. (Of course at DH's cousin's wedding I danced my fool head off as it was in a barn that was poorly heated and I was freezing if I wasn't moving!)

So I was thinking I could make a skirt with the border print and have it gently gather into a fitted yoke from the waist to the top of the hip, then make a top to go with it...

# 1......really pretty! Make both if you find a pattern for the teal fabric! The teal might be pretty as a dressy pants and tunic top outfit.

This is a border print skirt that is pleated into the yoke...

Really like this skirt as it's not so full...gently gathered to the yoke...

The first fabric made with the Kay Unger pattern gets my vote. If it is cool have a nice shawl ready. Once you start dancing you will not feel the cold. Many women will be in sleeveless dresses, guaranteed! I can't wait to see it if that is what you choose.

This might look good with the border fabric

Thanks, sue. It looks like that skirt may be cut on the bias, but IAC it's definitely flared which doesn't work with a border print...the skirt at the hem has to be quite straight for the border to work.

Love that border fabric!

For me it would be the first gorgeous fabric and first pattern. Heck most brides are wearing strapless so bare arms are fine.

I've been offline today. I've seen the RTW dress and it's in a fabric with less drape and more structure. Just make sure your fabric will hold its shape. I'm finally getting back into sewing after more than 15 years and my skills suck! Jealous of folks who can make something like this. Can't wait to see the finished product.

I love the first fabric and think it would look amazing done in the Kay Unger pattern.

Spanish, the fabric does have some structure and crispness to it...the teal one, not so much. Thanks!

If I made the skirt with the fitted yoke, I'd probably make a simple top. I like this one with the princess lines and the vents. Probably make it a little longer so I don't end up with a "flesh belt".

I think the first fabric and trim is beautiful. I can't imagine being such a talented seamstress! That's so impressive!!

I absolutely love the first fabric made up in the Kay Unger pattern. I know you are a talented seamstress and think it will be beautiful. You also know what style will look good on your body type, so I would go forward with it.

Love the border print, and would maybe make a longer skirt or something similar with a lot of volume out of it.

How about (1st & 2nd from top down on right) a take on one of these tops with the fitted yoke skirt . Love the fitted yoke idea!

I want one!

Anyway, this is a supposed forecast.

I like them both. The first style will show off your (new) figure better! Not sure if the fabric will look as dressy, the fabric shown is very dressy and has some shimmer. I am bad an envisioning fabric that I look at close up and knowing how it will look on a garment.

I do like the skirt you showed done in the second fabric, too.

I envy your skills!

jterri, I like those little tops with the cap sleeves...they would help balance off my ample bosom. And the peplum is nice. I also like the neckline with the cutouts...show a little more skin, but not interfere with a supportive bra that I definitely need.

mtnrd, I'm debating on what to do as I think the border print fabric will be more comfortable to wear as the purple one is a little "crepey" in hand, though it is lovely and it does have a nice dressy sheen.

I think what I'll do is start working on muslins of each and see how it goes. I may get part way into one and decide it's really not my style.

I like a slight vintage flair but it's hard to find a quality vintage style. You are so talented with sewing and can make something really nice.

There is one brand, Zoe Vine of London... I sort of like because they put a spin on vintage inspiration with a bit of rushing or other to make for a nice comfortable garment. However, the only place in the states that I know of that sells that label is a store in Connecticut called Katia. I have never been but it's on Norwalk.

I must have non-constricting comfort. This is pretty! Zoe Vine.

Stop Staring is not good quality, to me. Cheap fabrics and poor craftsmanship.

Before I go through the effort of making something, I figured I'd look around. Went to Macy's and L&T today and what a disaster. The dresses are terrible. If retail is shrinking, they should look to the merchandise, not just blame it on amazon.

So then I said, let me shop my closet. This style really works well on me...the broader shoulders, the wrap front and wider skirt help balance my ample bosom and the nipping in at the waist gives me more of an hour glass shape. I also like the fuller skirt for dancing at the wedding as it moves nicer than a sheath style.

I have 2 dresses that might work. Both Ralph Lauren. One a print, one a solid navy. What say ye?

Close up of print:

You look great! I like the first one best.

Of course, I was also looking forward to Atelier Annie

The top one looks more royal blue on my monitor, but if you say it's navy, I like it even better.

I agree with Joanie. I think it is dressier than the second one, but both look equally good.

So the stash won't be shrinking, eh? I just did the same thing...shopped my closet for a wedding this weekend instead of sewing the dress I've been going to sew for two+ years now. I must be getting old and lazy. (Actually, I'm too chicken to cut my beautiful fabric! It has to be right.)

I prefer the darker blue dress to the print, also.

I'm leaning toward the navy one as well. I think it'll work better for October...probably the print if it were a spring wedding. I think the navy is easier to accessorize as well...

Yeah, joanie, I'm fast, but not that fast! :)

Especially since I retired...I've gotten a lot more, shall we say, relaxed, about doing things. When I first left work, I was still pedal to the metal on everything we did. Right now I'm savoring the pleasure of putting together the album from our vacation. I ended up taking nearly 1,000 pics for just a week!

sheesh, I was just thinking the same thing. As long as the fabric is intact, the dream is alive. Cut it and it's over.

I have a beautiful royal blue sari that DH brought back from india with a border woven in silver threads. It's so luscious. I have never had the heart to cut it.

The solid navy would be my choice. It can be dressed up for a wedding. The print on the other dress is nice but more of a wear to dinner dress, IMO. Ralph Lauren dresses are great. I have two faux wrap sheath dresses that are so versatile.

They look nice.. and I also prefer the blue. It will be fun to accessorize!

And bravo for finding something in your own closet!

The solid is my choice for the wedding too. You look great and I agree it looks more appropriate for a fall wedding. I was looking forward to seeing the results of your sewing effort though with the beautiful fabric.

The Unger pattern is very beautiful and the deep purple fabric will be gorgeous made into that pattern. That gets my vote.

Maybe it is just the photo, but I really like the patterned dress and I usually always prefer solid. Both look great on you!