Monday 8 August 2016

Pattern Testing: The Rosie Dress from Sew Over It (and a giveaway!)

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

Summer always has me wanting to sew dresses in their hundreds but my wardrobe is well stocked with them so I've been trying to focus my sewing on separates and more practical items this year. However, a little while ago Sew Over It got in touch to see if I'd like to test their recently released Rosie Dress and I cracked! The main reason for this being that the pattern is based on a 1950s style dress they used to run a class for. It was a good few years ago when this class launched but I remember being so smitten with the design that I wrote to Lisa to ask if there was any chance the dress would be released as a pattern in it's own right. The answer then was possibly in the future and now that time has rolled around I could hardly say no could I?!

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

The dress has some really lovely features and options. There are three variations; one skirt and two dresses with wide or skinny straps and an optional collar. As my fabric choice was quite busy I kept it simple with the skinny straps and no collar. I've tested for Sew Over It a number of times and made up a couple of other patterns too. Their testing process is really through and they are always very responsive to any comments their testers have, I've seen a number of changes based on my feedback which is why I'm happy to test for them again.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

I've previously got on really well with their drafting and this one is no exception. The shape of the princess seamed bodice is to die for. I really love the shape of that neckline and where it sits, there is something distinctively 1950s about it. I cut the size 10 following my their measurement chart and the fit is bang on sewn straight up, even the bodice length. I'm pretty lucky with their patterns! As I'm 5ft 3" the skirt is longer than intended on me. Usually I'm not one for a midi length and I'll cut a good bit off but for some reason I absolutely love it in this style. I thought I would feel kind of overwhelmed with fabric with such a full long skirt but it's the opposite! That skirt is a bit of a fabric eater but I tend to wing it a bit with cutting layouts and got mine out of 2.5m of 150cm wide fabric.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

Sew Over It supplied me with my choice of fabric from their online store and I chose this tropical palm tree print cotton which is unfortunately no longer available. I liked that whilst it was a summery print the colours were quite muted so it wasn't too bold. I was, I will admit, a bit disappointed with the fabric when it first arrived. Whilst it's a good weight it's got a kind of coated feel to it which wasn't highlighted in the listing and whilst a wash softened it a little it was still pretty crisp with an unusual hand. As it was a test I ploughed ahead anyway and I'm delighted that I did as that stiff hand has a taffeta like quality to it which gives the skirt beautiful volume and shape. I'm usually a bit wary of a gathered skirt as I find adding bulk around my waist isn't the most flattering look for me. This skirt has a clever inverted box pleat at the centre front though so it keeps it flat across the troublesome tummy area. I'm also not really a fan of the process of gathering but I'm really pleased with how evenly I managed to get my gathers distributed around the waist. I adore how full this skirt is. A nice deep 2cm hem is recommended which is what I used, giving it even more body.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

The shape of the bodice is aided by lightweight plastic boning. The method for inserting this is really straightforward and secure but differs to how I've been taught to insert boning before so it was a really interesting process for me. You cut small squares of your fabric and fold them over the ends of your boning pieces. Then you sew through the fabric and the boning itself to attach the boning along the seam lines of your lining. I was a bit apprehensive about the boning only being attached at either end rather then being secured in a channel but it works really well. I found it easiest to press my little scraps in half before folding them over the boning and then sewed along both the top and bottom edge to keep it secure. The recommended fabrics for the pattern are cottons and linens which should be nice and sturdy for covering the ends of your boning but if you veer away from that and use something more delicate as your fashion fabric the sharp end of the boning might tear through. You could use a tougher fabric or alternatively melt the ends the boning just a little to give it a softer edge.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

As it was a test and I had plenty of fabric I opted to self line the bodice. The slightly strange fabric actually feels quite nice against the skin. You get a lovely clean finish with under stitching the top edge of the bodice and a bit of hand sewing. It was one of those super straightforward sews where everything matches up like it's supposed to. I did have a little list of feedback but it was really minor stuff and illustrations and wording of instructions have since been changed to clarify any confusing parts.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

I adore the super skinny straps, there's something really elegant about them but they did take some time to turn through You definitely need to aggressively trim those seam allowances and use a loop turner! The strap position is marked on the pattern based on tester feedback but obviously everyone is a slightly different shape and if you want the wider straps to cover a bra strap you  definitely need to baste and try these out before you attach your lining. I positioned mine between the notches for the wide straps where they were marked on the test version.

