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Introducing Dahlia! 15% off this week
Here is how I knew we had a good thing going with our new pattern, Dahlia.
After taking a slew of pictures in the studio with our beautiful model Amie a few weeks ago, we stepped outside to capture a few outdoor shots before the sun went down.
As we were walking around for about forty minutes, Amie got no fewer than three (!) compliments from strangers on her plaid dress.
That’s a good sign.
A dress for all seasons
To be honest, we originally conceived of Dahlia as a spring pattern. But schedules changed, projects were flipped around, and we realized that it would be the perfect dress for fall and winter too. I couldn’t help but imagine it in plaids and tweeds.
Version 1 is the most obvious cold-weather option, with mid-length raglan sleeves and a barely flared skirt with small back kickpleat. So far, we’ve made it in wool flannel, raw silk (the emerald green version), rayon suiting (the plaid version), and wool tweed. All beautiful, warm, and great paired with thick tights and a sweater.
Version two is sleeveless, and uses bias tape to form simple and easy straps. The skirt is cut in six gores, for a smoother but still gently flared shape. We made this sample in a beautifully drapey black rayon, finished with metallic gold trim. I think this version would make a fantastic holiday dress, but it would also be great for those of you in the southern hemisphere. It works just as well in cotton lawn, voile, seersucker, or linen.
A return to feminine shapes
The other day, I was having lunch with a friend and we were discussing the fact that shapeless clothes are in fashion right now.
I admit that I don’t mind the occasional shapeless dress. I like comfortable clothes, after all, and a dash of androgyny does tend to liven things up.
But there is nothing quite like a pretty dress, one that’s designed to flatter curves and make you feel good about what you’ve got. When I said that I wanted to return to our roots, that’s what I had in mind – something pretty, ladylike, and most of all, classic.
Dahlia has an inset waist yoke, which is one of my favorite ways to play up curves. This type of styling was common in the late 1930s and 1940s, and lasted through the 1960s. It’s a feature that’s difficult to find in modern dresses, but I find it to be universally flattering.
The sleeves are cut in a raglan style, with a slightly loose fit that allows plenty of motion. Raglan sleeves have a diagonal seam from underarm to shoulder rather than a circular armhole with a set-in sleeve. In some ways, they are easier to sew and to adjust (no easing or sewing in the round!), though the fit is a bit different.
If you’re curious about sewing this type of sleeve, you’ll want to join the sewalong we have planned for next month. It will begin on November 3. I’m pretty keen to try some color blocking with this sleeve, myself.
The perfect dress for stripes and plaids
Without a doubt, my favorite versions of Dahlia so far have been the plaid ones we’ve made.
We specifically planned the design lines of Dahlia to work with stripes of all kinds, from the raglan sleeve to the inset yoke to the use of gathers instead of darts in most places.
If you want to try making either version of Dahlia in a plaid or stripe but are intimidated about matching, you’ll want to read our tutorial on sewing it in striped fabric. There, I go over how to cut the pieces, plan your sewing, and match stripes and plaids throughout.
You’ll not only figure out how to sew this dress in plaid, I think you’ll come away with a better idea of the theory behind plaid matching for anything else you might want to sew.
Goodbye facings!
When I showed Dahlia to a group of ladies from Modern Domestic (our local sewing studio) last weekend, our friend Lupine (co-owner of the shop) commented that she loved that there are no facings.
Yes, facings are often necessary and sometimes make finishing easier, but often they are just too fussy.
Both versions of Dahlia are finished with bias tape instead. If you’ve ever made our free Sorbetto pattern, you know that bias tape can be very easy to work with, faster to sew than a facing, and also really fun to make in different colors or patterns. But even if you don’t want to make it, there are a lot of fun options on the market these days.
Now in French and English!
One more piece of good news. We also have translated instructions for Dahlia in French, so if French is your preferred language, you can download the instructions and sew along more easily!
Whether you buy the printed or digital pattern, you can download the French instructions from us either way. We’ll also be translating some of our other popular patterns into French and releasing those very soon.
We’d love to translate into other languages as well, but we’re beginning with French because we have a great translator with sewing knowledge.
Get 15% off, now through Friday!
I’ve talked enough, so head on over to the shop and get Dahlia for 15% off through Friday!
I can’t wait to see what you guys make.
