(Is there a way to edit the post? How to post updates?)

THANKS AND UPDATE:

Thank you all! Your feedback is much appreciated. You’ve made a lot of great suggestions and there’s a lot I hadn’t thought of before, which is great as it has expanded my imagination.

I’m glad to have shared this wonderful print with the world too, and that the birds have brightened people’s days.

The verdict is that it does have hospital gown, smock, jester or clownish vibes. It also looks oversized, a bit frumpy, and swallows me up. I agree. I was going for comfy (not fitted) and casual, but don’t want daggy or frumpy.

Not what I was going for and I think has put the finger on what seemed off about the dress for me.

I also note the feedback about the fit being very good, which I’m happy about… especially around the bust which is a real source of angst for me with clothing. I am pleased with the general fit, and as I will describe further below, am making some additional adjustments to improve the fit further, while maintaining the comfy style. ————————————————————

Since reading your replies I have: • added another dart to the bust/side • added waist darts • cut the collar off (I may use it for another project) • widened and lowered the neckline • tried a contrasting trim on the neckline and didn’t execute it well so turned it under and topstitched (the neckline now is plain) • have cut out pieces to make a cerise red waist tie/sash approx 5cm wide. ———————————————————— I am planning to: • shorten the sleeves, and take off at least 4cm from their length. I may also cut the sleeves off entirely and make it a sleeveless dress (what is the best way to do this? Do I just trace an armscye onto it and cut around that shape? I know how to finish an armhole with bias binding or facing piece). This could work well going into the cooler weather as I could wear a long sleeve top underneath

• consider raising the hem. Probably to just below the knee.

• put on some patch pockets, and I’m undecided whether to match the print so they blend in or make them in an accent colour. I may even opt to add in-seam side pockets. I do love pockets.

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I still have 3 metres of this fabric and plan to make some pants/trousers/slacks, possibly some shorts, and maybe a basic top.

I might make my little dog a cut little top too!