We are heading rapidly into autumn here in the UK, however we are flying off to warmer climes shortly so I’m doing a bit of sewing with that in mind. I haven’t done much sewing for myself since I lost weight so my wardrobe is definitely in need of an overhaul. Last week I decided to make a dress.
I spotted this fabric on display on a stall at the Knitting and Stitch show a couple of years ago, I don’t often fall for jersey fabric but I loved the deep lotus flower border print and immediately knew what I wanted to make with it, a simple shift dress.
There wasn’t much left on the roll, 1.4m, but I thought it’s just enough to go round me so there’s enough to make a shift dress, and it was…just!
It was 60″ wide so it was just a matter of finding a pattern that would fit. Newlook 6210 took 1.2m for a straight skirted view…perfect!
There wasn’t much wriggle room to pattern match, though I did re-cut one of the back pieces (it was too long fortunately) as otherwise there was a 1″ discrepancy in the pattern on the centre back, which would have stuck out like a sore thumb.
Rather than going by the measurements on the pattern packet (which would have put me size 14-16) I usually go off the actual measurements given on the pattern piece, then I can decide how much ease I want. I decided to cut size 12 at the bust and waist, grading out to size 14 at the hips.
The basic dress went together pretty easily, but when I tried it on the dress stuck out like wings over the hips! Luckily my daughter was around to make the necessary adjustments, I put it on inside-out and she pinned the hips in until they fitted nicely – next time I’ll just make a straight 12.
I used a stretch stitch for the seams which is like a fine zig-zag. I was pretty please how the neck-line and armholes came out as I haven’t done much sewing with stretch fabrics. The only wobble I had was stitching the split up each side, the pattern said to turn the fabric under twice but when I stitched it it went all wobbly. I called for my daughter as she has done much more sewing of jersey fabrics. She pointed out that this fabric wasn’t going to fray, so just turn under once, but don’t unpick the one already stitched as it will make a dogs dinner of it, just give it a good press. It was good advice as the splits look OK.
It’s a very comfortable dress to wear, I’m really pleased with how it’s come out, I can see myself wearing this quite a lot on holiday.
thecraftycreek 
Looks fabulous. Enjoy your hols
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Thanks Jane, looking forward to seeing the Aussie family again.
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That looks lovely and I particularly like the way it is plain at the top and then patterned at the bottom – very stylish! And jersey usually travels well without much creasing so a food choice for a holiday dress. Enjoy your trip.
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How clever you are to see this fabric and know that it would make the perfect holiday dress…..and it will be perfect. Enjoy the holiday!
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Thanks Anne, I just loved the border print.
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Awesome dress, wonderful use of that fabric!
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Thanks, I think I’ll get a lot of wear out of this dress.
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You look so pretty in your lovely dress!
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Thanks Jocelyn, it feels nice to wear
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Your dresses always look good on you – one point to note particularly if you’re looking to fit shoulders and necklines – when you put anything on inside out you will be making alterations on the opposite shoulder………..perhaps not so problematic on hips – but shoulders and bustlines not a good idea. The fabric is wonderful I’m not surprised you risked it. Have a wonderful holiday. Look forward to the photos…. Elaine
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Thanks Elaine, a good tip, I do like summer dresses!
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Perfect for your holiday!
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Thanks Kathy, it’s pretty and cool to wear hopefully.
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