Details:
Model: Amie at Muse
Photos: Sarai Mitnick
Makeup: Hayley Miller
Hair: Brianna LeBlanc, Bandit Styling
Fabrics: Emerald green raw silk (v.1), plaid rayon suiting (v.1), black rayon with metallic bias tape (v.2), purchased locally
Styling help: Kristen Blackmore
Shoes: Vintage Ferragamos
Bag: Vintage Coach
Comments
Annie Sharkey
October 21, 2014 #
A Triumph!
Show and Tell Meg
October 21, 2014 #
I LOVE this dress! I love that you’ve gone “back to your roots” – your original type girly but different designs are so my style. I snatched this up last night, printed it out and traced it all. I know I’ll have to do some adjusting (I have a hollow chest – not sure how to do that with the gathers in the front center … hmm…), but I am so excited to sew this up :) I have a wonderfully flowy green and black check fabric and black batiste I bought with the intention of making a dress with the black as the waistband but I never had a pattern for it until now. I can’t wait!
Emma
October 21, 2014 #
I love, love, love this pattern! It immediately ranks up there with my all-time favourite Colette patterns…(Macaron, Beignet, Peony, Moneta…) I so appreciate a return to the classic, feminine styles that I love. Thanks, Sarai!
Rose
October 21, 2014 #
I love this dress and want to copy every example you posted!! Those skirt gathers are lovely but will not work for me. I’ll do sewed down pleats. The printed pattern is on its way (I hope!). I’m busy finishing projects so that I’ll be ready for the sewalong. Thanks for the discount.
Brenda
October 21, 2014 #
Wonderful! Thanks for the “Sneak peek”! Love your professionally packaged patterns and ordered it today. Looking forward to sewing…..
hopflower
October 21, 2014 #
I think it is great. A new dress which reminds me a bit of Peony, but with a round neckline and a few extra differences. It is very becoming and would suit most anyone.
The only disappointment was that I work and came home to miss the 20% off deadline. I think if one were going to offer a discount, one would give the insiders a bit longer; three days, say. Then open up any savings to others after that.
Still, I love the new pattern. :)
Irene
October 21, 2014 #
I love this pattern- I got the email last night, I slept over it and I bought it in the morning. It is feminine yet not overly girly, simple but not boring and I can see it as a work and leisure-appropriate dress. I like the raglan sleeves- I will need a narrow shoulder alteration for sure and I hope you will cover this during the sewalong. What about lining this dress? Are you going to address this?
Jenny
October 21, 2014 #
This pattern looks lovely, very flattering. I like a pattern that has variations on the basic style. Once I have made a garment and know how it fits I like to make it again in different style option or different fabrics
Katarina McLintock
October 21, 2014 #
Hello! What a beautiful dress!
Is there any zip in the dress?
Sarai
October 21, 2014 #
Should have mentioned that – yes, it’s a side invisible zip.
Rena
October 21, 2014 #
I ordered the pattern yesterday and can’t wait for it to arrive! I love that it’s feminine, classic, gives the option of a gored skirt, and the inset waist works well on a larger hourglass figure like mine. (I’ve made countless Parfaits and several of the Chantilly and Ceylon because of this feature.) Also, as advanced sewist, I still like having a selection of simpler patterns at my disposal. I don’t need every pattern I work on, to take weeks to finish, instant gratification patterns are a nice break for my brain, keep me sewing and still leave me feeling fresh enough to tackle more in-depth projects.
One important question though: as a larger busted gal (between a D and DD) I have yet to find a strapless bra that isn’t molded foam that you could poach an egg in and make my bust look like they’re the monsters that ate Cleveland. They also seem to stand away from the chest, giving a weird silhouette. So for those of us who want to make the sleeveless version, yet need to wear a bra with straps, is there anything you can think of that would allow us to widen the straps a bit to help cover our bra straps underneath? My first thought was a much wider bias band, but I was concerned that may make the neckline look strange and come off looking too “crafty”. Any ideas or a pattern variation/adjustment post would be greatly appreciated!
Sarai
October 21, 2014 #
I think a wider bias band would affect the neckline. I would just add a fabric strap between the front and back bodice instead. I bet you could even cut up the sleeve from the longer sleeve version to make a strap.
Christine
October 21, 2014 #
I second Rena’s request for strap adjustments. I’ve found that a steel-boned overbust corset worked better than those strapless foam bras did back when I was a DD. With feeding a baby, I am now far beyond the DD and really miss having that option. So I am stuck with bars.
francesca
October 22, 2014 #
Or you could raise the whole neckline – just add to all the top pieces – or draft a sort of yoke neck – kind of like this – http://www.simplicity.com/p-9392-misses-dress-project-runway-collection.aspx#t-2
I don’t think it would be difficult to do for someone experienced.
