Drop
Madeit Fashion Week 2016 is a week long event showcasing Drop the latest pattern for women by Madeit Patterns. Fashion Week is hosted by Needle and Ted and features bloggers from all over the globe. Did I mention I’m in VERY fine company?
The Drop Dress and Top is effortless, comfortable, stylish and a speedy sew. It was designed with long sleeves but as the weather is supposed to be heating up here in Melbourne, my Drop Dress is without sleeves and styled for summer.
Taking these photos was a little risky. In hindsight, wedges (just to be clear, I’m referring to my shoes) and an unused quarry weren’t the best mix. I can report that no bones were broken, no ankles were twisted and, as evidenced by the three photos below, there was lots of laughing!
I knew from the outset, that this dress was going to be sleeveless, but I decided to toile the pattern in a polyester knit to check the fit and road test my sleeve hemming method.
My toile dress dress came out quite snug, very short and the left shoulder seam near the neckline wasn’t sitting right. I work-shopped my toile with the lovely Lara and Sarah (sneaky mid-week sewing catch-ups are the best) and we all realised that my toile fabric had two-way stretch and the lovely seafoam (what a great name for a colour!) viscose knit I was going to use for the ‘real deal’ had four-way stretch.
What a difference having a knit fabric with stretch in both directions makes. The left shoulder seam issue totally disappeared (hooray!). I did go up a size, scoop out the front neck slightly and add length to the dress, but I think the resulting volume, drape and length has more to do with the four-way stretch of the viscose than the changes I made. And my lesson… you are wasting most of your efforts if you toile in a fabric that fundamentally behaves differently to your fashion fabric.
I sewed this dress on my regular sewing machine using a stretch stitch (the one that looks like a lightening bolt) and I didn’t finish any of raw edges… a benefit of sewing knit fabrics! After joining the shoulder seams and adding the neckband, I sewed the side seams from the hem until 3/4″ (2cm) below the sleeve notch. I pressed the side seams open, folded the raw edge of each armhole 3/8″ (1cm) to the inside of the dress and stitched it in place with a twin needle.
The drape on this dress is just fabulous. I think I’ve done enough talking, how about some more photos?
And now for a giveaway…. please note, just one comment per person.
If you’d like to get in on the Drop action there is a 20% off discount (use the code MFW2016) which is valid from 28 Nov-2 Dec 2016. This is a great pattern… what are you waiting for?
And to finish, more photos to show off the gorgeous back-drop…
Pattern: Madeit Patterns’ Drop Dress & Top
Size: Medium
Fabric: Viscose/Lycra knit from The Cloth Shop
Alterations: Left off the sleeves. Added 2″ (5cm) to the length of the dress. Scooped out the front neck by 3/4″ (2cm).
Accessories: Sonia Rykiel silk scarf & bangle from Christine.
Location: Black Hill Lookout, Ballarat
What a backdrop, Anna! And I love your sleeveless version! Need to keep that in mind for summer! Now I kind of like my extra long sleeves…..;)
We totally sewed Drop dresses for our current climates. I’ll be tracing off that sleeve pattern in about five months time!
I love your Drop Dress, I love the colour, I love your backdrop, I loved reading your blog post. Yep I pretty much love everything about this post. Thank you so much Anna for being part of Made it Fashion Week.
Thanks for being the perfect facilitor. Madeit Fashion week has been lots of fun. As well as sewing up the pattern and my finished dress, I liked the photo challenge too (as evidenced by my photo heavy blog post!).
BEAUTIFUL dress. I now need this pattern…curses!
I totally understand both the need and the drat!
Ok so this is not the 8th comment, but I HAVE to say, what a gorgeous dress. (Maybe I come back later…)
It looks really fabulous on you – and I totally envy the backdrop and summer feeling right now!
Summer sewing is my favourite and this dress fits in nicely to my wardrobe. Thanks for your lovely comments Monika. It’s a pity that everyone can’t be a winner.
