The thing I really love about sewing is that you can turn your ideas into a reality, whether that be a design that pops into your head or an outfit you have seen else ware and want to recreate. Not only can you create the look you aspired to yourself, but also it is truly made to measure and to suit your own style.
I had originally wanted something just a bit boxy with an elasticated waist, but after a bit of planning I decided that a faux wrap type skirt would create a really nice shape paired with trousers. A bit of a search on the internet kept bringing me back to the Betty faux knit wrap dress from Sinclair Patterns, I was really drawn to the shape of this dress and the faux wrap looks really flattering. I haven't ever used a Sinclair pattern before but it looked simple enough, and some research on other peoples makes brought back some lovely versions.
Sure enough this pattern was really easy. The construction is very straightforward and I really liked the visual prompts on the PDF instructions. I think I am definitely a visual sewer, I much prefer to follow a diagram than read the actual writing. I cut a straight size UK10 because the proportions were pretty much spot on for me and it was a really good fit.
The pattern comes with 2 versions; the wrap dress as above and a hip length blouse. Looking at the pattern I wasn't 100% sure the hip length version was going to give me the rear coverage I was after so I decided to cut the full skirt version out. Once I had constructed the skirt pieces I offered it up and marked roughly where I wanted it to finish. I then self drafted a new hemline following the original curves on the front and adding a dipped hem to the back. I then just continued with the construction of the dress as per the pattern instructions. It turned out really nicely and I absolutely love the shaping of this top, its so flattering and easy to wear. I also have had no issue with the top wrap section, it covers really nicely with no accidental flashing!
The amazing glitter star velour fabric is from Minerva Crafts, I had been doing some research on star print fabrics without much luck, then Minerva sent me an email with this velour and it just had to be fate, there was no hesitation. I hadn't really imagined I would use a velour but it was such a good match it was daft not to go for it, and my god i'm happy I did - it's a match made in heaven. I have had a few miss sews with velvet this season so was a little apprehensive but this fabric behaved really well. Be warned though, my entire house is covered in flecks of glitter from this stuff, its driving Mr Fox a little bit insane. Its such a luxurious feeling fabric though, definitely very glam.
Project details:
Pattern: Betty faux wrap dress by Sinclair Patterns
Fabric: Glitter stars velour knit from Minerva
Extras: 1-1.5cm wide elastic for waistband
Fabric: Glitter stars velour knit from Minerva
Extras: 1-1.5cm wide elastic for waistband
Version: Dress with full length sleeves
Modifications: shortened the dress length version to just skim my hips and rear.
Fit: Sewn in UK10 and its a perfect fit
Difficulty: Easy, a simple pattern, even those new to knits should get on ok with this one.
Modifications: shortened the dress length version to just skim my hips and rear.
Fit: Sewn in UK10 and its a perfect fit
Difficulty: Easy, a simple pattern, even those new to knits should get on ok with this one.
I will definitely make the full length version of this dress, and soon. I am thinking in a leopard print jersey, but I might raid my stash and see if I have 2m of jersey lying around so I can bust out another as its so easy to wear.
Do I love this? Hell yes! Its so glam, which is so me!
And that just leaves me to wish you all a Happy New Year. Whether you are out with friends or just staying home with your nearest and dearest I hope that 2019 is a kind year for you all.
Helen
x
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