Wrapping Up on the Wrap Dress

So this all came from a tired mind after an early morning shift.
The idea was to make a wrap dress with a sweetheart neckline, with "sleeves" inspired by Vivien of Holloway's Grace dress. I wanted it to be a dress that I could throw on, dress up or down, and be on my way. Something full, something 'classy', something wearable.

Design - click for larger

The dress is self-drafted from a basic bodice block, with absolutely no idea really what I was doing, if I'm going to be honest. I just decided a shape, sat down with some coffee and pattern paper, and hoorah -

The glory of a wrap dress!
There are just a few problems, however...

1.  I was generous with the bodice ease and the sweetheart neckline didn't quite work, but it looks quite sweet folded into little lapels!
   
2. I somehow managed to sew a sideseam pocket... to the bust dart.. This was the actual moment I realised this. Regardless of that fact I've worn it a good six or seven times before hand. The face of pure "WTF", right there.
   
3. And the gathering on both sides of the dress.. kinda.. gives me a... faux baby-bump. I'm certain that's why an elderly man offered his seat to me on a bus.. Oops.

But I love it regardless.

Don't I look pleased?

The dress is fully lined, the bodice is cut on the bias, it features side seam pockets [as does everything I've ever made, it seems], hook-and-eye closure for the inside of the dress and tie-side closure for the outside.
It also features "bra hooks", which I first saw on Tilly's reinvention of a vintage dress, and I've found that they work tremendously in keeping my bra/vest top in check!

I've got to say, though - I'm so sick of gathering! So, so sick! My last three projects have all been gathered - racking up a total of 18 meters of gathered! I'm ready to work on another way to create full skirts, now - any ideas?

And so, that's a wrap on the wrap dress - I'm learning more and more about pattern drafting, and about fitting my body, which is always exciting.

Melody ♪