DRESS: Flatter Me Frock // BOOTS: Lucky (Similar)// NECKLACE: Show Me Your Mumu (similar) // Fabric: Art Gallery Fabric Pure Elements from Five Eighth Seams //BELT: Old Navy
Check it out folks! A new dress AND I am in short sleeves by the water again! Maybe spring is on its way. A girl can only dream. I am happy to share with you all a new handmade dress AND a new up and coming indie pattern designer Lindsey Marsh. I was so honored when Lindsey contacted me to pattern test her new dress pattern: the Flatter Me Frock. I am a big supporter of indie pattern makers. I try to support small businesses as much as I can versus big box stores and I love the creative energy and enthusiasm you get when working with indie pattern makers. And what many people don’t know is that these patterns go through months and months of testing and rewriting and re-testing and lots of tweaking before they are finally released out into the world. I loved getting to be behind the scenes with this new pattern and for those of you who know me, you know I love giving my two cents (sometimes 20 cents) on the pros and cons of a new pattern.
This pattern was totally designed with a woman’s body in mind. From the gathered cap sleeves to the appropriately placed bust darts and back dart, the bodice is a perfect fit. The top fits me loose on my arms but fitted on my bodice just the way I like it. I love the way Lindsey uses bias taping as an accented detail for the skirt. I had never seen bias tape used in that way before! I decided however to go with a jacquard woven trim instead of bias taping. My fabric was a solid color and I thought this would add a nice detail. Plus I have been dying to use this trim. In order to make this work I had to fold under my skirt piece twice, like if I were hemming it. And then placed the trim on top, edge stitching along both sides. I was worried at first I would look like a member of the cleaning staff from the Holiday Inn (not sure where my mind goes) but this was not the case. I ended up loving how it turned out!!
Check out Lindsey’s website Sew To Grow when you get a chance. Along with purchasing this pattern, you can also check out free projects, sewing tutorials, video blogs, and much more.
Disclaimer: The pattern in this post was provided to me free of charge for participating in pattern testing but as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