Jen
October 21, 2014 #
I am really excited to make this. The last new project I started was in April, so I was in need of good inspiration!
Michelle
October 21, 2014 #
I was counting down the days till the sneak peak release and was not disappointed at all, I’m so very happy that the pattern caters for the larger sizes and such a feminine design, I cannot wait to receive my order in the mail, I’m currently in Portugal on holidays and am hoping that when I return to Australia it will be waiting for me. I plan on purchasing some beautiful fabric in Lisbon to make my beautiful dress. It is going to be a wonderful elegant dress that every time I wear it I think of Portugal.
dara
October 21, 2014 #
Beautiful!!! I have a rectangle shaped figure, would this look nice on me? Thanks for your response
Danica
October 21, 2014 #
It’s beautiful. I hope you don’t sell out before Christmas, because this is on my list. Love the waist yoke.
Claudia
October 21, 2014 #
I love it. I have 5 projects to finish before I can tackle this pattern, but I will be doing this dress. I will likely do it in a plain colour or floral. I am really glad you went back to origins with this design.I own almost all your patterns. I would love to see a video sew along. Is that a possibility?
Elaine
October 21, 2014 #
Love this pattern, so versatile. I especially like the plaid version. I have to go now, I need to buy this pattern!
Sarah
October 21, 2014 #
This is lovely, I especially love the sleeveless version. Its just such a pretty cut!
I can’t wait until I get some spare time to make this :)
Ros
October 21, 2014 #
I think it looks fabulous – I really love the waistband and the second skirt version. I love the plaid but I’m wondering about a wool crepe fabric (never used wool crepe but I think it might work?)
I’m going to have to forego the discount due to shipping time to the UK because I think I will get it sooner if I wait for a UK shop to stock it and I’m desperate to make it as soon as I can get my hands on the pattern!
Lisa
October 21, 2014 #
I can’t wait to make this dress. Just in time for the holidays. I’m going to work hard on finishing up my current projects to get started on this one !!!
Lynda
October 21, 2014 #
I love this dress so much but I don’t have the skills to sew it to fit my narrow shoulders. I am tempted, but just looking at the lovely samples I can feel it slipping off :) Looking forward to seeing what you all create with this lovely pattern.
Victoria
October 21, 2014 #
I’m super excited to get this pattern and get sewing! Ordered it this morning and have had a mystery fabric waiting for the perfect silhouette. The fabric is vintage, and labeled wrinkle resistant, with a stiffer than lawn but not too thick feel. I hope it’ll work. It’s a lovely slate blue, orange, gold, and cream sort of watercolor look. Anyone have any idea how to test fabric to see what it really is?
sonia fonseca
October 21, 2014 #
Me encanta. .es mi estilo. ….. lo quiero y lo pienso comprar! !!!!..
Besitos
Stacie Davis
October 21, 2014 #
I really love your return to feminine, pretty dresses. I ordered yesterday and am excited to receive it in the mail. I have the perfect plaid twill ready to go. Thanks for this flattering pattern.
Emma
October 21, 2014 #
So gorgeous! I love the sleeve length and the simple gathers. Looks like a great pattern for beginners, but with lots of potential for more advanced sewers to play around.
cyngehin@gmail.com
October 21, 2014 #
Wow! Such a great response to your new pattern. It is a beautiful design. Plus, it seems to be a fairly simple to create garment. You really have an ‘eye’ for creating design for many figure types. I love the bias treatment.
Nancy
October 21, 2014 #
i love the Stripet pattern dress. I been looking for a pattern like this. I would love to own the pattern and the fabric
Robin Blair
October 21, 2014 #
Love this pattern! I can see so many different versions of it. I really love the black for evening/holiday with the metallic trim-so my style! Will definitely get this one!
Jet Set Sewing
October 21, 2014 #
So pretty; great job! Both feminine and wearable.
T
October 21, 2014 #
This is a lovely pattern with clean lines. While I like it, it won’t suit my silhouette. I look forward to seeing how the sewing community makes their own unique versions of it.
Ellen
October 21, 2014 #
I’ve had a beautiful wool / cotton blend plaid for a year in my stash uncertain what to make with it. I fell in love with the pattern last night and rather then a new pair of pants I plan to make this dress on Saturday. Thanks.
