I drafted this dress with the help of Sew Many Dresses by Tanya Whelan. I definitely recommend this book if you’re getting started in making your own patterns! The templates provided are a great starting point, and can help you create a wide variety of shapes and styles.
I wanted to keep this project very quick and simple, so I opted for a sleeveless look and very straightforward straight skirt. I usually avoid straight skirts since I was cursed gifted with rather large hips, and I made this one on the shorter side for ease of movement. We’ll see if I have the courage to wear it in public sans tights come summer!
The dress features darts on the front and back of the bodice for shaping. I had to shorten the length of the bodice – as I almost always do – because I’m high-waisted. I didn’t make a muslin of this one because it was just a simple dress, and of course I regret not doing it. Always make a muslin!
The bodice and skirt are fully lined. Whenever I do facings I feel like they just end up looking sloppy, so if I’m going to line something, I go all in.
The fabric is a print from Spoonflower by crystal_walen called Boho Diamond-Black. I just love it, but the printed cotton from Spoonflower is generally stiffer than I would like. Still, that does make it very easy to cut and sew.
