Christine Haynes Marianne Dress

Christine Haynes Marianne Dress

I've never really felt like the thrift store gods are on my side.

I don't think they're working against me, necessarily. But I'm not usually one to find amazing cheap things in thrift stores. They just don't reveal themselves to me.

Until I found this pre-lit white Christmas tree at Goodwill for $15.

When I saw it I nearly pounced on it, and I clutched it against myself for the rest of my visit, eyeing the other shoppers suspiciously but, I hoped, confidently. An employee offered me a cart; I refused. This tree was mine. 

When I got it home and plugged it in, one of the light strands was burned out, but I managed to find the broken bulb and replace it. This only fanned the flames of my white-Christmas-tree-finding euphoria; under the influence of raging bargain shopper's adrenaline, I may or may not have shouted "YES!" and clapped to the empty room. After a moment of basking in the fully-lit Christmas tree glow of victory I poured a glass of wine, blasted a Spotify Christmas playlist and dragged out my box of ornaments. It was a most triumphant night.

the smug face of said triumph

So anyway, on to the sewing! This is the newest pattern from my friend Christine Haynes, the Marianne Dress. It's a loose and comfy knit dress with kimono style short sleeves that become drop-shoulder sleeves when you add the longer sleeve option. There's a faux button cuff detail and also a peter pan collar, should you be so inclined.

attempted 'flattering' crossed leg position makes weird twisted fabric in back. note to self: not flattering

It comes together really fast and the color blocking makes it such a good scrap buster! I have so many knit scraps that are too big to throw away but aren't big enough to make anything out of. They are perfect for this.

This gray fabric is a soft and lightweight jersey from Wanderlust (out of stock, but they do have it in lilac and mulberry). The green interlock I've had forever, and I'm pretty sure it's from one of the big chains.

The pattern calls for three buttons on each sleeve, but I didn't have enough so I just did two. Which I liked anyway! Size wise, I cut a size 4, which was the size I should have cut based on my bust but smaller than my waist and hips. The pattern has generous ease so I figured it would be ok. I think next time I will cut out to a bigger size in the hips as I should have done based on my measurements. It's not too small but I just think I would prefer it a little looser there.

I will definitely be making more of these. I think I want a shirt version. The cuff is barely more effort than your usual cuff but it looks so chic and polished. Because, duh, it's Christine.

What's that? Oh, you want a closeup of some ornaments?

I really like Christmas ornaments. The bird is from this phase I went through when I thought someday I'd have a full sized tree with ONLY bird ornaments on it. Because I make plans like that. This tree marks a momentous occasion because I finally got to use the icicle ornaments I've been hoarding, unused, for at least six years. They're the long twisted silver ones. I got them at Pier One after Christmas because they were only $1 for a box of seven. They're made out of glass! And they're sparkly! I bought like ten boxes. How could I not?

I've never had a tree big enough for them to not look ridiculous. But now I do.

MY CHRISTMAS PLANS ARE ALL FALLING INTO PLACE.

Thanks, thrift store gods. I'll never doubt you again.