Pandemic birthday new start and a dress fail.

We are halfway into our 4 week lockdown here in New Zealand.  So far we have 1289 confirmed cases, and sadly 2 we have 2 deaths.  The number of confirmed cases are dropping, so hopefully we can eradicate it which is the aim of our government.

Easter Sunday is my birthday.  As it will be spent by myself, I decided to treat myself to another chart from Heaven and Earth designs.  My new start will be Cosmos:

This will be the largest chart I have ever done.  She is 550x825, or 453750 stitches.
I will be stitching her on 25ct easy count Lugana, 2 over 1 tent stitch.  The finished size will be 22 inches by 33 inches.
She will be  a companion piece for my Mystic stitch, Empress

Other cross stitch progress

Sans Souci

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Healing Rose

Naida

Before lockdown I had planned on making a new dress for my birthday.  Even though my birthday celebrations will not be happening for who knows how long, I went ahead and made the dress.

I really liked the contrast panels and the large front pockets on Colette Patterns Sonya dress:

I found some lovely antique pink linen in both plain and spotted in Spotlight.  The pattern comes with cuff sleeves, so I decided to do those.

However those pockets are so huge, right across my broadest area they make me look huge.  I thought of removing them, however the fit across the neck and shoulders is too wide and it is tight across the back, so not very comfortable.  So even if I removed the pockets I still probably wouldnt wear it.  I also had to lengthen it by 4 inches.   A huge disappointment.   I'm smiling in the photos but I'm not really happy!