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

And now on to the good news for you guys! In return for testing I received the fabric for my dress and a copy of the finished pattern...and the ladies at Sew Over It have ever so generously supplied me with a second copy to give away to my lovely readers. All you need to do to enter is follow my blog (by any method you prefer, Bloglovin'Feedly, email subscription in the sidebar) and leave a comment below. I'd love to know your initial thoughts on fabric choices if you were the lucky winner but that's not essential, juts me being nosey! Please make sure your email address is clearly visible in your profile or comment as I will contact the winner that way to get your address. The giveaway is open internationally and will close on Sunday 14th August at midnight GMT. Good luck!

Diary of a Chain Stitcher: Tropical Palm Print Sew Over It Rosie Dress

177 comments:

  1. Oh, this dress is stunning! I've been following the SOI instagram feed and lusting after this pattern for as long as they've been dropping hints, it would be so perfect for the weddings I have coming up over the summer. I have a navy crepe de chine which would be perfect (or one of the new cotton steel rayons, so many gorgeous options...)
    fiftytwofancies(at)gmail(dot)com :)

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    1. It is the ideal wedding guest dress hey?! Thank you and good luck!

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  2. Your dress is very beautiful, I always envy the perfect fit you manage to achieve on all your makes. I've some red cotton/linen blend fabric that I think would work for this pattern. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

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    1. I think my fit is far from perfect! Haha! With Sew Over It patterns in particular I am very lucky as my proportions seem to suit their block. Thanks you and good luck!

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  3. Hi Fiona

    This is my first time commenting on your blog, although I have followed you on feedly for ages now.

    You have done such a lovely job on this dress, and those straps are just phenomenal.

    I love this dress, and have been looking for something like this for ages now, to pair with a silk/cotton blend that my dad bought me back from Hong Kong.

    My email is miss.evie.86(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks
    Evie :)

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    1. Hi Evie, welcome!
      Those straps were a bit of a time consuming fiddle but worth it in the end!
      Your fabric from Hong Kong sounds wonderful, what a thoughtful Dad!
      Good luck

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  4. This is such a pretty dress! I have been hoarding some Liberty cotton that I purchased in a sale months and months ago that I think would look so pretty...might have to make a solid bodice in a different fabric though as I'm sure I only have enough for the skirt! elizabeth.e.back@gmail.com

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    1. It is a bit of a fabric eater that skirt (especially as I think Liberty prints are generally quite narrow) but I think a contrasting bodice sounds wonderful!

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  5. Beautiful! Love the dress and the choice of fabric! I've been lusting over this dress pattern too, but am on a (not entirely self-imposed...) pattern ban until I make a dent into the ones that aren't even cut out yet... However, I have 3m of lovely atelier brunette lawn that would be perfect for this dress. It was destined to be a Seamwork catarina, but the muslin made me look so short and thick around the waist that the pattern was quickly discarded, this 50s style with princess seams would be so much better and I love the idea of the inverted pleat!

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    1. I think if you've got the perfect fabric for the pattern and therefore will make it up pretty soon that's got to be allowed right?! Interesting your thoughts on the Catarina as I have been tempted by that but had similar concerns. Might give it a miss! This shape is super flattering

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  6. I really like how the skirt falls with the fabric you used. It makes it look as though you have a petticoat underneath. I would try to make this up in something similar i.e. with a stiff hand. lovely dress! I follow you on bloglovin and Instagram :)

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    1. So nice to hear that my little fabric mistake has actually inspired your choice! I was so pleased with how it all worked out in the end, the shape of the skirt is lovely

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  7. Gorgeous. And yes, a really interesting technique for inserting boning! Definitely a floral or printed linen for me! happylat@gmail.com

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    1. Really interesting! I love discovering a new method of doing something don't you?

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  8. Lovely dress, as always. I've been following your blog for a while. Would love a copy of this pattern!
    anneehill7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Wow! I really love the shape of this dress and would love to make a chance to receive the pattern. It would be my first 'vintage style' make. It reminds me of some dresses they wear in Mad Man! Lovely!! I this I would make it with a good quality crepe in green.

