WHY have I waited so long to get this wonder pattern into my life?!
To be fair at first glance I just didn't think it would fit my shape what with it looking like a straight up and down basic dress. Basic it is not. I was not looking at those glorious details. To name a few...
Sliders - the straps on this dress are made with bra sliders, a feature I adore as I am a bit slopey shouldered and uneven so this is excellent to fix any straps slipping off and being annoying. Not the best example below but it works...
Back shaping - not immediately obvious in the pictures the dress is shaped and so curves beautifully into the small of the back. Oh yeah, and there are bust darts.....
Waist ties - to keep it loose and comfy but still shapely those sneaky little ties at the back (or front, your call) are fabulous
Jazzy fabric potential - speaks for itself. I have a lot of jazzy fabric. This pattern let's the print do the talking without breaking it up with waist seams.
Sizing was a bit of a gamble - initially went for an XXL graded to 1X at the hips however it was a little baggy under the arms so I nipped it in about half an inch each side. So these versions are now XL, XXL, 1X.
I did toile this dress due to being a bit skeptical of the fit but I ended up with a wearable toile in some parrot viscose from the deep-stash. I only had enough fabric for the short version however this length turned out perfect for hiking!
Unfortunately no longer available and it sold out in seconds - HOWEVER - little tip off for you. There is a great dupe for Scamp + Dude available here at Minerva as part of their new own range! I mean, that's pretty similar right?!
Back to the dress. This time I went for the long version with side slits and again, just a ridiculously comfortable dress to wear. I never wore it on holiday so you'll have to make do with the regular (overgrown) garden shot.
Last but not least - the third version is an upcycled dress. I had an amazing maxi dress years ago that I just didn't wear. It was cut into a skirt and I didn't wear that either. I'm so pleased I hung onto it though as fate would have it be the exact amount of fabric required to cut a Saltwater.
This version I used contrast black viscose binding and rose gold strap sliders and it made for the absolute perfect summer dress. (Along with Saltwater Sandals - which FYI are the comfiest things ever - not an advert, I just like them and figured everyone needs a tip-off about a comfy shoe now and again.)
The Salwater marathon continued further as I realised that if it made a great dress, it would also make a great camisole (I've fallen out with the Ogden cami and it no longer fits quite right for some reason).
Enter the perfect little summer camisole.... Lady McElroy Cobra Corsage in Lemon!
This really didn't take up much fabric and so I think I shall be making more of these little tops with any leftover pieces this summer.
All in all a fantastic pattern and I now see what all the fuss was about. Let me know if you've made or are making anything similar...
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Beautiful tattoos Emma 👍
ReplyDeletethank you x
DeleteThis pattern was not on my radar but looks like a perfect summer dress!
ReplyDeleteIt really is! Definitely one where you can go crazy with the fabric choices
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