I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been shopping and picked up either a mustard colored garment or a mustard colored fabric. But, I can tell you the number of times I’ve put them back – every time. Something about this color always gives me pause, even though some part of me clearly likes it.

A few weeks ago, I was at Lincraft and passed by the remnant table. I don’t usually pay much attention to remnant bins, because so often there isn’t enough fabric to make anything substantial. However, on this occasion I caught this mustard polyester out of the corner of my eye and decided to take a look (of course I did – it is mustard after all. Ha!). There was just over a yard and a half, and the fabric was $4.20 for the entire piece! So, I figured if I was ever going to take the plunge with mustard this was the time. If I made something and hated it, I was only out about $4 and a bit of time.

The entire way home, I was thinking about what I could make with this fabric. I knew 1.5 yards was plenty to make a simple shift or A-line dress, but that wasn’t going to do this fabric any favors. In my stash, I found Simplicity 8216. I’d originally purchased this pattern to make the long-sleeved blouse, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I liked the idea of the dress in view B, although I was hesitant about the blousy top created by the elastic waist. This isn’t a look a usually go for – I guess this dress is all about experimentation! Since I didn’t have enough fabric to add the sleeves, I decided to make it sleeveless.

This fabric was wonderful to work with. From the soft crepe-like feel and drape to the dainty diamond pattern, it’s a winner. The only downside is how much it frays. To combat this, I used all French seams. I figured that just because it only cost $4 doesn’t mean I can’t make the seams look like a million bucks.

The pattern itself was extremely easy to whip up. So easy, in fact, my boyfriend was amazed to see a completed dress about a day after I brought the fabric home. I finished the arm facings with bias tape, as the pattern instructed for view D, and used the same bias tape to create the casing for the waist elastic. I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern, other than to add a couple of inches to the length and about an inch to the width of the neck tie. I like a more dramatic neck tie and probably would have made it even bigger if I had more fabric.

For only $4 and a few hours, I couldn’t be happier with how this dress turned out. It’s comfortable and easy to just throw on. In Australia right now, a sleeveless dress is perfect for the rising temperatures, but when I get home in December, I see myself throwing this on with boots and a denim jacket.

I’m planning to make the shirt in view C with some beautiful green silk I recently picked up. I may make this dress again with the sleeves, although I think I would add a few inches to the length and just cinch the waist with a belt instead of elastic.

The final verdict on mustard –

I love this dress, but I think this might be all the mustard my wardrobe needs at the moment.

Happy Sewing!