Its finally time to share the wonderful new pattern release from Fibre Mood for their special edition release.
All of the patterns in this issue are inspired by existing designs but with a wonderful festive flare added. This is Nellie, a classic A-Line sheath dress; a simple cut that allows you to create a showcase dress for the holiday season.
Click here, to head over to Fibre Mood to connect to this great issue that contains 13 new sewing patterns with 17 different variations, including an exclusive pattern developed in collaboration with the Fashion Museum in Antwerp.
I knew that the Nellie dress would be the perfect pattern to feature this beautifully embroidered jacquard that I picked up on a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. I knew when I discovered it in clearance bin that it was destined to become a glorious dress; the Nellie pattern was perfect. With such a dynamic fabric I felt it was important to use a simple, classic pattern. Nellie is just that. It is a very simple dress to make, which will make it a go to pattern for my favourite style of dress!
Both the sleeves and the dress flare towards the hemline. The round neckline is finished with bias tape and a button and loop secure the deep back. Sometimes, straightforward is best. Loose, no-nonsense, and easy to wear – who wouldn’t want that?
This pattern can be made in a HUGE variety of fabrics for different occasions. From a simple denim or corduroy to fancy dress the options are limitless. This kind of dress will sew up beautifully in a heavier gauge fabric to hold its shape or in a delicate fabric that has decadent drape. You could literally sew it over and over again and every dress would have its own style and personality. And the bonus is that it is a very easy pattern to sew!
I made a size L dress grading up to a size XL through the bust line as I wanted to guarantee that there was room across the bust for the fabric to hang freely. I often grade up in the bust, then cut the smaller size through the shoulder, arm syce, neckline and hips. This seems to be the perfect combination for me. Although my shoulders are broad they can be quite narrow. I added 3 inches to the length of the dress so it would hit me just above the knee, adding the same length to the sleeves as well.
Once you have the facing for the back closure and the binding on the neckline completed, the rest of the dress goes together very quickly. I added a larger hem on the sleeve to add a bit of weight to the finish, but kept the roll hem for the dress itself minimal. This is a perfect time to feature a special vintage button that you have in your collection.
Although this is quite a delicate fabric because the embroidery has large loops, I think it will be a fun dress to wear throughout the holiday season. With such classic styling it will be an easy to wear option for weddings and special events as the year unfolds. I have styled it here with knee high boots to emphasis the 60;s feel of the dress, but it will look wonderful with ballet flats, sandals or heels.
It is a lovely dress to sew and to wear. For that reason I know it will not be the last Nellie that I make. After all…
There is Sew Much To Design
Happy Seasonal Dress Sewing,
Lou Sheffer
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