Category Archives: Japanese magazine

Simple Smock Frock

Smock dress

I’m planning to finish up my coat this weekend (!!) but here’s a quick little frock in the meantime, bashed out in an afternoon.

I was inspired by the Female mag space-print frock on the far-right here, but the pattern wasn’t included on the printed sheets. So I got my Frankenpattern hat on, and used the basic bodice and sleeves from Simplicity 1651 with a gathered rectangle skirt to get the same kind of silhouette.

Smock dress
Smock dress

I shortened the bodice a little to get the empire line and cut the sleeves straight without tapering, gathering them at elbow length with a little band. They could have probably have done with being gathered a bit more as they’re quite loose, but I guess they work with the easy nature of this shape. I added basic side seam pockets too.

Smock dress

The fabric is a snuggly soft vintage cotton from The Shop on Cheshire Street, perfect for an autumnal frock.

skirtgather

Here’s a small tip I use for gathered rectangle skirts to avoid frumpiness from too much fabric bunched around the waist. I find it more flattering to leave a few inches at each side seam ungathered, so it doesn’t poof out with excess fabric all around. I sewed some elastic into the seam too to keep it from stretching out over time. I didn’t do this technique on my other Female dress and I feel it’s a bit dumpy around the waist as a result so I may redo it.

Smock dress

Worn today with a brown cardi, tights and boots, and I’m sure will be in regular autumn rotation.