Paua

 

I have dubbed this dress the Paua dress because that is what it reminds me of.  In other parts of the world Paua is known as abalone.   My fascination with this shell fish in the past only extended to jewellery made from the beautiful shells.  Even though it is an incredibly popular shell fish in these parts, I actually only tried it for the first time ever, a couple of weeks ago.  I think the inky black colour of it had put me off in the past.  I really didn't know what I was missing.  Marinated in oyster sauce, ginger and soy sauce it is delicious. Anyho, the print of this dress reminds me of the interior of the shells.   When Master 9 saw me wearing this dress, he called me mother nature.  That works for me as well!

The fabric I used was a piece of cotton rugby knit that I picked up at the Op Shop with this dress in mind for the frugal price of $6.  I used McCall's 6559 for the pattern and made view D with the racer back.  I cut the top to size 10 and graded out to size 12 in the hips.  I am pleased I did, not because it is extra tight in the hips but because it is quite slim fitting and quite snug around the hem to walk in.  In saying that, it doesn't cling anywhere that I want to avoid clingyness if you know what I mean.  I did have to raise the shoulders by 1.5cm because the neckline was a little too low for my liking.
 

I actually whipped this dress up on Saturday after hearing the weather man promise us a summery Sunday.  He  wasn't wrong and on Sunday with the mercury hovering in the early thirties, I was able to wear my new dress with a matching Paua pendant and my new nude coloured suede Clarks wedges for  a spot of Christmas shopping followed by a glass of Sav.

Now I have to say, I hadn't been entirely convinced about the maxi dress trend.  I love them on other people but wasn't sure that it would translate either to my shape or lifestyle but I am pleased to report that actually I love, love, love this pattern and it is definitely a keeper.  You will be seeing more of this pattern.