This very pretty embroidered cotton was found in a local fabric store, but unfortunately it was only in a small piece. So I planned to make a bib dress with it, combining it with this denim-like blue cotton/linen fabric. I was ready to draft a pattern myself when I found this Wenlan blouse pattern in Burdastyle, the pattern is actually for a blouse and the recommended fabric is flowy materials like chiffon and silk. My blue fabric is a bit stiff, but I think I can use this pattern for my dress, so I went ahead and bought the pattern for $7.99.
And it is indeed a good pattern! I omitted the tie collar (which was impossible anyway with the stiff fabric) and lengthened the pattern to make a dress. The embroidered cotton is a bit thin, so I lined it with plain cotton in broken white. The neckline was finished with bias binding, so were both of the armholes. I also added a pair of hidden pockets on the side seams because all dresses should have pockets!
The stiff fabric makes the dress really looks different than the original. I especially like the sleeves, they stuck out like a pair of shoulder pads or mini wings. Love this bib dress! I’m thinking of using the pattern again to make other dress in absolutely different kind of fabric.
And have I told you how I love my new sewing machine? I will tell you again, I love my new sewing machine! It sewed this dress like a dream, I finished it in just a few hours.
Pattern is Wenlan blouse pattern from Burdastyle.
Thank you very much for your answer to my question, that’s very kind of you. I bought 2.5 metres of chambray cotton in the end, just in case. I’ll let you know when I’ve made it, and I’ll be putting a link to your blog on my blog, letting everyone know you inspired me to make this dress. Thank you again. Vanessa x
Hello, what you did with this pattern has inspired me to buy the pattern myself! I love the way you model everything you wear, the photos are always beautiful. I hope I’m not being too confident here in trying this pattern, as I haven’t done a lot of sewing, still, it’s good to start somewhere isn’t it?! Could I ask you a question……….. how much fabfic did you need for your dress? Sorry if this is too much to ask. Thank you. My warmest wishes, Vanessa
I use about 2 m of fabric and still have enough left for making a b ag. But I’m very small so other people might need more. The easiest thing is buying fabric twice the length of the intended dress
Cute dress, and I love the little cap sleaves.
With a pattern and your imagination you can make so may looks with different fabrics and textures. I used to sew a lot, and your blog makes me want to start again.
omg its so cute!!! LOVE it with the red stockings 😀
.-= little bird in a beehive´s last blog ..more bees =-.