Friday 21 July 2017

Pattern Runway Kimono Sleeved Dress

This is the Easy Short Sleeved Kimono Dress from Pattern Runway - a relaxed fit dress with an elastic waist, short kimono sleeves and keyhole opening at the centre back. I hadn't heard of Pattern Runway before I bought this pattern and I think their designs are lovely - contemporary and chic with some great detailing. I actually bought my pattern as a PDF from Craftsy but the company also has a website with a pattern shop here.  


The instructions are well explained with clear diagrams and, where appropriate, industrial sewing methods are used in order to complete the garment quicker e.g. all seams apart from the centre back are pressed flat together and to the back. It's also worth noting that seam allowances for this pattern are 1cm rather than the standard 1.5cm (5/8").


There are no finished measurements provided (apart from the length), so I took a punt and sewed a size M based on the size chart. The fit was pretty much spot on and I only made two small changes to the pattern. The dress is supposed to have a deep (8cms) topstitched hem which I wasn't keen on, so I shortened my skirt piece by 8cms, plus a further 3cms once it was sewn up. The finished length is just above my knee. The other change was to the sleeve openings which were drafted too low for my liking. I raised the underarm seam by 3.5cm, then curved it round to meet up with the side seam. The armholes still have a lot of room but are now more modest, ensuring I don't flash my entire bra every time I lift my arms. 


Construction-wise, the dress was very straight forward and easy to sew. The skirt is just a rectangle with elastic sewn to the waistline seam to cinch it in. This does the job but I'd be tempted to create a waist casing for the elastic next time for a neater finish inside. The neckline and arm openings are both finished with facings but I only used the neckline facing. I find armhole facings a pain to stay in place at the best of times, even more so when working with the world's drapiest fabric. I finished mine with a narrow double hem and they look fine. 


Fabric recommendations are for light to medium weight fabrics that drape - the key word here is drape. I used a very drapey rayon from Fabric Rehab (now sadly closed down) and it was the perfect fabric for the pattern. The biscuit coloured background colour probably isn't the most flattering shade for my skin tone, but who cares when your fabric is printed with sailing boats and polka dots?! 


The relaxed fit makes this a cool and airy dress for summer. Perfect for slinging in a suitcase to take on holiday or for wearing out and about on baking hot days. The pattern is described on the website as 'super easy, super quick to sew and lovely to wear' and I don't think I'd argue with that! Have a good day. x





19 comments:

  1. This fabric is awesome I think you look lovely
    Frankie
    Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. The fabric looks great on you! Love the blue tone and the pattern.

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  3. Love the dress, simple but chic, well done.
    Rosie xx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, simple and chic is my favourite combo! x

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  4. Really pretty! I love the fabric.

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  5. Cute summer dress and great fabric!

    A little tip: A few patterns from this company (though not this one, I don't think) are available for free via Peppermint Mag: http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/

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    1. Ooh excellent, I'll check it out, thanks so much! x

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  6. That looks like a great go-to, whip up number! Love the sleeves and how relaxed it is. Looking gorgeous, lady! xxx

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    1. Thanks lovely, it's perfect for hot days! x

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  7. That's a lovely dress Jane. Smart yet relaxed and cool. Perfect for summer days. I think it would also make a super maxi dress!

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    1. Thanks Evie - I think it would look fab as a maxi dress and would be so simple to make! x

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  8. Hi Jane - the first thing I sewed without help from my Mum was a tablecloth for her birthday. I spent hours and hours on it, and to this day (over 40 years later) she still uses it. Now I am teaching my own daughter to sew, and she would love to go this show with me!

    ดูหนังฝรั่ง

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  9. I have had this pattern for years and completely forgot about it until now and I have the perfect fabric for it. Thanks for the reminder. This is so lovely and the shape really really suits you. Gorgeous as always.

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