I had such a wonderful time participating in the Royal Wedding Sew Along that I decided to do another sew along! After a few detailed formal wear projects in a row I was happy to sew up this less complex vintage wrap dress for the "sew together for summer" wrap dress sew along.
This is a vintage pattern from my mother's stash and one I know fits our body type well. I have often borrowed her green paisley cotton dress from the same pattern but didn't have one of my own, until now. I think every woman needs a wrap dress in her wardrobe, its such a flattering style!
I purchased this wonderful polyester print for $7.99/yard at New Rainbow Fabrics during a spring trip to Chicago. I loved the print, but didn't know what I wanted to make with it so I purchased two yards to add to my stash. I made a few alterations to the pattern including adding pockets (see the vintage newspaper pattern piece,) removing the collar and shortening the sleeves leaving just enough fabric to make this dress and now wearing it reminds me of that trip to Chicago.
I made the dress following the pattern instructions and used a few tips I learned from my leader in the Royal Wedding Sew Along. Lindsey, from Inside the Hem, taught me to use colored transfer paper to indicate my pattern markings which was so much easier than what I had been doing. I also made my interfacings fit inside the seam width to reduce bulk.
This dress is the first time I used lace to finish the hem of a skirt. I really liked that this method allowed for maximum ease with my machine blind hem. I will certainly be using this method again!
I finished my dress with vintage hook and eye closures as well as a medium sized snap where the bust panels meet. As a finial touch I added HeatnBond under the interfacings on the front panels of the dress. This will help to keep the interfacings turned inside and, I hope, keep the snap from pulling too much.
I'm excited to see all of your summer wrap dresses!
Size: 12
Fabric used: polyester print
Care instructions: machine wash cold, gentle cycle, cool dry
Cost to make:
Pattern: borrowed
Fabric: $16
Interfacing, HeatnBond, and notions: from my stash
TOTAL: $16
