Frock with Pleated Neckline

I enjoy reading the blog http://www.madebylex.com/ She is so very talented and I wanted to try to make a dress like hers that has sleeves - but loose and relaxed sleeves - and without pockets.

Here is the dress she made that also inspired me!
http://www.madebylex.com/2010/04/the-flea-market-frock.html

Lex had posted a brief tutorial on how to make a t-shirt here: http://www.madebylex.com/2010/05/loose-fitted-t-shirt-tutorial.html#more-1771

I used the inspiration from the dress she made and the t-shirt tutorial to create this dress, then smocked the waistline. (I used a dress I had as a pattern - just traced around it and added an inch all around. Next time I won't add as much around the neckline.)

The neckline came out way too big, so I ended up pleating it and I think it adds a little character to what would have been a very simple dress.

It's very lightweight

and perfect for something quick to

throw on with heels

and go out to dinner!

Here's the back view: (no zipper)

I'm going to be making a brown one next, but I want to add embroidered detailing to make the neckline more interesting. More to come...