Plain Vanilla

For a couple of years now, I have wanted to make an Alabama Chanin dress.  Because what hooked me on Alabama Chanin in the first place . . . many years ago . . . was a dress.

Seriously.  That first Alabama Chanin dress was kind of life-changing for me.  I'd never seen anything like it!  It was hand-stitched and stenciled and had some beads.  Threads were knotted on the outside!  It was artsy and craftsy -- but altogether wearable.

I was smitten.

So, after tackling a couple of smaller Alabama Chanin projects (a shawl, a simple t-shirt, a more complicated wrap skirt), I decided I was ready to try a dress.

Pattern and fabric in hand, all that was left . . . was deciding what to do with it.  (Because SO MANY options with Alabama Chanin.  The sky is the limit.)

Pattern?
Color?
Single layer or double?
Stenciling?
Embellishment?

For months, I just mulled over options.  Constantly.  I would decide to do things one way . . . and the next day, decide something different.  I read.  I browsed.  I drew.  I bought a stencil.  And an assortment of beads.  I Pinterested the HECK out of it.  I made myself crazy.

And.

In the end.

I went with Plain. Vanilla.

That's the Alabama Chanin Factory Dress in one layer.  Totally hand stitched.  No embellishment whatsoever.

I love it!  It fits well.  It's super comfortable and easy to wear.

I'm already mulling over my options for another one.

The options are head-spinning!

Comments

[Carole]

I love it and it's perfect for you!

[Bonny]

Now that is interesting! I don't think I've seen any AC that wasn't stenciled or embellished in some way. I didn't know Plain Vanilla was an AC option, but it is simply beautiful! The fit is perfect and your stitching also. I can see why you need another one, so you can be wearing a great dress that you feel great in twice as often!
P.S. It might need another name as it's pretty much the opposite of a Factory Dress!

[Debbie]

Simply beautiful! I love the stitching around the neckline, very nice! It looks like a dress you will wear again & again.

[Juliann]

Wonderful choice! I by you will wear it often

[Jo]

Love the edging around the neck and armholes. The dress is really flattering!

[Vera]

Oh how I love this! The style - wonderful, the edging - beautiful, the drape and fit - perfect. And, love, love, love the color. And...you just look so darn cute in it! Well done Kym. I would definitely make another.

[Vicki]

Fabulous!! It looks wonderful on you!! The options ARE head-spinning and, as you know, sometimes paralyzing. I took the easy way over the weekend and cut a tunic-length Factory Dress from some printed jersey. :)

[Patty]

Absolutely perfect! The details are so simply beautiful. You will get loads of wear out of this dress!

[Bridget]

I am incredibly impressed! Wear it in good health!

[margene]

Kym it's beautiful! So classic, so wearable, so timeless! The details are simply elegant. You will wear the HECK out of this dress!

[Geri]

Gorgeous! Sometimes simple is best.

[Pam]

It's beautiful! Congratulations.

[Honore´]

Stunning! In my next life, perhaps. Applaud your decision to KISS! Wear in great health!
Cheers~

[Mary]

(LOVE the new watch!) and of course, the dress. Kym, it's fabulous!! beautiful fit, styling and workmanship. I look forward to seeing what you decide to do next!

[AsKatKnits]

Wow! That is so beautiful Kym! I love it!

[gale / she shoots sheep shots]

It really is so gorgeous, and it looks great on you. the stitching around the neck and armholes are Just the right amount of decoration!

[Kathy]

It could not be more perfect!