Featured Seamstress: Doortje

Name: Doortje

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pattern: Ceylon

Her Blog: Just Skirts and Dresses

Her posts about the dress: Finished Ceylon Dress and Details on Ceylon Dress

What kind of fabric did you use? A linen-cotton mix which looks beautiful, but it is not quite strong. I reinforced some pieces with stay tape before sewing.

How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? I wanted to make a fitted, forties feel dress with nice details. I love how all the buttons look on this dress, but decided to close the front and insert an invisible zipper in the side seam. I only made three buttonholes, but tried to make them look special, so I made bound buttonholes and made the fabric covered buttons too. I decided on just above the knee length and used a delicate looking lace finishing on the hem. That is what I love about sewing my own clothes, I can make them look really pretty, even on the inside!

What thoughts do you have about the project? I was really happy to find this modern pattern that has vintage features, like the beautifully shaped front yokes. It is just so pretty! I’ve seen some Ceylon dresses on the internet and I think it is a really flattering dress for every body shape. I often need to combine two sizes in one project but the Ceylon dress fitted perfectly! The packaging and instruction booklet is adorable. There were quite a few pattern pieces, but after making a muslin it all came together very easily. One of my next projects is definitely going to be another Ceylon dress for fall! And I have to make a Jasmine blouse of course!

Thanks, Doortje!