Description
I found this beautiful Japanese linen at Britex Fabrics a few years ago when I first learned to sew. Never a fan of pink, the mauve taupe combined with the pale yellow polka dots was the perfect girly compromise. As always, I held on to this fabric for the longest time until the right project came along.
Last summer, while making a tulip print halter dress, I fell in love with this style and found the fit to be instantly flattering. So, I decided to make one for myself and varied the halter straps. In retrospect, I probably should not have used linen for this pattern since the steaming does take patience, but the natural crinkle effect is kind of nice for a full, summery skirt. Modeled here in my favorite Rachel Comey clogs at my dear friend Dean Dempsey’s photography studio in Brooklyn, NY.
Material Notes
3 yards of linen, 1 1/2 yards of cotton voile, 12"-invisible zipper, coordinating thread
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
- Season
- Spring, Summer
- For
- Women
- Garment Type
- Dress
- Style
- Beach, Classic, Romantic, Vintage
- Material
- Cotton, Linen
Credits
- Photographer
Aug 5, 2012, 05.32 PMby SassyT
Absolutely gorgeous!
Jul 5, 2012, 11.01 AMby Ruffles Gazebo
this fits you so well! what an amazing dress!~ did you use the same skirt pattern? yours seems fuller?
1 Reply
Jul 5, 2012, 06.24 PMby Jamie Lau
Thanks so much! Yes, I used the same skirt pattern. Adding a petticoat underneath could be great, too, if you wanted more fullness.
Feb 18, 2012, 12.25 AMby clareh
More beautiful than the fabric is the fit of the dress! Bravo!
Feb 17, 2012, 10.17 PMby wadoowindi
It’s a beautiful dress!
Feb 15, 2012, 07.05 PMby lesyoung
Love the dress and colors. I am looking forward to the next project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 15, 2012, 04.00 PMby wjskiss2000
I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!!!!!!!! and great choice on material.
Feb 14, 2012, 08.22 PMby dborecky
How did you vary the straps? Did you just move them to the sides more? I stay away from halters because I have an armpit bulge from when I got infected milk ducts, but I like how your straps cover that area nicely. I’d like to know what you did so I can wear cool things again in the summer and not be embarassed.
3 Replies
Feb 14, 2012, 08.34 PMby Jamie Lau
Hi,
Instead of having halter straps that tie behind the neck, I made them straps instead.
First, determine the placement and length of your shoulder straps. Working from the right side of the bodice self fabric, position the short ends of the straps as desired on the top edge of the bodice front and back and baste.
Pin the bodice lining and self fabric together, right sides facing with the straps sandwiched in between. Make sure that seam lines are matching. Sew together at the bust line. Remove basting stitches.
Feb 14, 2012, 11.09 PMby dborecky
So simple, why didn’t I think of doing that! Thanks! Now I just HAVE to make this dress!
Feb 14, 2012, 11.11 PMby Jamie Lau
Good luck! Would love to see your finished version, too!
Feb 14, 2012, 06.27 PMby Yueh Wen Chang
WOW, Jamie, this dress is so cute. I am not a pink person either so I really love this mauve color and the polkadot fabric. Thanks for wearing the necklace. Should I do a plug in here? OK, Jamie’s necklace is from Sora Designs (do a search in Etsy). In the beginning of this year, the lady over at the sewweekly.com made a dress based on one of my necklace. I love to see how these necklaces were being paired with great outfits. Thanks Jamie.
Feb 14, 2012, 05.59 PMby thinker
Beautiful! nicely done.
Feb 14, 2012, 05.45 PMby wzrdreams
I love it. Bravo! Nice choice in the dot. This will be so comfortable in the summer.
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 05.46 PMby Jamie Lau
Thanks, Grace! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14, 2012, 05.09 PMby LilleLine
Wow, It looks amazing and fits you perfectly. Great job
Feb 14, 2012, 03.39 PMby wendymichelle1015
So Cute! I Love!
Feb 14, 2012, 09.56 AMby Lexicon
I concur with all the above comments! I hope to be able to make clothes with such a great fit one day.
Feb 14, 2012, 09.36 AMby carottesauvage
You’ll turn heads! Your valentine’d rather hold your hand tight! ;) x
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 02.48 PMby Jamie Lau
Thanks, Hélène. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14, 2012, 09.32 AMby bernieandi
This is gorgeous! The fabric and fit are perfect! Exellent work! :-)
Feb 14, 2012, 06.40 AMby Itsbeensewlong
Gorgeous dress and looks fabulous on you! Beautiful fabric too! Lou
Feb 14, 2012, 03.47 AMby bunnytheory
Wow I am in love with this dress, it is so well made and the mauve and yellow polka dots are to die for!
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 05.08 AMby Jamie Lau
Thanks! I really wish I bought more yardage of this fabric to do other projects with.
Feb 14, 2012, 02.24 AMby abcameo
I’m so impressed with the professionalism of your sewing—especially since I’m still not experienced enough not to botch something on everything I sew! ;-D
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 05.07 AMby Jamie Lau
Thank you so much! I only learned to sew a few years ago and kept practicing by making tons of tote bags for friends!
Feb 14, 2012, 01.50 AMby poppykettle
Gorgeous!
Feb 14, 2012, 12.50 AMby blueartisan
I do love how you have captured the girlie look in a subtle way, that fabric is gorgous and the whole dress is very flattering on you. Great job!
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 01.19 AMby Jamie Lau
Thank you for the compliment! It took awhile to get all the pleats right, but it was definitely worth it!
Feb 13, 2012, 09.13 PMby Jodi Wade
You look great Jamie. Such a cute dress!
1 Reply
Feb 14, 2012, 01.16 AMby Jamie Lau
Thanks, Jodi!
Feb 13, 2012, 06.41 PMby janene
It certainly is flattering. Its gorgeous in fact. I have this issue so thank you for the inspiration. I like your version much better!
1 Reply
Feb 13, 2012, 07.43 PMby Jamie Lau
Thanks so much! The pattern is fairly easy to use. You should definitely give it a whirl!
Feb 13, 2012, 06.40 PMby baka-pepica
its reall great! i like it !!! great!
Feb 13, 2012, 05.55 PMby Petitemess
I love everything in this dress!
Feb 13, 2012, 04.46 PMby blueshoegal
Stunning dress – love the neckline!
1 Reply
Feb 13, 2012, 04.59 PMby Jamie Lau
Thanks so much!