I used the Cate pattern but very casual fabrics to make an elegant but wearable summer dress.
The top is cotten. The bottom is a stretch material...probably jersey.
I made some changes to the pattern to simplify this dress. There are no sleeves (but I think an optional, detachable halter strap might be nice), and I did not include boning or lining.
I'm thinking of putting in an inner "belt" that is sometimes found within heavier beaded strapless dresses to keep them up, but am not sure how to accomplish this without some trial and error. I could have also used some elastic in the empire waist. I'm pretty flat-chested, so it's not a huge issue.
I've yet to hem, and don't even know if the fabric needs it. But I'm open to suggestions! It may just need a clean cut line.
I finished with french seams since I omitted a lining for the dress (though there is a lining for the bust), and added a tuxedo ruffle as I decided I wasn't crazy about the rectangle strip of fabric the pattern calls for.
The dress has been lengthened to the floor as described on the front page of the pattern.
*my pattern was pretty sloppy. mis-labeled pieces, and instructions that confused me a bit, but it could have just been me!
COMMENTS (21)
Wow, I like it! Now, I really want a long flowy summer dress too... To answer some of your questions: most types of jersey don't really need hemming. A strapless dress needs to stay up, so if you feel secure yours will, just leave it like this, if you don't I'd recommend going for an inner belt or/and halter straps, rather than elastic. The only inner belt I've ever made was very simple: just a strip of about 2 cm wide twill tape with the two halves of a trouser hook at the ends. It needs to be as long as the piece of the bodice it's attached to and can be tacked in place at the side seams and maybe some other places with a couple of hand stitches. However that was a waistband for a strapless dress which was fitted down to the hips, yours might need a different approach.
Yeah, you're the first to have the heart to do this dress! It looks really beautiful! I thought about it, too, maybe I'll make also one for summer :)
Wow, seeing it here makes me think of buying it!
Did you have any issues with the pattern itself?
Great version of Cate! I like the fabric combination.
This is fabulous! If the bottom is a stretch knit, you can probably just cut it straight and it will curl up on itself slightly with washing. Did you have problems with the pattern instructions like I did? Seeing your casual version makes me want to retry it using my own directions! :)
Yes, yes, yes..I had TONS of problems with the pattern! I thought I was just an idiot because I could not make it make sense. But since I didn't use lining, I just ignored most of that and just made it work. I also found the pieces mislabeled... But now that I've gone through it once, I'll just not try to figure it out next time...and just go for it!
And thanks for all the great feedback...as always!!!
I love it! I should do something like that (if you don't mind! haha) but shorter, you know here in my country is Summer ALL the time!!
simply gorgeous! it looks so versatile and fun! great job!
Beautiful dress! it is very special!
This dress looks beautiful! I love the green with the black and white pattern. I want a long dress like this now. Nice work!
absolutely karen! of course i don't mind! that's what we're here for, right! i wish it were summer here! i was freezing out on the fire escape taking that picture! i'm just waiting for the weather to heat up so i can wear all these dresses. and thanks to all who like the fabric. i think i'm going to buy more cotton solids (maybe orange or yellow) to pair with this fabric. i love it. and the vivid solids remind me of lollipops or candy!
This dress is beautiful. Looks fresh and lovely. I like the fabric combination and colour
wow, lauren, this is awesome. i bought this pattern months ago and it's been sitting in my computer. i LOVE the tuxedo ruffle, it changes the whole dress (raises hand mischievously to steal brilliant idea as well), and your fabric combination is genius! and i did wonder if you were freezing on that balcony... you are going to tear brooklyn up come the summer. i am a bit afraid of the wonky instructions now... too bad it's on a paid pattern, but oh well, i always skip the lining anyways :)
Hi Lauren, this is GORGEOUS! I love your fabric combo and you look great in your creation!!
This dress is so elegant!