Pocketful of Posies and Auberley Dress - Day and Night

Hi friends, I promised that I'd show you all these dresses: Pocketful of Posies and Auberley Dress for "Day and Night Dress Challenge".
Auberley Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate Patterns
Both dress patterns are designed by Blank Slate Patterns.
Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate PatternsAuberley Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
I chose these PDF patterns; Pocketful of Posies Dress and Auberley Dress.
They were the first time I've used Blank Slate Patterns. The patterns are easy to use because they are divided in parts. You can print out only the parts that you need.

Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate Patterns
The dress is Pocketful of Posies Dress for "Day Dress Challenge". The dress has a pleated centre panel, cocoon-shape and big pockets. I especially love the banded hem - so lovely.

Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate PatternsPocketful of Posies by Blank Slate Patterns
 Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate PatternsPocketful of Posies by Blank Slate Patterns
I cut a size 8 and used stretch polyester. I ignored the instructions, so I changed the fabric directions. I didn't make a gathered hem but I made big pleats instead. I made a slit on the hem and sewed three buttons on it. However, I never keep the slit open in the dress, so I didn't make any buttonholes.

Pocketful of Posies by Blank Slate PatternsPocketful of Posies by Blank Slate Patterns
I think the pattern is for spring because it has only short sleeves. However, it's still as cold as ever, so I added to the sleeve length by six inches. The front has some pleats on the neckline, and the area was too narrow. I had to reduced the amount of pleats to widen it. The waist and hip areas are very loose and incredible comfortable! I will make the pattern again, so I will omit to make a banded hem and wear it as a tunic. I think it'll go well with skinny jeans.

Auberley Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
I made Auberley Dress for "Night Dress Challenge" but I usually wear it with a fur vest (Simplicity 2285) and boots as a casual dress.

Auberley Dress by Blank Slate PatternsAuberley Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
I made the Auberley Dress using second-hand kimono. It was transformed into new dress. I recommend the pattern for beginners because it doesn't have a zipper. It’s easy put on and take off quickly, and comfortable to wear. The instructions called for making a tie, but I made a detachable bow instead of it.

Auberley Dress by Blank Slate PatternsAuberley Dress by Blank Slate PatternsAuberley Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
I changed these sleeves to three-quarter length with ruffles rather than conventional sleeves. I love these white lace pipings to the sleeves and bodice. Basically, kimono prints are very classic. I think a garment with kimono fabric makes a woman look more mature, because its style is very traditional. BUT I like traditional styles and collecting butterfly, camellia and Orizuru (folded paper cranes) patterned kimonos. When I make a garment using a kimono, I try to choose a youthful and modern pattern.
There are many second-hand kimono stores in siteseeing spots in Japan, but their kimonos are very expensive! I usually buy kimonos from online and local shops. How to choose kimono for making clothes? I never try to choose kimonos that contain gold powder, embroidered, hand-painted, crepe de chine kimonos, etc. The reason is that these kimonos are VERY difficult to wash. Getting them wet can cause problems such as shrinkage and loss of colour. I love cotton kimonos but they lose their colours through water easily. I recommend that you wash them with water containing salt and clear vinegar a little bit. You can prevent the colour loss that way.
Anyway, I will wear both dresses until spring. Thank you for reading. See you again!

Fabric: Pocketful of Posies: 60" 1 7/8yd
Total Time Spent (not including cutting time): Pocketful of Posies 9 hours, Auberley 11 hours



28 comments

  1. The first dress is wonderful, I love everything about it: the colours, the shape, the stripes, the buttons on the banded hem. *^V^* It reminds me of a knitted pattern Still Life Tunic(http://www.rainknitwear.com/index.php/patterns/tunics-dresses/still-light), although knitting a dress would take soooo much time and work!... I prefer sewing dresses! *^-^*
    Auberley dress is so elegant, even worn with casual boots! The purple colour is beautiful, it suits you so well! It's a great idea to repurpose cotton kimonos that have pretty fabric patterns, if they stayed in the wardrobe it's better to turn them into dresses and wear them often to show their beauty. *^o^*

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Joanna! That knitting dress is so lovely and similar to the pocketful of posies. I love it! Unfortunately, I'm not good at knitting. It's getting warmer, so I will make a dress using a Yukata(*^^*) I am looking forward to seeing your project for #Japanesesewingbooks challenge on IG. Perhaps, I may join it ( ´∀`)

