I\’ve been making Gertie Night and Day dresses. I wrote a post about my plan back in March. Things haven\’t been going as smoothly as I expected and also, even though the pattern has the opportunity to make 72 different dresses I\’ve been focusing on the same bodice pattern with short sleeves and a self drafted circle skirt.
![\"\"](\"http://bethsmithcouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ankaragreen-768x1024.jpg\")
This green dress is my most recent one. It\’s made from Ankara fabric from a company called Ankara and Lace. This company imports fabric from African Women Artists who use a Dutch Wax process to get the beautiful designs.
![\"\"](\"http://bethsmithcouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ankaragreen2-726x1024.jpg\")
I\’m focused on this one bodice at the moment because I am working on getting better at fitting and how making small changes can make a big difference with fit.
![\"\"](\"http://bethsmithcouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ankaragreen1-693x1024.jpg\")
For this dress I used the square neck version of the bodice but I narrowed the neck a bit. The arm holes and the sleeves are bit tighter than I want for all day wearing comfort but I think I got the bust and waist correct on this try.
![\"\"](\"http://bethsmithcouture.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ankaragreen3-768x1024.jpg\")
This month I am going to make another version for my upcoming trip to Disney World in December and so I definitely want it to fit comfortable for all of the character hugging I\’ll be doing.