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    1. It absolutely is a Betty Draper dress isn't it?! I think a crepe would make a lovely soft version of this skirt, great choice

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  10. Hi! Love this dress! I am in need of something more dressy for a special event and this pattern would be the perfect match. I adore the tiny straps, too! I've been following your blog for a while now and I am always so impressed by your makes.

    You can contact me via mail (at) cutikula (dot) com

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    1. Thanks so much Christiane, I've been pretty pleased with how my projects have been turning out of late. This would be the perfect special occasion dress so good luck!

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  11. I follow you on bloglovin'! What a gorgeous pattern and dress. I have visions of making it in a white broderie anglaise/eyelet - so summery and light!

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    1. Oooph that sounds super lovely! The hem of the skirt is straight so would be the perfect place to showcase a lovely scalloped edge

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  12. Such a beautiful dress! I'd love to make it in a solid linen.

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    1. Funnily enough I very nearly chose a solid linen for my version! I had visions of a very dramatic maxi length variation for some reason!

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  13. Very elegant dress. I am terrible at deciding on fabric for any of my projects. I have no imagination when it comes to picturing the end product in my mind. The fabric you've used for this dress has resulted in the type of look I'm always aiming for but have never been able to achieve ... yet! It's perfect. Well done.
    p.s. Hoping the Rosie dress pattern comes winging my way to the Gold Coast in Australia. My email address is laurajveitch@aol.com

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    1. It was entirely accidental though Laura haha! I find spending a good bit of time in fabric shops and having a good feel of the fabric and thinking about how it will fall on the body really helps me make good choices. It's all about the drape and weight and how that effects the style of the finished garment so have a good play!

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  14. Oh your dress is gorgeous!!! I can see myself making a black dress from this pattern. It's such a classic look.

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    1. O that would be really lovely! A proper Audrey Hepburn style little black dress

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  15. Hey Fiona, I follow you on Bloglovin. I have a fabric from Fabrics Galore which is screaming to be made into this dress...if only the warm weather holds out long enough for me to wear it this summer!

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    1. I think we've still got a good few weeks left so wishing you some luck and then some speedy sewing!

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  16. Sewing it in a linen would be great.

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    1. Linen was almost my choice too! The ultimate summer sun dress

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  17. TheCr8ieStitich8 August 2016 at 14:28

    Love the fabric don't know if I would have been brave enought to make an entier dress out of it but it is absolutely stunning. I also love the midi length looks fabulous!

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    1. I will admit that I was a little hesitant but the fact that it was a test pushed me to just go for it anyway and I'm so pleased I did. I think the muted colours really help to tone the overall print down

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  18. Love it! I think the midi looks great on you as well :)
    I have some gorgeous Nani Iro gauze that I think this would be perfect for, please throw my name in the hat!
    ashley {at} craftsanctuary.com

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    1. O Nano Iro! I hadn't even thought about a gauze version but now I feel like I need to make one immediately! That skirt would be beautifully fluffy!

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  19. Love this dress! I'd make it in a nice floral, I think.

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    1. Thanks Helene! A floral would be really lovely and classic

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  20. You know...I really would love to make this in something from the Boo! collection from Cotton and Steele, for fun Halloween/fall dress.

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    1. Wow! That sounds fantastic! A great shape for a fun fantasy dress!

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  21. Great job, I love the style and fabric choice. I'd love to make it in a pastel, possibly mint linen, Would be perfect at home and away.

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    1. Pastel mint linen was the first thing that sprung to my mind too! But then I couldn't find my perfect colour and veered slightly off course with the fabric choice haha!

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  22. Lovely dress and the fabric is so fun and pretty. I follow you on bloglovin.

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    1. Thank you! I feel like it's fun without being too crazy!

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  23. Stunning dress - I wonder how it would sew up in wax print?

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    1. Absolutely beautifully I should think! I've actually got some in my stash that I'm now thinking of!

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  24. This dress is an exact pattern match for one I used to own, and loved literally to death. It finally gave up recently after many years of wear (and a few repairs), so I'm really looking forward to making a copy or five! I'd love a version in broderie anglaise, or something blue with birds on, like my old dress.

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    1. Excellent! I can see why you wore it to death! Fingers crossed for you!

