There’s something really satisfying about starting the year with intention, and that’s exactly what my Forget-Me-Not Adeline Dress represents. This romantic, feminine dress is the very first project in my #FinishThatWIP2026 line-up, and I officially started it on 1st January, with the goal of having this post (and the dress!) finished by 31st January. This dress has been patiently waiting its turn, and 2026 is the year I stop letting beautiful projects sit unfinished.
The Vision
The Adeline Dress has always felt like the perfect balance between softness and structure with floaty, elegant, and completely wearable. This one is destined to become one of my new work dresses, something comfortable yet polished enough to feel put together during the day while still feeling me.
I wanted a dress that feels romantic without being fussy, feminine without being impractical, and this pattern ticks every box.
The Fabric (The Star of the Show)
Let’s talk about this fabric, because honestly, it deserves its own moment.
I’m using a stunning cotton sateen from Rainbow Fabrics, designed by Tula Pink. The print is called “Nip in the Bud” in Carbon Grey, and it is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. The florals are bold yet elegant, and the deep grey background gives it a grown-up, workwear friendly edge.
And the best part?
This fabric is extra wide at 106”, which feels incredibly luxurious to work with. It makes pattern placement a dream and just adds to that “special project” feeling.
The Reality of Sewing (aka the side missions)
Now, if sewing were as straightforward as the plan is in my head, this dress would’ve been finished in record time. But reality, as always, had other ideas.
While my heart was set on finishing the Adeline Dress, I found myself getting distracted by a few side missions. You know the ones… those quick, tempting projects that whisper “I’ll only take an afternoon.”
In my case, they were jersey fabric makes. Quick to cut, quick to sew, and incredibly satisfying to finish in one sitting. Compared to a woven dress that requires more careful fitting, pressing, and patience, jersey projects felt like instant gratification.
And while they did slow progress on the Adeline Dress, they also kept my sewjo alive. Sometimes a quick win is exactly what you need to keep momentum going—even if it means stepping away from the main project for a moment.
Bringing It Back to the WIP
Despite the detours, this dress remains the priority. That’s the whole point of #FinishThatWIP2026 acknowledging that progress doesn’t have to be linear, but commitment still matters.
Each side mission reminded me why I started this challenge in the first place: to honour the projects I was genuinely excited about, not just the quick makes that are easy to finish.
And this dress?
It deserves to be finished, worn, and loved.
Final Thoughts
The Forget-Me-Not Adeline Dress feels like the perfect way to kick off the year. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and made from fabric that truly inspires me. Even with a few jersey-fuelled distractions along the way, I’m excited to see this project through and welcome it into my wardrobe as a new workwear staple.
Here’s to finishing what we start, even if we take the scenic route getting there.
Sal x