Anna Dress (Version 1!)

I've been doing a whole load of sewing recently so I've got plenty of completed projects to show you which I haven't got round to blogging about yet; including THREE versions of By Hand London's Anna! Here's the first and possibly my favourite:

This was intended as a wearable muslin so I used an extremely cheap viscose print I bought a couple of months ago from a very entertaining market stall outside Rolls n' Rems in Lewisham. During cutting I realised I absolutely loved it though so did my very best to make it work out first time and I'm really really pleased with it.

I'm sure you've all seen many many versions of this pattern popping up around the internet, and I know I'm not the first blogger to have fallen in love with this pattern and made multiple versions! If you want proof of this pattern's versatility just check out Lizzy and Rosin who have made 7 between them! It's not surprising that the pattern has become such a rapid hit, it's a simple yet unique design that I can see looking great on all body types. The full panelled skirt makes it feel like you're wearing something really special but my favourite bit is for sure the little pleats under the bust which provide shape to the bodice. I love a fitted waist and this combined with the kimono sleeves is super flattering. If I still haven't sold you on it there's a sew-a-long hosted by the By Hand London girls themselves starting on Monday 16th September!

Under bust pleats in the bodice

I opted for the maxi length as I absolutely love a maxi dress in the summer and have never made one but I left out the thigh high split on this occasion as I thought I'd get more wear out of it without. I've since realised I LOVE the thigh high split on everyone else's versions but am still happy I left it out on this one as it means it's still just about practical enough for work. I've been enjoying wearing it in the surprisingly warm British summer but also think it will be great to wear in autumn with boots!

I went with the high slash neckline on this version as I love how this looks with the kimono sleeves. The neckline was the only part of the dress I had trouble with the fit of as it came up really wide and so gaped front and back; I know a few other bloggers have mentioned this too. I think I have fairly small shoulders which didn't help this situation. I'd already attached the facing, done all the clipping and under-stitching to secure this and even inserted the zip when I realised it was big here so on this version I just added in a couple of darts at the back of the neckline. I'm not completely overjoyed with the result as it doesn't line up quite right and am tempted to unpick and redo it, but fit wise it's made a huge difference.

Insides all finished with french seams

Another great thing about this pattern is how quick it is to sew up. The simplicity of it is genius. Even on the first go and using my favourite french seams throughout it only took me 3 or 4 hours. I'd really recommend using french seams to finish this dress, especially if you're including the split and using a lightweight fabric. I just pinked the centre back seam where the zip is inserted and it's holding up great so far. I bound the edge of the facing with some white shop bought bias tape I had in my stash which I love the look of but is probably slightly too stiff compared to the floaty main fabric so I'd just pink or turn and stitch the edges in future.

I'm most pleased with the hem. I went for about a hem of about an inch to give it a bit of weight at the bottom. It was a bit of a fiddle trying to get it to sit right as the skirt has such a flare but I took my time and am pretty proud of the result. Plus I've managed to get it the ideal length for me, result!

I love this combination of fabric and pattern. The drapey viscose worked out great for the skirt and has enough body to hold the structure of the bodice nicely.

I was so pleased with this dress that I ended up wearing this instead of the dress I was making specifically for my birthday drinks a couple of weeks ago. It had to be the best when I was seeing my lovely fellow Spoolettes! It got worn again to visit my family this weekend for belated birthday celebrations and I can see it being my press night outfit too...good job I made an effort with the finishings so it will hold up in the wash!

With Emmie, Nicole and Sally on my Birthday!

Speaking of my birthday I was lucky enough to receive a handful of new patterns, some money for fabric shopping, the Great British Sewing Bee book and a beautiful pair of Gingher shears! I think my nearest and dearest might have picked up on this sewing addiction of mine don't you?! Thank you all (because I know you're reading!) for the lovely thoughtful gifts, for encouraging this fascination of mine and for putting such a big smile on my face all year round!