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  25. I have been wary of the Rosie Pattern as it's not a look I normally go for but having seen your version without the collar I've been converted. It's a really classy summer dress and I desperately want one now. jillburton5@hotmail.co.uk

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    1. I think the first variation with the collar and wide straps has a definite vintage feel about it which might not be everyone's cup of tea but the plainer version is so versatile! Such a beautiful shape. So pleased that I could show you a different side to it

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  26. I love your dress and the muted fabric is lovely!

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    1. Thanks Amy, I am so delighted with how the fabric turned out in the end, despite concerns that I might turn into a bit of a disaster!

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  27. That dress looks so pretty on you!
    I just watched a segment with Gertie talking about border prints, so right now I'd want to make that pattern with a fun big border at the bottom and a smaller one on top. Or leopard - I have a hard time resisting animal prints.

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    1. O my goodness it's the perfect dress for a border print! It's cut straight across the bottom of the skirt so is absolutely ideal

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  28. Beautiful dress! I'd love to win a copy of the pattern, I've got some Nani iro fabric that I'd like to use for a dress like this!

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    1. You are the second person to say Nano Iro and it's probably my favourite idea yet! One of those prints would be so delightful soft and beautiful

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  29. i love this dress. i know its a bit different to your usual style but it is gorgeous on you!

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    1. Thanks so much Jo! You're right I'm not normally much of a full skirt girl and I'm not sure this would see much every day wear but I feel fantastic in it!

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  30. Oh, this is just stunning, Fiona! It looks like the pattern was made specifically for you, the style suits you so well. Great choice of fabric, too. You look gorgeous, lady!

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    1. Thanks so much Mary! When I discovered how well it fit I felt a bit like it must have been made for me! It's such a lovely style to wear

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  31. Simply stunning! I'd love to make mine in cott lawn should I be lucky enough to win.My email is saturdaynightstitch@gmail.com or DM me on IG @saturdaynightstitch
    Hila.x

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  32. Gorgeous! I'd love to try the pattern in Cotton & Steel's cotton canvas - it would give the skirt loads of body

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    1. O that really would! Fab idea! My initially thought when I saw the line drawing for this was that it needed something lightweight and with movement but actually the crispness is what really makes the most of the shape

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  33. This dress looks amazing on you! I love the longer length, but I might be biased because I'm 6' tall so I end up adding extra inches to skirts rather than chopping them off! I'd want to make a version of this dress with a dark, autumnal floral print I think. That box pleat is a great idea! katherine.klebenow(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you very much! I was fully prepared to hack a lot off the length but loved it when I put it on!

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  34. Gorgeous dress and thanks for thorough review - I'd love to win a copy and use something with a large floral motif to show them off on that skirt ;o)

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    1. Excellent idea. The large scale of that skirt is the perfect place to show off a big print

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  35. I'd make it in something lightweight to wear on holiday - I love the Midsummer Night Bouquet cotton on the Sew Over It website
    Alice (aeb990@outlook.com)

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    1. It would be a wonderful dress for warm summer evenings on holiday or for exploring a European city like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday!

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  36. Love the dress! I would probably do a floral print with a contrast collar but a border print sounds awesome too!

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    1. Contrast collar sounds fab! I'm only just realising how versatile this pattern is by reading everyone's ideas!

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  37. You did an excellent job on the dress. I have some white cotton with cherries on that I've been saving to make a "summer" dress and never found just the right pattern. I do believe I have now.

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    1. I do believe you have too! That sounds stunning

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  38. Great dress! I have some great material printed with ships in bottles that would be ideal for this pattern 😊

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    1. Wow where did you find that fabric?! Sounds fab

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  39. I love your dress! I would make it in gingham for a really summery sundress. Thanks!

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    1. O a lovely gingham would be so gorgeous! I've got a little gingham sundress on the go at the moment

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  40. This is a really beautiful dress. I wasn't really sold on the pattern, but seeing it made up in this dark floral fabric, it looks awesome. I think the best part is the way the skirt has been pleated, to give volume, but isn't bulky at the front. I think I'd want to make it in a very lightweight, printed chambray.

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    1. I absolutely agree about the skirt. There's just the right amount of volume in all the right places. I love how it sticks out at the hip. I think fabric choice and colour can make such a difference to the overall effect of a design

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  41. Beautiful dress! I have some vintage 1950s floral fabric in peaches and cream colours that would look amazing in this style. Have been saving it for the right pattern to appear, hopefully this is it :)

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    1. Wow a vintage fabric does sound wonderful for this pattern!

