The Saltwater Slip Dress is the perfect pattern to style with a variety of underpinnings so that you can wear it year round.
I was inspired on Instagram by a fellow sewist and decided to jump on board the Slip Dress bandwagon when I saw how easily it could be layered so that it can be used as a transitional dress for both fall and winter outfits. Friday Pattern Company creates great patterns that sew together beautifully and their Saltwater Slip Dress can be added to the list.
The Saltwater Slip Dress is a simple slip dress pattern with adjustable bias binding straps and necklines. It offers two length options, one above the knee and a longer version with side slits. It has an optional tie belt to either accent your waist, or tie behind for subtle detailing.
You can wear it over a T-shirt like I have done here, on its own as a gloriously cool yet stylish sundress or make it as a slip dress for underneath a sheer over dress. There are no closures which makes it a quick easy sew that you will want to make over and over again.
The Saltwater Slip pattern comes in an extensive size range from XS to 7X and it offers two cup size options. I made a size L with a C/D cup size and graded down to a size M through the waist and hips. For this version, I did not include the tie belt as I wanted to have a longer more simplified silhouette. Being tall, I cut out the long version but didn’t include the side slits as it hits me at shin height allowing for enough room to step. I would need to add between 8-10 inches for the maxi length. I like this length as it just skims the top of knee high boots making it easy to layer for cooler seasons.
This Minerva Exclusive viscose challis is perfect for a lightweight slip dress. It is easy to work with when creating the bias binding for the neckline and straps. It presses nicely into place and is easy to manipulate so that is lies flat and gives you a wonderful finish. The fabric has just enough give through the bias without stretching too much. There is such a great range of exclusive fabrics available from Minerva now. You can find all of them here. This is the Rugged Trail Viscose Challis. I love the colour combination and pattern. I think it looks like a contemporary take on a leopard print which is always a favourite of mine. The colour palette offers some great neutral options for pairing with whatever garment you make, you can’t go wrong with cream, beige, tan and black! I like the balance of darker colours for cooler seasons and the lighter colours for spring and fall.
This dress and fabric combination has so many styling options. I think it will work really well with a thin turtleneck layered under either a cropped jacket or a long shacket. Not to mention that wearing it as a simple yet chic sundress is a perfect option for hot summer days… or in my case a trip to Mexico! Stay tuned for sundresspics on my Instagram account here!
I highly recommend both the Saltwater Slip pattern and this soft drapery Rugged Trail viscose. Your options are endless for both and I know you will be very happy with the results no matter what you choose to make.
After all…. There is Sew Much To Design
Happy Saltwater Sewing,
Lou Sheffer
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