Romona
October 21, 2014 #
It’s a pretty dress and one that would work best, in my humble opinion, for ladies with a slimmer shape. I have broad shoulders and that neckline would only make them look even broader. It is a nice dress though and will suit many women for sure.
Kelly
October 21, 2014 #
Like so many others I was very excited to see your pattern – it will be perfect for a dear friend’s wedding in Autumn. Just wondering though, how much extra fabric is required to make the bias binding from the same fabric as the dress? Thank you
Sarai
October 21, 2014 #
I’m usually able to get enough binding from the leftover scraps, but I’d buy an extra 1/4 yard to be on the safe side.
Judy
October 21, 2014 #
I think this is a very feminine dress. I prefer the straight skirt rather than the gathered version and I would also have to do a small bust adjustment. I would also like to see photos of the back of the dress before I purchase the pattern.
Amanda Luttrell
October 21, 2014 #
I can’t wait to make this dress. It is Spring here in Australia and I think it will look lovely in a floral. Looking forward to the Sewalong.
Michelle F
October 21, 2014 #
I am looking forward to trying this pattern. Just the other day I was thinking I needed a dress that could handle cooler weather. I like the fact that the styling is “age-appropriate” for a large range of women. I can rock a dress like that at 41 as well as I could have at 21.
Joyce
October 21, 2014 #
It is so pretty!!! I love the raglan sleeves and really appreciate that you sized it up. Thank you!
Terry
October 21, 2014 #
I love this pattern! It’s both very feminine and versatile. And for me, I am certain it would not! call attention to the slight belly.
Jessica
October 21, 2014 #
Love this! Thinking about doing up a winter version in the Robert Kaufman Shetland flannel, but I wonder if it’s too heavy. Ordered the pattern yesterday and I will dream about fabrics until it arrives.
cdh
October 21, 2014 #
Lovely pattern. I ordered it yesterday and am looking forward to getting started. Also looking forward to seeing sewists’ makes and how the pattern works with our varied body types.
Robin Parker
October 21, 2014 #
Can’t wait to join you in the sew along. This will be my first real sewing project!
Amanda
October 21, 2014 #
I absolutely LOVE this dress! Didn’t even have to think about buying the pattern yesterday during the sneak peek. I’m so glad you have gone back to the classic roots of the company, that’s what I fell in love with in the first place. There must be three versions floating around in my head already…so excited!
Jillian
October 21, 2014 #
This is my first Colette pattern and I can’t wait to begin sewing. Love the feminine shape of this dress.
stephanie
October 21, 2014 #
I love it! I ordered it immediatly..I.just would have liked a lining option…sometimes it is useful for a winter fabric or a transparent one…I hope you will add it in the sew along…
Lydia
October 21, 2014 #
I love this dress, it’s so flattering. I can’t wait to wear this dress.
Ginger
October 21, 2014 #
I squealed with joy when I saw the sneak peak last night and immediately purchased. Love this pattern. Can’t wait to make it. Would it be possible, either in the sew along or as a blog post, to have detailed directions for converting the skirt pleats to darts? Or if someone knows a blog post already or a book, I would appreciate it. I’ve never done it and I need some hand holding to give it a try. Thanks so much.
Marguerite
October 21, 2014 #
I love the way this dress looks, and it would flatter my figure except for one thing. In the pictures of the model, the neckline is very wide and I can tell I would have to wear a strapless bra with this dress, which is too uncomfortable and not too effective, in my case. I’m not sure how it would look if somehow I could make the neckline narrower, since I do not have narrow shoulders. Is there any way to make this dress with enough shoulder coverage to conceal bra straps?
Sarai
October 21, 2014 #
I may have answered this in another comment, but it’s really easy to redraw the neckline to whatever shape you desire since there are no facings.
I’ve found that this shape works fine with most of my demi bras, though some of my full coverage bras with wider straps might show.
Janet
October 21, 2014 #
I really love this dress with its inset waist, raglan sleeve and three versions to make. This is my most favourite Colette pattern to date. Congratulations on creating a fabulous pattern.
Alice Elliot
October 21, 2014 #
I love the new pattern. And the model looks great in it. At 70, now, yikes!…I don’t think this is a style I’d wear. I’d have rocked it 30 years ago! Maybe I did! Keep up the good work.
