drapey designer dress

i'm carrying on sewing the wardrobe plan again, and today i finished a dress. "but it's a casual wardrobe isn't it?" i hear you ask. well, when its a jersey dress it can be casual and it sure is comfortable! i first admired this pattern when i saw in the 'plus' section of Manz's August 2011 burda magazine and racked my brains as to how i could make it in my size.

drapey dress

i looked through my patterns and decided to 'frankenpattern' a bodice that i knew fitted well onto the burda skirt panel which is pleated and gathered onto the bodice anyway. i used New Look 6802 and because of fabric restrictions, chose a sleeveless style. this will be great for layering over coloured tops on those days when you get all four seasons at once, and is handy for crafting when you need your arms free!

side view

i used a mystery jersey fabric purchased at Textile Traders last year, it smells of silk, is a tiny bit prickly like wool and is a dream to sew with. i added some self fabric ties to cinch the waist a bit and i love the drape detail. really, its a lot easier to sew than it looks and i will definitely make this again in a bright colour with long sleeves next time. i recommend cutting the hem allowances a bit bigger than the 15mm suggested to allow for a double hem, clean finished on both sides because part of the back hem flips to the right side and you don't want to see the overlocking. ask me how i know...