Draping in the jungle
What kind of jungle do you live in? A glass jungle…
an urban jungle…
or perhaps a concrete jungle?
Honestly, who cares? Let’s talk about this dress… You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress is the bomb! I’ve had this pattern in my stash for quite some time and I’m kicking myself I waited so long to sew it up. The pattern is multi-sized (s – xl) and it’s super quick to sew – just shoulder and side seams! I bound the neckline (you can just fold it over and top-stitch) and used a double needle to finish the sleeves and hem.
Did you see Oona’s fabulous David Bowe version ? Lara offers more inspiration with her striped Draped T-Dress. For me, it was jungle all the way! I brought this 100% cotton jersey from Tessuti six months ago. I will confess my first impressions of this fabric weren’t good, but things changed quickly when I realised:
a) it was in my colours,
b) it would be perfect for Jungle January 2014, and
c) it was perhaps a little bit quirky and something I could (and would!) wear.
In her pattern, Nikki suggests using fabric with very fluid drape for best effect. I was probably pushing my luck with fabric, but I think I got away with it. My next version, which I have all laid out ready for cutting, is a much drapier viscose/elastane in a solid colour.
Pattern: You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress (available here)
Size: S
Fabric: 100% cotton jersey from Tessuti
Alterations: I used a 1/2″ shoulder seams (rather than just overlocking the edges) to slightly reduce the scoop of the neckline (aka lazy alterations!). I shortened the dress near the hem by 1 1/2 inches
The dress is a bit of a fabric eater, but I don’t hold it against it, as you can’t get a good drape without investing in fabric. Also, I squeezed a t-shirt out of the left-overs. Win win!
Pattern: Tessuti’s Lola Tee
Size: S graded to a M at the bust
Fabric: 100% cotton jersey from Tessuti
Alterations: I shortened the tee at the hem by 3 inches.
Look, just stop it lady. I’m supposed to be pattern testing a kids’ top, and I haven’t even managed to finish that in time. I don’t need you flaunting your amazing makes and fab pattern collection!
I’m actually considering a RTW fast this year. Because I don’t have much else on. 🙂 but considering how close I came to zero purchases last year, I should make something so I’m not wearing the same thing every day for another year…
Awesome frock. Fantastic Lola. Both coming soon to my wardrobe.
Sorry, sorry, sorry… This would be an ace pattern for you George. I’m already wondering how many of these dresses my wardrobe needs… the answer – lots! If you have some time next week come and check out my new digs. Would love to catch-up. Send me a texty.
I’m increasingly fascinated by ‘draping’ and got Drape Drape for Christmas – which I was so impressed by I immediately order Drape Drape 2 & 3.
Love this dress and the fabric is completely fabulous for it. I bet this gets a ton of wear!
I will confess to owning those drape drape books too. They are impressive, but also a little intimidating too. For me, this was a great first draping project. Can’t wait to see your draping projects. No pressure of anything… 🙂
Oh I’ve already made No.3 the drop waisted dress as an experiment. 🙂
It was easy!
I’m going to be poking my nose in those drape drape books tonight!
Your dress is really cute – I would never have picked the pattern from the line drawing (sorry You Sew Girl!), but seeing made up has made me change my mind! A great little dress for your hot, hot summers (from cold, cold Alberta!!)
Thanks Two Toast. Isn’t it funny that sometimes it’s the line drawings that help you see the detail and other times you really need to see a finished garment on a body? Stay warm.
Wowsers! Two garments from one piece of fabric.
And truly delightful pattern placement to boot!
I am deeply impressed.
I spent LOTS of time fussy cutting to ensure I could get the two garments out of one piece and I didn’t end up with an inappropriately placed animals. I’m glad this investment in time paid off!
Excellent work Lady! Get your waterwings, youre on saturdays jungle cruise! Oh I love a twofer!
Sea sickness tablets will be taken in readiness! And I knew you’d love the twofer…
Another winner with that draped T dress pattern… oh, how I wish I could pull of this style as well as you! Love the print – a perfect match 🙂
Thanks Mel. The ‘sack dress’ and I are great friends. I originally brought this fabric with V1027 in mind, but realised, with the help of Rachel, that it’s not really my style. The sack dress wins again!
The sack dress always wins when it’s in your court 😉
Wow, I LOVE that dress. The fabric pretty cool too. That is no “sack dress” it has loads if style and shape. The t-shirt is great as well. You are being rather prolific at the moment.
Thanks Louise. We are enjoying a quiet summer holiday in our new house and my girls are playing nicely (having friends over helps too) so I’m sneaking lots of time to sew. Jersey projects are also rather quick! And don’t fear, a ‘sack dress’ is an affectionate name for a dress without a super defined waist; the type that suits my figure.
Wow Anna…I love this dress. I just checked out the pattern illustration which doesn’t look nearly as good as your version. This looks such a comfortable and flattering style and that fabric is perfect. I love your top too and it makes a lovely outfit paired with your blue shorts. You just might have convinced me to purchase this pattern.
Thanks Jean Margaret. The top and shorts were worn today and I felt good, and even perhaps a little smug knowing I’d made the top myself.
Now I’m scrambling through my pattern collection trying to find this dress again! After seeing yours I need to make a new one. Yours is such a success – and love that you got a Lola out of the fabric too. I’m enjoying your makes!
Oh I’d love to see another Lara version.
I’m loving your clothes but also all your jewelry and shoes. If you have the details, could you perhaps give us the deets on those too, when possible? thx
Sure, I’ll give that a go too 🙂
[…] no longer Blogless Anna is in her 2nd year of cruising with us and marked it with 2 makes! Here’s one- go see the […]
Very cute! I love the fabric. Black and white with green and blue is not something I would have thought of but it looks really nifty.
Thanks Lynn. I’m already on the search for the perfect jungle fabric for Jungle January 2015!
This style looks great on you Anna and well done for going with something different – it’s such a fun quirky print.
Thanks Karen. An experiment that paid off always leaves me on a sewing high!
[…] I first made two of these dresses around three years ago, when Nikki was developing and toiling the pattern. They both had a huge amount of wear, and recently became frequent rotation items in a friend’s wardrobe. So I definitely needed to make myself another! Blame Anna. […]
[…] is the second time I’ve sewn You Sew Girl’s Draped T-Dress and it definitely won’t be the last. […]
[…] Due to my fear of wearing animal prints, my previous Jungle January entries have always pushed the boundaries of fabric selection. In 2013 it was all about birds and in 2014 my fabric featured zebras, giraffes & elephants. […]