An Animal Print Dress for Fall

I've seen animal prints throughout the fall 2009 RTW collections (then again, can you think of a time when animal prints were out? I can't). Many of the prints seem to be more graphic, rather than literal, patterns:

Oscar de la Renta - Fall 2009 RTW

I love the exotic print paired with plaid and tweed - what a great fall look:

Nanette Lepore - Fall 2009 RTW

I especially like these Tory Burch skirts - very wearable:

I don't own any animal prints. I tend to buy primarily solid pieces because I get more mileage out of them: I can wear a navy pencil skirt once a week, whereas a bright floral skirt is more easily remembered (ever since high school, I've rotated standout pieces or complete outfits on a two-week basis. I figure people will forget what I wore two weeks ago. In reality, I could probably wear the same dress every other day and no one would notice... But after 15+ years abiding by this "rule", I'm stuck in my ways).

I'm lucky to live close enough to New York that I can take the train there as a special trip every few months. At Paron's earlier this month, during my second trip to the Garment District, I spontaneously threw an abstract animal/jungle print onto my pile of woolens and tweeds. I had previously made Butterick 5316, a cap-sleeved sheath dress with pleats at the waist, but was dissatisfied with the navy pinstriped fabric I had used: the fun pleats cried out for an equally sassy print.

I am thrilled with the way this is shaping up!:

I failed miserably at sleeve easing when I made the first dress in June, but using the pin method (about 20 pins for 8 or so inches of fabric), the sleeves turned out much, much better this time. There are a few little puckers, but nothing like the first one:

I've completed the bodice shell so far. Hoping to finish this in the next few days. Stay tuned!

A bit about me!

I recently began to sew apparel because I love clothing and am interested in fashion, but can't necessarily afford the clothes I want.   Fashion magazines suggest recycling clothes by bringing them to a tailor, but never suggest actually learning to sew.  I am going to take that step!  I have resolved to sew all of my own clothes for one year, beginning September 1, 2009, in order to learn how to sew, save money, and hopefully inspire other very-beginner sewers to take up what I've found to be, so far, an incredibly fun and satisfying hobby (though it's quickly turning into a lifestyle!). 

I began apparel sewing a few months ago, and have completed 3 dresses at this point, to varying degrees of success!  I am a *very* begginer sewer: I have been sewing home decor projects for a few years, but have no formal sewing training.   

I am an in-house attorney at a large corporation in Connecticut.  My husband and I are renters in a small Connecticut town, and my "atelier" is the guest room.  I can say for the next few months that I am in my 20's...       

I am so excited about this project, and am looking forward to seeing what I can create.  I hope you enjoy reading this and visit often, for I will surely need help!