Here's the first dress - I still have to do the bottom hem, but I managed (I think) to find a couple short cuts for the next time. Like line the bodice in muslin versus the same fabric so you don't sew the skirt on inside-out.


The only purchase was two fat quarters (floral fabric) and some double wide brown pre-fab binding. I was planning a pocket on the outside, but I ran out of time.
Rather than do all the corners, all the melons, then all the circles, I'm doing just enough for one row at a time. This gives me a chance to work on my form (scant 1/4" seams!) rather than just plowing through.