A Potential "Mum Uniform"

Yesterday, I read a very timely post at the House of Mirth. She asked if we wear what we sew.
I would say that I wear most of what I sew. The only that don't seem to get a lot of rotation are my dresses. I think most of the time, it is because I'm saving those dresses for special occasion. Other times, it is because of my reluctance to stand out too much.

Hello? Visible minority in a "white" part of suburbian Ottawa? Don't worry, I've never been a harassed or anything. This is Canada, after all. Unless of course, if you count the time when I was waiting in line for coffee. I was trapped into conversation with this older "gentleman" who very loudly decided to tell me why Chinese women make the best wives. Er, apparently we're subservient and hardworking. Yes, that was awkward in a very bad way.

Bad enough I'm not dressed down like the other mums, if I was to wear colorful dresses to run errands.... I'll stick out like a sore thumb. Sometimes, I don't care, but other times, I do. Sometimes, I badly want to fit in.

I took my most inconspicuous jersey fabric (in my defense, it is very soft and comfortable), and decided I will make a dress from it. It will be inconspicuous enough for me to be comfortable in, but still dressier than jeans and a top, or sweatpants and ratty top!

I did not really take enough pictures for a full tutorial, but this will give you a guideline on how I did it.
This method of sewing is rather liberating. Sometimes, it is just so freeing to not have to measure and be absolutely precise.

I took and old dress that fits me very well and copied out the silhouette of it:

Jersey fabric is very forgiving. I eyeballed the neckline:

Next I copied the sleeves:
It's a simple matter of sewing the right sides together:

And then, set in the sleeves:I finished the neckline, using a cowl neckline method similar to how Jessica described in her tutorial. It's not quite a cowl, not quite a mock turtle neck, but it makes this dress unique.

I hemmed the bottom and the sleeves to finish the construction. I wish I did a better job at the hemming....
So, here's the result:


I know, it's not very exciting(read: it's BORING!!!), but I've already worn this dress twice. I think it will be my "mum uniform". It's very easy to throw on, and I definitely don't feel loud in it. :)
Unless I decide to wear it with my red belt, of course.