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  42. Love the dress on you!
    I have some floral cotton satin that has been sitting in my stash waiting to be made into a dress for some years now, so maybe this is it?

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    1. O yes I'm sure cotton sateen would be great. It would give that skirt some lovely body

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  43. Wow what a gorgeous dress! I love the style and it looks great on you! The fabric is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and process on the dress.

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    1. You're welcome! The pattern has to take most of the credit! Thank you

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  44. I love this pattern, this the perfect summer dress. I'd use a palm print cotton from my stash.
    choistie at yahoo dot co dot uk

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    1. Palm print is an excellent choice! I've become a little bit obsessed with them this summer!

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  45. I love this dress and the fit is sublime!!! I also love that ot looks like it could be made into both a formal dress or even a casual summer party dress! You are a wizz kid and i love it!

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  46. Wow, Fiona, this is fabulous on you. That print is so unusual in its muted contrast - love it. Please don't shorten it - you look like a ballerina. (tummy issues?...um hello stunning sleek model type in Named jumpsuit...)

    I wouldn't mind winning the pattern either :) so it's francesca dot amodeo at gmail etc:0

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    1. You are far to kind Francesca thank you, that's such a lovely comment! Everyone sees their bodies differently don't they?!
      Good luck

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  47. Yes please! I am returning to dressmaking after a 20 year absence and loving all the independent patterns, vlogs, blogs, pinterest pins and online shopping opportunities which did not exist in the 90's... So inspiring to see what you make.

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    1. O wow good for you! There is so much information, inspiration and guidance available to home sewers now it's just fantastic. I'm so glad dot hear that you enjoy my blog

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  48. Such a lovely pattern. I can totally see it as an ideal dress for a nautical theme party...with white collar on white/blue stripped fabric.

    Eve (evelyne@centrum.cz)

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    1. O my goodness that sounds absolutely adorable! Great idea

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  49. The more I see of the Rosie, the more I love it! I was sort of hesitating because of the boning, but after reading your post feel like it might not be as bad as I fear! ;)

    Yours is gorgeous! I can't decide whether I'd do a tropical print of some sort or maybe polka dots... I'm such a sucker for polka dots!

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    1. O you need not fear the boning at all, it's very straightforward and the instructions are really good

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  50. A perfect summer party dress! I think I'd use a fabric with a big bold floral print.
    (aghorsley at gmail dot com)

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    1. It absolutely is, perfect for wandering around a formal garden party don't you think?!

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  51. I think this dress needs crisp fabric or something with a bit of body like jaquard, so your choice was inadvertently perfect! I think the method for attaching the bones alone is worth buying this pattern for as it finally allowes inserting steel bones while still being able to wash the garment! I've beendet following for years via bloglovin, lesintemporels(at)hotmail.com

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    1. You are right on the money with that comment!
      The bones are actually sewn to the little caps on the end so can't be taken out unfortunately. Perhaps I didn't explain it very well sorry! I'm sure there must be a way to adapt this method though so that the bones can slot in and out

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  52. I love this dress! I have a beautiful silk brocade that I think would be perfect for this shape.

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    1. How extravagant and lovely this would be in silk brocade! I proper 1950s party dress

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  53. Your dress looks fabulous Fiona and I love the fabric you chose. I have some lovely cotton fabric in a mixture of oranges, yellows and creams which I think would make up beautifully with the wider straps. I already follow you on Bloglovin and would love to have this pattern. My email is annmarshalluk@gmail.com. Thank you for holding this giveaway.

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    1. Thank you Ann. Those colour choices sound lovely! Good luck

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  54. It looks gorgeous! I love your fabric choice and it looks like a perfect fit. Do think it would be easy to lengthen the bodice as the soi patterns seem to come up a bit short on me as I am a bit taller than you at 5.5

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    1. It absolutely would be easy to lengthen. There are a number of pieces to the bodice but it would be very straightforward to just slice them through the middle, spread them by the amount you want to lengthen and then true up the seam lines again

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  55. Just found your blog today :) I really love it. I love the dress you made, I never made a dress and I sew for 2 years now ( I think I'm scared) So this is my opportunity to start with dress making. For the fabric I would go for Rosy lee or hone bee olive. I follow you on bloglovin now. my e-mail is anouschka1989@hotmail.com

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    1. Welcome! So nice to see a new face! There is absolutely nothing to fear about making dresses. They can be so straightforward and although this one has a lot of pieces it's just a simple matter of joining one to another and working through each of the steps slowly. If you break it down and take it a little bit at a time I find it much less daunting. Good luck!

