Hi, everyone! It’s finally summer here in NYC, so for my June Mood Sewing Network project, I wanted to make a dress fit for a vacation (even though I don’t have any trips planned, boo). I feel like I’m ready to sail away on a yacht in this dress! Well, maybe a dinghy… not sure if I’m quite posh enough for a yacht…
I used the Deer & Doe Reglisse dress pattern that I coveted the minute I saw. It’s easy to put together, but I took my time with it since I’d never worked with fabric cut on the bias before. I put out a call on Twitter for your favorite tips for sewing on the bias, and your advice was invaluable! I used a longer stitch length (3mm) and placed strips of paper under the seams while I stitched. The longer stitches keep your seams from popping when the bias flexes and relaxes, and the paper kept things from getting messy under the presser foot. Then I let the dress hang on my dress form for 24 hours to let the bias sections of the skirt stretch out before trimming the hem even.
Please excuse my rumpled look– these photos were taken at the end of the day!
I picked out a lovely cotton voile from Mood Fabrics to keep the dress light and floaty on sticky days. Originally, I wanted a lighter color, but when I laid eyes on this blue, I was hooked! It has a lovely sheen, and I like the classic pairing of navy and cream. I chose a shirting cotton for the contrasting collar and sleeves. It’s a bit crisper and more opaque than the voile, which is just what I wanted. I really loved working with voile– it’s easy to sew and press, and just feels so breathable and lovely.
The bodice is self-lined, and the skirt is lined with bemberg rayon. I used a narrow rolled hem, which worked well, but man, does that take forever! I felt like the hem was a mile long! I’ve never worn or made a skirt this full before… well, not since elementary school, at least! It’s really a change of pace for me, but I like it. But girls– do you get used to feeling, um, insecure, on a breezy day? It was just a little breezy when I wore this the first time, and I felt like I was seconds from a Marilyn moment the whole time!
Overall, I really like this dress, although it verges on the twee (if I haven’t crossed that line completely). If I could change anything, though, it would be to find a way to make this without an elasticized waist. The dress pulls over your head, so it’s really easy-wearing, but I hate how elastic waists look and feel so I’ll always wear this with a belt on top. I definitely recommend the pattern! If you’re thinking of making it, check out Ami’s cute version and tips for enclosing the seams (helpful if you don’t want to line it like I did). Also, you should know that the dress is pretty short as-is. I’m 5’6″, and the hem lands a few inches above my knee– doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but I know lots of you guys prefer things to hit at the knee.
Ahoy, mateys!
Alright, I’m off on my imaginary seaside vacation! Just give me one quick minute to load up on Dramamine and we’ll heave anchor!
Ginger Makes... 
Aw it’s lovely!! Deer & Doe make seriously gorgeous patterns. And this was on the BIAS??? You brave thing, you! That is something I’ve yet to try, although I’ve mentally banked that info on sewing with a longer stitch and tissue paper. Very cool. And I love the blue of this dress to! You look lovely 🙂
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I was seriously scared to sew on the bias, but this really wasn’t too bad. I don’t think I’d want to jump into it with slippery fabric, but it was pretty easy to handle with cotton fabric.
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Love it! I’m all about the twee-ness of pretty much everything…is the waist line shirred or elasticated? The rope-y belt is awesome and matches perfectly 🙂
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Thanks, Ashley! The waistline is elasticated, but I think I would shir it if I make this again. I’m so happy about the belt– it’s an oldie that’s been hanging around in my closet for ages!
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Wow this is so darling! I love the twee so it is right up my alley, I may have to purchase this pattern. I hope you do get your dream vacation, or a ride on a dingy at least! Happy long weekend!
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So classically beautiful, I love that colour combination and it fits you perfectly. Great technique, too! If you don’t have a holiday booked it looks like a great Independence Day outfit to me – Happy 4th of JUly!
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with that dress, you are indeed most posh for a yacht! Its so cute – ive been coveting deer and doe patterns, but im holding out for just a few more months. your reglisse is too lovely!
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That dress is so sweet. I’m guessing you will get a lot of use out it! Thanks for always introducing us to cool indie pattern designers!
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I love ’em and I love sharing them with you guys!
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I love this dress ! I am itching to make something sailor inspired myself, but I am sure it wouldn’t be as pretty as this :-)) xx
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Super cute! I know what you mean about elastic waists, but I wear belts so often anyway that they don’t bother me too much. I think your dress looks great paired with the rope belt. It looks so comfortable and perfect for summer.
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I just noticed that you can check another item off your ‘check the technique list’! Making a garment from fabric cut on the bias 🙂
I have made up this dress in a swiss dot cotton and its so comfy. I usually don’t like elastic waist either but maybe this can be a good dress to wear if you are attending any grand feasts!
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You’re right! Yay!
Swiss dot sounds perfect for this dress! Hmm, now you’re giving me ideas…
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