Riley Black tonal chevron fabric
(notice that I changed the direction of the chevron as a contrast of sorts)
The dress has a fitted bodice featuring a rounded neckline with darts at the sides and below the bust. The sleeves have one box pleat at the sleeve cap so that the sleeves can be a bit roomier and more comfortable to wear. I designed the sleeve to rest below the elbow with a contrasting cuff. These can be easily lengthened or shortened depending on your personal preference.
Michael Miller fabrics
The waistband has a high curve along the center front and is rather wide. The lower edge of the waistband falls right at the natural waistline. It is roomy enough to be comfortable, yet still has shape to define the waistline. I think this part of the design makes it look especially vintage and I love that!
Anna Maria Horner fabrics (her new line, Field Study)
The skirt is one of my favorite parts of this dress. It features deep box pleats and is so full and fun to wear! Pleats are lovely in so many ways. They are easy to make, adding fullness to a skirt without the bulk of gathering, and the skirt just hangs so nicely! I chose to bring in the contrast once more here to match the sleeve cuffs. You'll also notice that some of the variations have an added contrast trim at the waist, cuffs, and hemband, just to bring in another color.
Dress made from Matka Silk and trimmed with dupioni silk on the bias
(Matka purchased from www.bblackandsons.com)
The dress zips up the center back. I would recommend making the bodice and waistband from muslin or just some fabric you have lying around to perfect the fit for your individual needs, then make your dream dress! I think that just about anyone could make this dress, from advanced beginner on up. The pieces sew together so quickly that you will be surprised how fast your dress will be made and ready to wear.
Moda fabrics (Little Black Dress by BasicGrey)
This dress features a contrasting ruffle trim at the sleeves, waist, and hem)
This one is perfect for those crisp fall days, even the cool winter days too with a pair of great boots. It would even be perfect for a nice spring day as well. Oh, there are so many fabrics it would look great with too! I used cotton and matka silk for these samples, but it would be equally lovely in linen, a lightweight wool, or rayon. If you need sources for fabrics, take a look at my Wonderful Websites on the right hand side and see where I shop!
This pattern will be available for sale as soon as our stock arrives, which should be mid-October....not long from now!
Happy Sewing!