Sarai
October 21, 2014 #
Thanks Alice. :)
Lenney Alderfer
October 21, 2014 #
I REALLY like this pattern, and bought it as soon as I got the sneak peek email. It looks as though it should be quite flattering to curvy figures!
Katherine
October 21, 2014 #
Love it! Ordered it! Can’t wait to make it. Looks so versatile, for all seasons.
Is it possible to do an FBA with this dress?
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
Yes. Devon will be covering bust adjustments in the sewalong.
Katherine
October 21, 2014 #
Lovely! I’ve bought one of your patterns previously (Moneta), which I’ve taped together ready to go but I couldn’t resist buying this one too. I’m determined to just jump in the deep end and hope they don’t exceed my capabilities :) Thank you so much for another beautiful pattern that is available in larger sizes!
sarah
October 21, 2014 #
Love this new Dahlia dress, feminine but doesn’t look too daunting for novice sewists like me!
francesca
October 22, 2014 #
This is absolutely fabulous. I will be getting it from Europe as customs in my country have become so exaggerated – even on printed matter:(.
I’m quite advanced, but it doesn’t look that simple to me:). Simple to me usually means shapeless which this totally isn’t. Besides, it’s nice to have less complicated patterns which are easy to fit and use and re-use. I’ve made Clover and like it, but only belted, whilst this should be flattering as is. And I love the idea of the bias midriff – clever Sarai:) – not only to make matching checks easier, but because having a bit of give on something fitted is always more comfortable.
This is everything I was hoping for when I saw the back to the roots thing:) Proset Sarai (congrats in my language).
Lisa
October 22, 2014 #
This vintage and modern all at the same time, and I just love it. I can’t wait to start sewing!
What are your thoughts in doing this in a cotton twill / denim-y fabric? Too stiff?
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
I think it could work, as long as it’s not too thick/heavy.
Basya
October 22, 2014 #
I bought this during the sneak peek yesterday. I have some lovely silk charmeuse in my stash that I’d love to use. Would that be an appropriate fabric?
Sara Milburn
October 22, 2014 #
This is a lovely dress. I have, so far, only made skirts (three in total!), but I am going to be brave & order this pattern & make it. I can ‘hold hands’ with the sew along if I get nervous! And now to start the lovely part … choosing the fabric!!
carol
October 22, 2014 #
I love this dress, so very wearable for evening in the green and for everyday in the plaid. fabulous.
Mc
October 22, 2014 #
Wow ! This is a reaaally nice dress ! I just found the perfect fabric for it and its very similar to the emerald green on the pics !
Melissa
October 22, 2014 #
That is beautiful! I love the longer sleeve version and especially love it in the green that you have chosen!
Joan
October 22, 2014 #
Love this new pattern. Looks very versatile and classic.
Annemieke
October 22, 2014 #
The dress looks lovely, very flattering. I find it hard to picture it in bigger sizes, though. Can you add a few pictures with a less slender model, wearing a bigger size?
Melissa
October 22, 2014 #
Both versions of this pattern are so lovely! I can’t wait to make it!
Ann
October 22, 2014 #
I love it, how soon will the printed patterns be available in UK and where from x
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
Check out today’s post for more on that: https://blog.colettehq.com/colette-patterns-news/where-to-buy-dahlia-outside-the-us
Ledys
October 22, 2014 #
What a gorgeous dress! I love all the samples, they are all absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to see your flannel version! Like others have said, I love the classic lines and feminine silhouette, and the fact that it can work with so many different fabrics for many unique looks. I read in the comments that there may be a fabric roundup, and I wanted to thank you for that! Fabric is one of the most mystifying parts of the process for me, and I love reading your posts about what fabrics would work well. I also love your styling posts, can’t wait to see the different ways to style Dahlia! Congratulations on another beautiful pattern :) (I think I’m making my first one in wool suiting :) can’t wait to get started!)
Tiffany
October 22, 2014 #
I am so excited for this pattern! About to order my copy! I have one question, though–could a regular zipper be substituted for an invisible zip? My body doesn’t like invisible zippers in dresses very much. I love your method for doing an invisible zip, and do them on skirts, but I prefer the way regular zippers behave on my curves much better. :)
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
Yes, you could just do a regular centered zip if you wanted to.
Nikki H.
October 22, 2014 #
Beautiful pattern! Femenine, and flattering, I think it would look really good on a pear-shaped woman such as myself. I bought it at the sneak peek and I already have a plaid and a black solid I’m planning to make two fall/winter dresses with.
