Ever since ruining my Simplicity sundress in the wash last year (the blue from the main fabric ran into the white band and turned it grey, doh), a strappy sundress-shaped vacancy has remained open in my wardrobe. So when I spotted New Look 6446* on Instagram recently I snapped it up.
The main focus of the pattern is undoubtedly the jumpsuit/culottes and I've seen some fabulously inspiring versions (here and here). It's quite a bold look to pull off though, so I thought I'd test the water with the dress option (B) first. The bodice has a nice shape to it with a high square neckline and wide straps - a little like the BHL Flora in fact. I also like the slanted front pockets.
The main focus of the pattern is undoubtedly the jumpsuit/culottes and I've seen some fabulously inspiring versions (here and here). It's quite a bold look to pull off though, so I thought I'd test the water with the dress option (B) first. The bodice has a nice shape to it with a high square neckline and wide straps - a little like the BHL Flora in fact. I also like the slanted front pockets.
Suggested fabrics are chambray, linen, chino or lightweight denim - anything with a bit of structure that isn't too drapey. I used a quilting cotton in ticking stripes from my stash, which fitted the bill perfectly. To line the bodice I used my favourite silk cotton.
The dress came together easily and the pattern was an absolute delight to sew. I liked the combined pocket/facing piece and the instructions to attach the lining to the invisible zip by machine, both designed to make life easier! The straps are left deliberately long at the back so you can adjust them to fit. It took me a bit of pinning to get them at just the right height but they now sit perfectly and are wide enough to cover bra straps. I took a scant ¾" off the bottom hem but otherwise sewed it straight out of the envelope.
Based on previous experience of New Look patterns I went down a size from my measurements and cut a size 12. The fit isn't too bad at all - the bodice is a reasonably tight fit, but I think a looser fit would look a bit frumpy on me. The only slight problem with the dress is that the combination of striped fabric and front bib can look a bit apron-like from certain angles! Otherwise it's light and breezy for summer and will be perfect for wearing on holiday.
This is a great pattern - easy to construct but still retaining some interesting details to get your teeth into. The skirt version I sewed was a quick, satisfying make, but if you're a bit edgier than me then the jumpsuit version looks pretty straight forward too. Trouser construction involves pleats to the front, darts to the back and a simple wide leg. Hmmm, it's quite tempting…! Which version would you choose?! x
Adding a belt helps alleviate the apron effect! |
* If you like the look of New Look 6446, Weaver Dee are offering a 10% discount. Just use code JANE10, yay!
Love this dress. You have a lovely style!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! x
DeleteVery cool and summery! I bet it looks nice with red accessories, too :)
ReplyDeleteSuits you perfectly!
It does look nice with red accessories! Thanks! x
Deletehello. I've been "lurking" for a long-time but I would just like to say that I really enjoy reading your blog. It's very inspirational, even if I am just a beginner sewer. How long have you been sewing for?
ReplyDeleteVery nice dress, by the way!
Aw thank you, that's so lovely to hear! I've been sewing since 2009. x
DeleteStraight from the packet? perfect. It looks really good with the belt I think. Jo x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. Yes, straight out of the packet, talk about jammy! x
DeleteThis is a super cute dress! I like the stripes. I love the New Look patterns. They are always simple to follow.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I'm becoming a big fan of New Look patterns! x
DeleteFab dress, looks ultra summery (now we need the sun to go with it!)
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly! x
DeleteGorgeous! Suits you perfectly, the shape is fantastic. I have got a huge piece of lovely John Lewis chambray which would look great in this pattern, with tan accessories. If only I could embroider nicely too, a little pattern on the front would be amazing. Might have to crank up the sewing machine this weekend! Can I ask, does the pattern include for bodice lining or have you done that yourself? And how did you attach it, did you sew outer and lining together and turn inside out, or just treat as one piece? Thanks xx
ReplyDeleteInstructions for attaching the lining are included in the pattern (yay!) You just make up a bodice in lining fabric (using the same pattern pieces as the main bodice) then sew a band to the top of the front (see 2nd pic). The two bodices are then attached across the front and back neck and round the armholes (the straps are sandwiched between). Turn right side out, under stitch and press. You can also top stitch if you like but mine was behaving so I left it. Lining is attached to zip at centre back by machine and the bottom of the bodice lining is catch stitched to the waist seam. It's all pretty simple and gives a neat finish! x
DeleteThank you, that's great, all makes sense! The lack of lining in some patterns bugs me, I know you can form one yourself, but then you have to sew off-piste making adjustments for straps and zips etc. Going to order pattern for that dress this weekend xx
DeleteReally cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you! x
DeleteThat is really darn cute! :)
ReplyDeleteAw thanks! x
DeleteCute dress Jane! I think this will be added to the stash for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good one to have in your repertoire! x
DeleteNice job with the dress! I love the minty green stripe fabric :)
ReplyDeleteI love ticking fabric too, thank you! x
DeleteI must say that I do love this dress especially for its apron like look. It needs some beach frolicking and funky shades to really be in its element. Very pretty fabric, you have made me want stripes now which is dangerous because I'm about to go fabric shopping! Uhoh!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have beach frolicking in mind too, can't wait to wear it on my holidays (no chance of actually wearing it in the UK at the moment!) Gotta love stripes, hope I persuaded you to buy some! x
DeleteThe perfect Summer dress! I'm sure you will get lots of use out of this (ha, if the sun ever decides to come back this year!) and I especially love it with a belt. By the way, I think you could rock the jumpsuit version ;)
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks Suzie! x
DeleteNot at all aprony!! This is gorgeous and I now feel the need to buy the pattern!
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing, I absolutely love the fabric you used and the style of the dress is great! Thanks for sharing such a fab pattern! Fingers crossed for sunny days so you can wear it a lot! XxxX
ReplyDeleteI've just used this pattern for a long trouser jumpsuit with a flounce instead of straps. I agree the pockets/pocketfacings are genius and its a very simple to follow pattern. Simple enough for me to add my own complications!!
ReplyDelete