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    2. I don't have to make anything to take part in the giveaway, it's enough I posted the banner. If I won the fabric (and the results will be announced at the end of March, such a long time to wait!...), I have a dress in mind from one of the Japanese sewing books. I don't have the book but the pattern seems very simple yet it would show the fabric so well. *^v^*

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  2. my friend you are a professional balance.
    I congratulate, applaud.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, dear Aysel! I am very pleased;)

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  3. Both dresses are so lovely on you! Such contrasting styles yet both are so interesting with the unique stamp you put on them. Inspiring! Thank you for posting your thoughts on used Kimonos as well. They aren't readily available here in Canada so its a joy to see what is being sewn with them overseas :)

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    1. Thank you very much Kathleen! I am happy to hear that. I'm into second-kimono shop hopping lately- It's so fun! I've never been to your country, but it's very popular among Japanese. I'd love to visit there someday. Have a lovely day:)

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  4. These are fantastic! I love the changes you made to the Posies dress. The stripes in different directions really adds a lovely interest too. What a great refashion of your second-hand kimono!

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    1. Thank you so much Shirley! I didn't know that pattern company but I love both patterns. I have many kimono fabric so I will make my clothes with them😊

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  5. Your dresses are absolutely gorgeous. The kimono fabric is so beautiful and elegant. You really did a great job.

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    1. Thank you for praising me Olivia! I am happy to hear that! Happy sewing🌹

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  6. Both dresses are wonderful and you look incredible-as usual! I really love the short dress ...I was thinking of getting that pattern too. I think you could wear it over leggings with a cute clog or slip on high wedge but I am dying to see your tunic version without the band. I thought about doing the same thing but thought it might look too maternity. I so enjoy all of your posts. You have so much sewing talent. Would you mind telling me what brand sewing machine and/or over lock machine you use?

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment corkpop! I am glad that you enjoy the post. I agree with you, I am just making my leggings now. I would like to wear the tunic version with them😋
      My sewing machines are JUKI Exceed F600 Quilt and Pro Special, and the JUKI MO1000. Juki is Japanese company and it's really trusted among Japanese sewers. If you are interested in these machines, please see my profile. (https://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=2152756) Thank you🌻

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  7. Both dresses look fantastic on you! I have thought of trying the day dress pattern; your version looks great on you and love the use of stripes.

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    1. Many thanks to Linda! I really love the posies dress, and it was easy to make than I expected. If you make the pattern, I recommend that you check the finished mesurements of the around chest. It was too narrow for me.

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  8. Ton dresses are stunning! I can’t believe you made something so amazing from a kimono.

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    1. Thank you so much Let's Get Sewing! I love kimonos because they have unique prints that usual fabrics don't have👘

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  9. Both dresses are so lovely Eli! I might try the Blank slate pattern myself as I love how comfy and stylish it looks. Your kimono dress is really pretty and what a lovely use of the fabric. It looks so sweet with the furry vest over it!

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    1. Thank you Diane for your lovely comment! I've made three fur vests from the Simplicity pattern😁
      I often purchase PDF pattens, but their patterns are the easiest to cut and use. The instructins were pretty clear. I will make the posies dress again.

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  10. What a very pretty selection, so different in mood. Your striped day dress is divine - very smart and striking, but so comfortable and wearable as well. As for the kimono fabric being more traditional and mature - there is always something so elegant about being mature, but I agree, a modern take is what is needed or you just look "old fashioned". The vest really makes the dress very up to date in it's look.

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    1. Thank you so much Sarah! I am glad that you said that. I love both patterns, and they are comfortable and lovely. I recommend them to everyone:) I may make other options from the patterns for the spring.

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  11. I love them both, I often prefer shorter dresses but the 'night' version is lovely.

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    1. Thanks a lot for your lovely comment sewing green lady! I am glad you like them:)

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  12. Both are strikingly beautiful dresses in their own individual ways..... and I like them both! And it was nice to see you in the original kimono photo next to the new modern dress photo! :)

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    1. Thank you so much for your compliment😊 I am really glad that I made them. I have many old kimonos, and will make my dresses using them.

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  13. Love both and love what you did on the bottom of the shorter dress. You do great work.

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  14. Love both and love what you did on the bottom of the shorter dress. You do great work.

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  15. Thank you so much Josephine! I am happy to hear from you😊🌸

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