Ringing in the New Year // One Piece Dresses Are the Best: Dress C

This might be cheating, but I am going to make my New Year's Resolutions after I've completed them. What are they? Complete the sewing projects you plan. This little lilac number was planned the Christmas Break started when I bought the fabric to celebrate being out of school for two weeks, added to my Sketchbook Project sketchbook, and sewn up during the first week of January. For someone who works roughly 60 hours/week, I think I'm doing great.😂

As the post title indicates, this is Dress C from Machiko Kayayki's One Piece Dress is the Best. I've made this pattern before (for my trip to Thailand) when I was just beginning to sew my own clothes and distinctly remember two things: it was very easy to make and I hated it when I finished because I thought it looked too much like maternity clothing. However, the tides have turned, and it's one of my favorites now. 2020 Dress C is a revisitation.
It has a kimono style bodice with a loose empire waist, which is gathered all the way around, giving it an A-line look. Maybe even a "babydoll" look. And it has pockets.✔ The fabric I chose was part of my little splurge for making it to Christmas Break (I am an ESL tutor for the local school district.), and it is an lilac linen. Usually, I just fawn over linen in general, but the color is what did me in this time.

One change from the last dress is that I didn't add anything to the length and I really like it. I mean, it's still modest, but it feels a tad more summery. Last time, it stopped just below the knees. Also, there is a sign of progress in skill -- all the seams are finished. They're just zigzagged, but they are finished. I was also particularly eager to finish this one because I wanted to wear it on a date night! However, due to the inclement weather, that didn't work out.  

One of the things that really turned out better this time was the quality of the finishing on the sleeves. Pictured above is the inside view of the side seam. You can just make out the horizontal stitch I added at the halfway point between the sleeve opening and the skirt/bodice seam. Below is the first version I made of this dress, about 4 years ago, for comparison. All of the design features stand out so much more in the solid color version. I've included the first version I made below for comparison.

                               

Also, for reference, here is the song on my mood board, "Sunshine Girl" by moumoon. 😍💮 So very J-pop.

Happy Sewing and Happy New Year!🌸🎉