TL; DR – LOOK AT ALL THE FLOWERS, still not sure how much ease is the right amount of ease, pleats are fun.

EVER MOAR MARIMEKKO! These are the iconic flowers, cut from a king-sized flat sheet. I’ve often waffled back and forth about the (deep breath) Pleated Summer dress by In The Folds for Peppermint Magazine, wondering if it was my style. But I thought it would be perfect to go with the happy Marimekko flowers.

The pattern is so well-drafted, the instructions are clear, but it takes a lot of patience to sew (at least for me). I did the bodice in one afternoon, and then finished the skirt, pleats, and finishing the dress the next day. I cheated a little at the bottom of the skirt by preserving the finishing of the sheet, but hey, it looks good!

I also did my first successful in-seam pockets – that’s how good the directions and pattern markings are. Or, maybe I’m just better at marking fabrics and following directions. Either way, in-seam pockets that lay flat and could actually hold something.

I chose the size based on my measurements, but I’m not sure if this is slightly too big. There is A LOT of ease. Would it look better if it was a little more fitted in the bodice? It’s not make or break for me ever wearing it again, but I’m starting to think about these things more seriously, trying to find the perfect amount of ease that is comfortable and looks good on me.

I’m just going to float around in this dress, smiling the entire time.