It's a really simple v-neck pullover top with cut in sleeves. I cut the size 14, and I lengthened it a couple of inches because I knew I would be tucking it in. 

I used leftover red crepe fabric from this dress.

It's the end of August and I'm wrapping up summer sewing. This will probably be my last summer dress of the season. This year, I probably made more spring and summer dresses than I ever have. I haven't done a count, but it sure seems like it. It was just my 'thing' this year.

This dress is Vogue 9311. Compared to a lot of the other dresses I've been making this summer, this one is practically minimal.

For this dress, I cut the straight size 14. I did lengthen skirt pieces by 3 inches. My fabric is this luscious Kelly Green Double Cotton Gauze from Mood Fabrics.com. 

This fabric is exceptional. It's not like the cheap gauze fabric you may often see. It's two layers fused together. So, it has a good weight and it's not translucent. And the texture is beautiful.

I knew the original design of the bodice was not going to work for me. It's very similar to Vogue 9253. Those low-cut, sternum-baring styles just don't work with my bustline... at all. I don't make a lot of statements on what body types look good in what. But in my opinion, that sternum-baring style looks best on those in the "Itty Bitty Titty Committee". If I had small boobs, I'd rock every top plunging to the belly button. I love that style... but just not on me.

So, I stitched the center front up 3 inches. It's still low-cut with good decolletage, but bra-friendly and not all wide open.

I typically don't like empire waist styles. The remind me of the available clothes that I wore over 20 years ago, the 3 times I was pregnant. All of the maternity dresses back in the day were empire waist and tied in the back. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even in that style, this one has a nice skimming fit along the waistline. But I still tied it to the front.

It has pockets! I love pockets and they make me happy every time I sew them into a dress. Sometimes I just need a place to put my phone while I do something else with my hands. They come in handy.

For the ruffle flounce, I used my gathering foot. It's the truth and it stays coming to the rescue... I'm not about the string pulling life.

I love this dress. And plan to make the long sleeve version for this fall in some great fabric and awesome fall color.

I’ve been seeing it used on a lot of high-end designer clothes, and also on accessories such as handbags and shoes.

I don't have a lot of plaid in my wardrobe, especially colorful plaid. But this coat is a favorite. It's one of those pieces that makes me happy when I'm wearing it. It's so cheerful. Every fall, I have the intention of using more plaid, and hopefully this year, I'll add at least a tartan skirt to my collection.

It goes without saying that animal print will be in my fall wardrobe. It's a staple. Here are some of my favorites from the past: leopard coat; snakeskin print jersey dress; zebra print pencil skirt; mixed animal print dress.

Pleats have always been one of those trends that can go "cutesy" or "precious" really quick. Even though I love a sophisticated and ladylike look, I have to be careful with this one, by putting my own spin on it. I would love to add another pleated looks to my wardrobe. I love the pleated sleeve top, it was one of my favorites from last year. And this pleated skirt was an unusual make for me as well. 

I've never made a full leather dress before, only this one that is made from wool with lambskin leather panels. Lambskin hides are so small and quite expensive that I may have to treat myself to a Christmas gift of a leather dress this year!