I didn’t think Victory Patterns was really my style… too trendy and hip. I’m a total square so I didn’t think it was right for me.

Until I saw the Nicola dress. I’m a sucker for a wrap dress. Throw in a tulip sleeve and I’m *DEAD*.

I’d been staring at Anna Maria Horner’s Field Study voile since it came out, particularly the Fine Feathered in Jade. I actually had trouble picking it up anywhere because it kept getting sold out! I was finally able to snap it up from Hawthorne Threads – add me to the list of people who are so, so impressed by their super fast delivery. TWO business days from the date of order and this fine fabric (along with some Kaffe Fasse shot cotton and Robert Kaufman chambray, which are still sitting on my steadily growing pile of fabric) was in my hands.

I knew my first foray into voile needed to be a special pattern, and the Nicola was the one.

I am so happy with how this one turned out. My sister paid me what I consider a huge compliment when she told me that she thought our mom had bought the dress for me. Yes!

I used a snap instead of a button on the outer closure. Someone may need to take the snaps pliers away from me.

I think the lined skirt turned out beautifully, and the tulip sleeves just slay me. This pattern is so well-drafted.

My ONLY problem is a bit of gaping at the front – nothing that can’t be fixed with a pretty slip, which I’m quite sure I will always wear with this dress anyway. And please note that a responsible seamstress would have figured out how to solve the gaping with a muslin, but I am no responsible seamstress.

I’ve already worn it to a wedding and felt SO GLAMOROUS. I have two more weddings this fall and it just might be my wedding uniform this season.