I’ve treated myself to a bit of selfish sewing in between a lot of slightly harried Christmas gift making. I hadn’t made any woven day dresses for a while, so I used a couple of lovely stash prints to make some sweet winter-appropriate ones, both coincidentally in navy blue.
This wee swing dress is a copy of a RTW one I bought on ASOS and proceeded to want to wear every darn day. No waist = SO comfortable, and with a cardi and tights it’s plenty warm enough for the very mild winter we’re having so far (16°c, bright and sunny – practically BBQ weather!).
I used the ever-adaptable Marilla Walker Roberts top as a basis, just lengthening and slash-and-spreading for swinginess like so.
The fabric’s a shibori-style border print viscose poplin that I ordered from Caroline at Blackbird Fabrics in Canada. I got stung with a customs fee on the package but luckily I think this fabric was worth it. (I got some tie-dye effect jersey in the same order, which became a regular Roberts tee!) The poplin weave gives it a bit more heft than normal viscose. and I cut half the front and back on the crossgrain to give more of a patchwork than border effect.
Same as the RTW inspiration, I did not bother with real buttonholes: the buttons are just sewn on through both layers.
The result is so super 90s but I still dig it. Here’s how I’ve been wearing it out and about.
Secondly, I made a By Hand London Zeena dress from a super special fabric I’ve been hoarding for a while. I’ve been wanting to try it since seeing Fiona’s super sweet versions, and Elisalex was kind enough to send me the PDF as I’m doing a bit of work for them.
Zeena’s scoop neck and kimono sleeves are bang in my usual style bracket but the deep box pleats are a bit of a departure. I’m not the biggest fan of box pleats on any sort of stiff fabric because I think they look overly formal, but in this light viscose they just drape and swish ever so prettily and still look daytime-appropriate. Actually though I did redraft the skirt pieces because I felt they were just a bit too wide and full: I just cut narrower rectangles and pleated by eye to match the bodice edge.
I used bodice view 2 (scoop neck, short sleeves) with the midi length skirt, and did my standard BHL fit alterations: wedges out of front and back necklines, forward shoulder adjustment, and swayback.
Small design tweaks in the back: I left a little split like my Anna-Kim and inserted the invisible zip just over the waistline portion rather than from the neck down – just a weird personal preference. Next time I’ll take a bit more out of the back length as it’s a touch too long even after doing a swayback. I’ve left a bit of ease in the waistline but may take it in for a snugger fit (but maybe, um, after Christmas). Overall though this is an easy-fit, easy-sew dress – a bit like the Anna dress’s casual cousin, don’t you think? – and I’ll definitely be making a couple more some time.
The dreamy origami kitty fabric is from French store Bennytex but long sold out I’m afraid – I nabbed some as soon as I saw Jolies Bobines’ Brumby skirt made with it. I got 3m and still have enough left for another little project.
Apparently my fabric choice and tidy guts get the seal approval from the mister, too. I think this’ll be my Christmas day dress as it’s so nice and comfortable. I’m off tomorrow to spend a few days with family. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
I absolutely love the fabric of the first dress! So digging the 90s!
The Zeena is also absolutely made for you! I love what you’ve done with the zip at the back, might have to borrow that idea!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Love both of these, they really suit you. I particularly like the Zena, love the sleeve and fit of the shoulder. I might try that one. Happy Christmas.
Thanks! The shoulder/sleeve fit is indeed really nice.
Both dresses are lovely. I think I will try dress #1 as a swing tunic. Thanks for posting the how-to diagram.
You’re welcome!
I’m particularly fond of the top dress! Fantastic use of a fantastic fabric. And I love your pattern hack illustration.
Ten years as a graphic designer not wasted, ha ha
Ha!!! I feel you on that. My first job out of college was as a production artist and I got to make vector product illustrations. I still miss that every now and again :)
Great dresses, the Roberts hack is inspired. Yes 90s but on a good way.
I have that same fabric from the first dress, bought at my LFS. I have been on the fence about what to make with it, but this reminds me of the idea I had over the summer to try to add some kimono or cap sleeves to the papercut sway dress. Hmmmm. Thanks for the inspiration, I love the look of both dresses!
Thanks! Yes, what I made reminds me of the Sway – I was tempted to purchase it, but figured I’d just self-draft/hack instead!
Love both of these, and really love your blog in general! Been a reader for awhile, but this is my first comment. :-) Where did you find those great “handmade” tags? I’m thinking I need to come up with my own little logo and get some custom made, but I’m not sure where to look first. Personally, I sort of like having tagless clothing, but family and friends seem to think it would be really charming (plus, then my husband will know what to do when he’s inspired to do laundry!)
Hi Alaina, thanks for the comment! The labels are of my own design and made by Nominette, you can read about them here: http://whatkatiesews.net/handmade-labels-from-nominette – I love using them!
I must say you have the best taste in fabric (this and previous posts included). I love both of these options. Kitties on my dresses not so much, but this print works!
Thank you! I think picking good wearable fabrics is just as big a learning curve as the actual sewing, ha ha.
These are both gorgeous! Your fabric choices are on point and they make for a couple of swoon-worthy dresses!
Both of these are perfect! I am always amazed at your hacking skills!