Spring-time Elisalex

My first Elisalex is a complete success - I love it! I wore it on Saturday night but wasn't happy with any of the photos so bright and early Sunday morning I had another go in my living room sans tights - so apologies for the pasty legs.  I'm wearing it here with one of my favourite pairs of summer shoes my Lotta from Stockholm clogs.  And yes, that is a big greasy stain on my camera lens - eew! I've been meaning to take it in to a camera shop for ooh well over a year now to see if it's fixable.  I really should do it soon, especially as I want to take part in Me Made May this year.

Trying to show off the flattering v-neck back

Instructions - to be honest I only referred to them a few times as the sew-along was so good that I didn't need them.  Though when I did use them they seemed very clear and easy to follow.  The By Hand London girls were extremely helpful and approachable and if all sew-alongs are as good as this then count me in for some more!

Originally I'd planned a reversalex but I couldn't find a reversible zip I liked, plus I felt the pink fabric was heavy enough on its own that lining it would have made it too bulky.  So it's only me (and you now) that know there's a moss green lining to the bodice, and a very neat one at that!

Bodice and lining all cut out & ready to go

Issues - the bodice is every so slightly too short but it looks fine with this busy print.  When I do it again I'll lengthen the bodice pieces slightly.  I took quite a lot off the length on this one because I wanted a party dress rather than a work dress but even as a work dress I think I'd still lose quite a bit of the length specified on the pattern - 3 metres was definitely not required.

Cost - well the pattern cost me £12, main fabric £13.50 a metre (I bought 3), lining fabric £2.50 a metre, plus a zip and thread so all in about £63 which seems quite expensive.  However I still have about a metre left of each fabric so I was thinking a skirt out the pink and a top out the green lining.  And I will definitely be using this pattern again so all in all more than worth the cash!

Have you seen all the amazing versions popping up all over the place?! Just today I saw Miss Crayola Creepy's amazing Megan Draper inspired number - it's gorgeous! And Roisin AKA Dolly Clacket's sailing boat number with the gathered skirt.  I think my next version will be with a gathered skirt like that, although there's also inspiration from Kathryn over at Yes I like that with her lovely ponte knit version with a half-circle skirt.  And that's only a few of the amazing versions out there - so my only problem now is, which version next and what fabric?! A big big thanks to Elisalex and Charlotte for hosting the sew-along!