Plain Vanilla
06/27/2017
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!
I love it and it's perfect for you!
Posted by: Carole | 06/27/2017 at 08:22 AM
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!
Posted by: Bonny | 06/27/2017 at 08:47 AM
Simply beautiful! I love the stitching around the neckline, very nice! It looks like a dress you will wear again & again.
Posted by: Debbie | 06/27/2017 at 09:50 AM
Wonderful choice! I by you will wear it often
Posted by: Juliann | 06/27/2017 at 10:24 AM
Love the edging around the neck and armholes. The dress is really flattering!
Posted by: Jo | 06/27/2017 at 10:34 AM
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.
Posted by: Vera | 06/27/2017 at 10:40 AM
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. :)
Posted by: Vicki | 06/27/2017 at 10:40 AM
Absolutely perfect! The details are so simply beautiful. You will get loads of wear out of this dress!
Posted by: Patty | 06/27/2017 at 11:09 AM
I am incredibly impressed! Wear it in good health!
Posted by: Bridget | 06/27/2017 at 11:40 AM
Kym it's beautiful! So classic, so wearable, so timeless! The details are simply elegant. You will wear the HECK out of this dress!
Posted by: margene | 06/27/2017 at 01:55 PM
Gorgeous! Sometimes simple is best.
Posted by: Geri | 06/27/2017 at 02:52 PM
It's beautiful! Congratulations.
Posted by: Pam | 06/27/2017 at 03:30 PM
Stunning! In my next life, perhaps. Applaud your decision to KISS! Wear in great health!
Cheers~
Posted by: Honore´ | 06/27/2017 at 06:18 PM
(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!
Posted by: Mary | 06/27/2017 at 06:36 PM
Wow! That is so beautiful Kym! I love it!
Posted by: AsKatKnits | 06/28/2017 at 07:02 AM
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!
Posted by: gale / she shoots sheep shots | 06/28/2017 at 11:36 PM
It could not be more perfect!
Posted by: Kathy | 06/29/2017 at 12:25 PM