My sewing mojo has been a little off lately and this is the first time in awhile I’ve been really motivated to sew something! Thank you!
Patricia Pfeiffer
October 22, 2014 #
Nice ideas. The neck is a bit wide and low but without facings will be easy to adjust. I need a bra, but I don’t want the straps showing, nor my boobs. I like the sleeves, as I have those flappy “wing-spreads” that I like to cover. The fullness over the hip area I think would be unflattering, but the smoother A-line skirt looks like it would be better, more slenderizing. I like that it is suitable for so many types of fabrics. At this point in my life, living in a cooler, and rural, part of the country (Northern Wisconsin) I do not even own a skirt or dress, but this looks like a nice easy way to get back a more feminine flavor to my wardrobe. I, like many others who commented, am happy to find a pattern that is fitted rather than the presently over-popular shapeless styles available in patterns today. Having recently lost a lot of weight, I am sure my husband will be thrilled to see me in a dress again!
Katherine
October 22, 2014 #
Lovely lovely lovely!!
Like others, I snatched this thing up as quick as you can say “sneak peek discount,” even though, as others have also said, I have a long list of “to-do’s” on my sewing docket. I just couldn’t resist.
Colette patterns, you slay me! I would consider myself an intermediate sewist, and thanks to your site I have now burst into the world of sewing clothes after years of quilting only. It occupies more brain time than I care to admit, fantasizing about future garments to make. Just need a better source of fashion fabrics in Chicago as our pickings are rather slim.
Thank you SO much for your excellent work! Your patterns are SO straightforward and thoughtful that they stand alone, yet you also provide such amazing resources online in the form of tutorials and sew-alongs. I’ve sewn up a Hawthorn and a Myrtle and love them both, they fit so perfectly!
Thanks again!
Nickey Robo
October 24, 2014 #
…really? You have Vogue Fabrics in Chicago, and it’s amazing!
Emily
October 22, 2014 #
Just the dress pattern I was looking for. It is a versatile dress.
amy w
October 22, 2014 #
Love Love Love this dress!! I would buy both the green and plaid dresses if I saw them in the store. This is a must-buy!
danieli
October 22, 2014 #
Bought it as soon as I’ve seen the sneak peek and already have a cotton satin one cut for a wedding I’m attending in november. I’ve never done that before, usually things stay in my “to buy” radar for a decade and in my “to make” pile for a century or so :)
Linda M.
October 22, 2014 #
This Dahlia pattern is very appealing. I am plus size and have ordered it in your largest size. I like the no bust darts and plan on making it with contrasting, printed, bodice and sleeves. This is my first time ordering from you although I do enjoy your weekly snippets immensely.
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
Glad to hear it, Linda!
SewSouthLondon
October 22, 2014 #
Like everyone else posting here, I just want to say how much I love this pattern. It’s the perfect blend of classic and modern, and is designed to flatter a feminine shape. I saw the first photo of the post and bought it before I’d finished reading! Thank you Colette Patterns.
Janome Gnome
October 22, 2014 #
Gosh… I’m suffering from multiple ideas paralysis! Hopefully some meditative pdf taping will help me decide between the very vintage vibe drapey brown floral, the definitely bold purple wax print and an utterly unpredictable but exciting experiment with silver and apricot Moroccan cactus silk.
Annette
October 22, 2014 #
I Love it! This will be the next dress I sew.
Rose
October 22, 2014 #
Beautiful Patterns love the green one
Dean
October 22, 2014 #
Just purchased the pattern, and can’t wait to get started. I’m curious, why can’t pdf patterns fill the entire page to the edge, so that they would not have to be cut? Someone told me that this is because America has one size of paper, and other countries have a longer and skinnier paper. If that is the case, why not just make a “to the edge” pattern that would accomadate both? The cutting is just about a dealbreaker! Thanks.
Sarai
October 22, 2014 #
Many printers do not do borderless printing, which would make it impossible to print that way without most printers scaling the pattern way down.
It’s true that the margins are such to accommodate both US Letter and A4 paper. I’m not sure how you’d produce an image that would print borderless on both sizes of paper, but maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean.
If you don’t want to do all that cutting, some people just fold the edges back.
