Riffs on a Trusted Pattern: A Swingin’ Sundress
It’s Month 8 of my yearlong Tabula Rasa Jacket challenge. I’m writing this on a dreary day in August. But August is supposed to be sundress month. That was the plan when I decided to make a linen wrap sundress version of the Fit for Art Patterns Tabula Rasa Jacket (TRJ).
Inspired by decorator fabric
As many of you may know, I get an urge every so often to “upholster” myself. I love nosing around in the decorator fabrics and usually find something that would be a lovely garment. The fabric for my sundress project was one of those finds. I’m not sure when it made its way into my stash, but when I came across it the wheels started to turn. It’s a fairly heavy linen with an amusing, summery print of Victorian-era folks picnicking and swinging, which I couldn’t resist.
Swingin’ sundress pattern and layout
I started this project with the sleeveless top I made earlier. I figured I could extend the side panels to create the wrap and add an A-line skirt to the waist. Adding pockets to the TRJ works well because the side panel seams are just a bit forward, placing in-seam pockets in an accessible position. With my new pattern pieces drafted, I began the tricky puzzle of laying them out on the fabric. The print is obviously direction sensitive, which limited how creative I could get with my layout. There may be one errant piece that ended upside down.
Once I had the bodice together, I draped the skirt pieces.
Sundress with bound edges and wraparound skirt
I used a contrasting linen to bind the edges and make the ties. The finished product has an unusual shape. The back bodice has “wings” that wrap and fasten in the center…
Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.
Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.
Start Your Free TrialAlready an Insider? Log in
Log in or become a member to post a comment.
Sign up Log in