The "Perfect Match" Dress

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Happy Valentine's Day! 

The first completed project from my #2018makenine list was a great start to my sewing year. I named this the “Perfect Match” dress in celebration of my pattern-matching skillz: the stripes line up everywhere it’s possible to match - the diagonals in the midriff pieces even line up with the stripes of the upper bodice at the side front, and form chevrons at the centre back and side seams.

When I made my initial sketch for the original, coral version of this dress, I included a bow detail at the kick pleat that I ended up not doing, so I wanted to add it to this version. I then extended the theme, adding bow cuffs to the sleeves (tutorial to follow!).

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The details:

  • Era: late 50s / early 60s style

  • Pattern: based on the boat-neck bodice from Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book

  • Pattern variations: redrafting the midriff piece for a faux-wrap effect; bow cuffs; bow kick pleat detail

  • Fabric: soft grey wool with a woven satin/matte stripe from Classic Textiles, Goldhawk Road

  • New techniques: designing the bow cuffs

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Charlotte Dymock

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