Dean
October 22, 2014 #
Thanks, Sarai, but I think that folding the edges would be more of a nightmare than cutting! The reason that I was asking was because I recently saw a French pdf sewing pattern, and I’m kicking myself because I didn’t write down which company it was, that claimed that their pdf patterns did not need cutting because they printed to the very edge of the page, and I was wondering how that was possible? Anyway, the Dahlia is so lovely that I am doing the dreaded cutting and assembling. Thank you.
celia
October 22, 2014 #
Absolutely beautiful! Love!
Mary B
October 22, 2014 #
What a great dress! I have a ponte knit I can hardly wait to use for a winter version and then oh the possibilities for next spring and summer! Very excited to try this pattern out.
Deanne Lawn
October 23, 2014 #
So feminine……the pretty pleating at the bust is so reminiscent of the ‘Forties-Satin-Slip’. The kind my grandma would wear under her party dresses. Perfect.
Rose
October 23, 2014 #
I loved the sleeved version, then scrolled down and saw the sleeveless version and it is just one of the most beautiful dresses ever. Can’t wait to make it!
Joanne
October 23, 2014 #
I really love this design! As soon as I saw it, I snatched it up. Then I read that there are no facings, which is an added bonus for sure! I’m not sure what fabric to use yet, but I think this pattern is definitely going to make it to the top of the queue!
bobbie Calgaro
October 23, 2014 #
I want to applaud you on the style off this dress. I am 61 years old and feel that this dress is timeless and classic enough for me to wear. I have the weight problems that come with age but most people do not believe that I am as old as I am. But I still don’t want to look like a kid. The fact that there are sleeves and a waist and some fullness to the skirt is just wonderful. I am looking forward to adding this dress to my collection.
Christa
October 23, 2014 #
Love this pattern! I have some plaid shirting- would that be too lightweight for this pattern?
Elke
October 23, 2014 #
I love the dahlia design. And the green dress is so beautiful! I just wished I had the curves to go with it… :)
Ruth
October 23, 2014 #
I like the plaid especially!
Sheila
October 23, 2014 #
I love the Dahlia! I’ve never sewn a dress with plaids before, but now I really want to try it. I’m thinking that I may be able to do it with the sewalong. I have a bit of tummy, too, and will probably have to use pleats instead of gathers. Lovely dress! Can’t wait to try this one!
Shelby
October 23, 2014 #
This dress is really, really beautiful! However, I am hesitant to purchase it because I’m afraid that even your smallest size will be too big. I have a 31.5″ bust measurement and wear a 30C bra. The description mentions that this dress is designed for a C cup, but the smallest size is designed for a bust measurement of 33″. It’s surprising that you have accommodated the larger sizes but not those of us who are naturally thin. Most sewing patterns do have size ranges that go smaller than a 33″ bust. Sadly, it looks like I will have to pass on this truly gorgeous dress.
Tanya
October 25, 2014 #
Have you tried doing a small bust adjustment (SBA)? There are many sources online that can each you the technique. Having said that, I understand that Devon who’ll be leading the sew-a-long will be showing how to do SBA’s and FBA’s.
Vickie
October 24, 2014 #
I absolutely love this dress!
Classy, flirty, féminin and so easy to wear!
I will be adding this pattern to my collection!
Thank you for this lovely pattern can no wait to get it and pick my material out!
Amie
October 24, 2014 #
This made my day! I love the photos and had so much fun with you and Kristen! Congrats on the success of your new pattern :)
Accacia
October 27, 2014 #
I have prepared my pattern and bought my fabric. I do find the pdf pattern assembly to be somewhat meditative, also, and use a glue stick which is my favorite method. I found some pretty silk twill on sale which I think will make a nice dress. I think I’ll line or underline it to give this fabric some body.
I am making my dress for an event on Nov. 22 and with the straightforward construction, I know this won’t take that long to put together — though I do have to work out the fit and have a flowy cotton/linen to make a (hopefully wearable) muslin with.
My question for Sarai/Devon: is there a schedule for the sewalong?
laura
October 28, 2014 #
I’m curious about the gold bias trim you used on the black, sleeveless dress. Was it a prepackaged trim or did you make it from yardage? I want to do something similar.
Sarai
October 28, 2014 #
It was actually a prepackaged trim! I bought it locally, but here’s the same one on amazon. We just folded it in half and pressed to create double fold tape.
Wrights 117-211-046 Single Fold Lame Bias Tape, Gold, 4-Yard
Jerusha
October 28, 2014 #
This will be perfect for my teen daughter. She has just the figure to make this fabulous dress that much more. When I saw this, I knew she had to have it. What a lovely dress! Thank you!