It’s another tiered relaxed fitting dress, and you know how much I love them. But did I need another? Probably not really, but there is something about this pattern that had me when it was released a few months ago.
It’s the sleeves.
In particular the gathered sleeve head. It’s just so pretty. Put that together with an adorable cuff, the sweetest button and loop keyhole at the back, a beautifully shaped bodice (with no bust darts) and of course those gorgeous deep tiers and you have it all.
This is The Everyday Dress from The New Craft House.
My fabric choice is this lovely dusky brown and pink checked cotton which has a kind of brushed feel to it. It’s super soft and very good quality. I picked this up in the bargain trolleys at Neils Fabrics in Milton Keynes a few weeks ago and I can’t get over how lovely it is. It was the perfect fabric to use as a toile for my first time making this dress pattern, and it has turned out to be very wearable, especially as it’s still quite cold atm.
My measurements put me straight into the size 12, and taking a look at the finished garment measurements too of course, they looked like they would give me the perfect fit. As this pattern is drafted for someone that it 5’7″ tall I knew that I would need to shorten the skirt length by a bit (I am 5’2″), and so before cutting out I shortened both skirt tiers by 1.5″ each. I was erring on the side of caution with this I know, and sure enough I did need to trim a further 3″ from the hem after finishing. I have since adjusted my skirt pieces to shorten each by a further 1.5″ so that I have them all ready in the correct length for the next time I make this pattern. I must admit I was a bit sad to have to lose that extra 3″ off the bottom tier but I guess that’s what making a toile is all about, at least I know that the adjustments will be the same from each tier next time.
As mentioned earlier the keyhole back neckline is so sweet and I was really pleased to have the most perfect thin elastic to use for the loop. Top tip here – you know the really thin elastic cord that is sometimes used to keep shoes paired together in shops – well hang on to that if you ever come across it and keep it in your elastic stash because this is exactly what I used for my button loop and it is PERFECT!
So let’s talk about the sleeves. My favourite part of this pattern and the part that I kind of messed up on. So I really love the short sleeves on this dress, but as I always make short sleeves (and layer with a cardigan if necessary), I thought I might try the long sleeves on this toile, particularly as it uses such warm cosy fabric and will be more likely worn on cold days.
So I’m happily cutting out the dress and after it’s all done, I realised that I have cut out the long sleeves without shortening the pattern piece first. I mean, my arms are short and those sleeves are definitely going to be too long now. Anyhow I carried on with the dressmaking and sure enough when it came to the sleeves they were too long. I’m thinking now that maybe a 3/4 length might be quite nice so ( respectable dressmakers look away now…) I just cut off what I thought was the correct length to make them finish somewhere inbetween my elbow and wrist. So far, so good. However when adding that cute little cuff it really seemed to raise the height of the sleeve to a point where they sit at a rather annoying mid elbow length!! Oh dear, not quite the length I was wanting but next time I think I will stick to the short sleeve length as usual! Never mind they are still adorable! Ha!
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the absolutely massive pockets. Heart eyes or what! Although the pocket pattern piece doesn’t seem to have any notch markings on it to match up with the notches on the skirt, but it’s easy enough to add these yourself. (Place the edge of the pocket pattern piece centrally over the skirt edge pattern piece with the notches and transfer them onto your pocket piece).
I bought my dress pattern from The New Craft House here, do check out their other patterns as they have a great range of core items. It can also be made into a peplum top. The size range is a UK 6-34, and it is priced at £14.00 (at the time of writing this). The only downside to this pattern is that it requires over 4 metres of fabric!
I am delighted with it and look forward to making a lighter Summer version of it really soon.
Take care, I’ll be back soon,
Kathy x @sew_dainty
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