The dress looks amazing on you! I’ve been tempted by this pattern and the Groove pattern but they don’t come in a large enough size for me, darn it. Even though you risked bodily harm I think the pictures were worth it, they turned out great.
Thanks for you lovely feedback. Tessuti have a pattern (Frankie Dress/Top) that’s a little like the Groove Dress but has a bigger size range. Have you considered it?
Wow! What a stunning dress! The color is beautiful and that drape looks fab! I always love seeing how you style your makes. Love it! Plus what a gorgeous backdrop!
Sometimes the styling and photos are just as much fun as the making!
A vast improved over that other draped t which shall remain nameless–leaves quarry in the dust. And, again, quite like a Maria Cornejo frock of years back, which in my book is high praise indeed. Truely lovely, and très chic, Anna, and it looks lovely on you!
Thanks Jane. When I look at my two drape dresses they angle of the drape is quite different which makes a difference. And the key really is the length. This dress is perfect. Thanks for your high praise… I do appreciate it.
That dress is lovely in every way and your version is probably just what I need for the 37 we’re expecting in Brisbane this weekend.
Wow that sounds hot Carmel. Summer was late to arrive to Melbourne but I’m told it’s going to be a long hot one.
Congratulations Carmel. You left the 8th comment. Please email madeitpatterns@gmail.com for your free Drop Dress & Top pattern.
This pattern works so well with this fabric. The drape is fantastic! Beautiful photos too – safer shoes next time?
I had safer shoes on to hike in and out… and yes, next time I’ll leave the heels at home!
You look absolutely stunning! Perfect drape, perfect colour, gorgeous backdrop! Love it all and such a great idea to make it sleeveless. <3
I just love this sleeveless version you did, let alone the gorgeous fabric, colour, styling and backdrop, absolutely gorgeous! thanks so much for taking part in the Fashion Week 🙂
I always love it when a project comes together just as you imagined. Thanks for having me… it’s been such fun.
Gorgeous! The color, the drape… love the short sleeve version. And great photos!
Thanks Meg.
Anna, this dress is just perfect on you. I love the drape and the colour is divine. Nicely played (PS no need to enter me in the giveaway x)
I’m very happy with it Jillian. It might just be my Xmas Day dress… assuming hot weather.
Oh I love the drapey style of this dress. Gorgeous colour and the backdrop for you photos was the perfect choice. This style suits you so well.
You say the lovelies things Jean Margaret. Thanks-you.
Stunning pattern, And what a gorgeous colour. Perfect summer dress. Though I could definitely see it with sleeves too.
Thanks Lousie. I think it’s one of those patterns that will be good all ready around depending on the fabric you use and the sleeves/no sleeves options.
Fabulous dress with the perfect colour for you! The backdrop is so vibrant, too.
Thanks for your lovely feedback Tammy.
Total winner! Look forward to a try on very much. Yay for 4-way stretch!
I think this will suit you. And yes, hooray for four way stretch!
Just typed a great big long comment in the ‘search’ box at the bottom of the post. D’oh.
You look great.
That sounds like something I would do!
Love this! I may have to make one even though I’m uncomfortable wearing dresses.
The pattern has a top version too Jill. Maybe start with that one?
Looks great … taking the risk to take the pictures was totally worth it… such beautiful images
Thanks Sasha. I will definitely agree with you on this one!
Your dress and your photos are amazing! I love your stunning background — everything is perfect!
Gorgeous dress and back up.
Gorgeous.
I love how casual the pattern looks when it’s less fitted at the bottom – I really want the pattern now! And the colour of the dress is just great!
The drape and the colour look fabulous on you Anna! Another winner make.
Love the drape -a dress with interesting details. I thought i knew the setting – live just over the Hill 🙂 Sam the Aussie
The dress turned out fabulous! The drape is amazing and the colour is perfect for you 🙂