My boss at work is retiring and we threw a big party for her Friday night.  The theme was “sparkle” and we had some awesome sparkle happening in the building.  I was intending to find a little vintage cocktail dress all bedazzled with sequins, but I struck out finding anything in my size or anything that I was willing to alter.  Sewing sequins is a pain.  So I found this fabric, which looks like all over sequins, but is really a nice mid-weight cotton woven with metallic threads (super easy to sew).

And I got this pattern: Butterick 5547 (which is cuter than it looks on the envelope.)  22(!) darts later and about 4 hours from start to finish,  I had this dress.  If I had more time I would have lined it as the metallic threads are a little scratchy.  But I think given the number of occasions I have to wear a shimmery gold dress, I can stand it.  I also cut out a bow tie for Andy in matching fabric.  His didn’t get finished in time for the party, but it will look great with his tux for some event.