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  56. Gorgeous dress! I am following via bloglovin

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  57. What a beautiful dress. Reminds me of my 'going away' dress I wore after my wedding in the 80s. Hope I'm lucky enough to win the pattern.
    Always enjoy your posts - your makes are great. Look forward to seeing your next creation.

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    1. O this would be a fabulous going away dress! I hope you get to recreate it!
      Thank you for the lovely comment and good luck

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  58. Lovely dress, it looks like it fits you so well and love the design of the dress, I've only sewn boning once and it was the channel method so diffent to this, very tempted by this pattern, I wonder how much summer we have left though??

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    1. I was very lucky with the fit on this I must say. The Sew Over It block appears to suit my proportions!
      We've hopefully still got a few weeks of summer left for you to get sewing!

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  59. Lovely dress. Great volume and the skinny straps are lovely as well. I would use some orange and green cotton plaid that I have been saving for a summer dress. My email is loriforester@gmail.com

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    1. I must say I am delighted with the volume in the skirt. Thank you
      You are the first person to say plaid and I love that idea! Would give it a more autumnal feel which would be different

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  60. Hello! I follow you via Bloglovin. I don't know that I've ever commented, but as I opened this page the first thing I thought was "I love that fabric in that dress!" Honestly, I'd probably pick something similar to what you've got here, or maybe another fun graphic pattern. Pink flamingos anyone? My email is mdeaner86*at*gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi Meagan! And lovely to hear from you with your first comment!
      I'm so pleased that my dress has inspired you, fingers crossed you get lucky with the giveaway and can find some similar fabric!

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  61. This dress is super cute! I don't know why but I want to see it in red! I have a wedding to attend in October. This is a contender. Great work!

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    1. I bet in a solid red it would be wonderful. What and impact it would have in a cherry. A wonderful dress to wear to a wedding

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  62. Thank you do much for staying on top of all the fun patterns! Your blog is very encouraging, it literally helped me to not throw away my half made dress and after a good sleep I was ready to give it another shot and I won!! laurchik@gmail.com

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    1. Hooray! This is one of the best comments I have ever had!
      I am so so happy to hear that I encouraged you to stick with something. Sewing can be really frustrating at times but I always try to step away and then go back to it rather than give up. So often there is a way to fix or adjust a project to make it into something you really want to wear

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  63. It's a winner on you. I haven't thought about making it because I don't usually flash much flesh, but I would love to try boning and if I won a free pattern that would be the encouragement to give it a go.

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    1. O give it a go Mags! I don't feel particularly exposed in it and I think it would be really lovely with a little shrug or jacket if you did feel that way. An excuse to make another garment to go with it perhaps?!
      Definitely give boning a try whether it be this dress or not, it can make such a difference to the final shape

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  64. Lovely dress, especially in that awesome print! I'd love to make my own version
    Hilde (dot) 84 (at) live (dot) nl

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    1. Thanks Hilde! I was doubtful about using a big print all over but I'm really pleased I went quite modern with it now

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  65. whit woo, such a pretty dress on you. I follow you over on feedly, would love this pattern. It'll be perfect for my weekend away with my husband in September.

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  66. I would probably use a crisp cotton in a summer-print - I'm thinking lemons or some other kind of citrus fruit. Would need to find this kind of fabric first, though! :)
    I think I would sew the version with the thicker straps, but seeing your dress leaves me undecided... Also love your fabric choice!
    l.schaber hotmail.de

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    1. O lemon prints are proving popular on my Instagram at the moment. Lovely choice! A crisp cotton would be great to hold the shape of the skirt

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  67. Hello! I follow you on inoreader - I hope that shows up. The pattern is lovely (though it has reminded me that summer seems to be over already in London...) I would love to try sewing it up in horizontal stripes, I think that would be really effective.

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    1. Hi Kat. I'd never heard of inoreader before but have just been over to check it out. Thanks for introducing me to it!
      I'm still hopeful that summer hasn't quite vanished yet. I'm not quite at the end of my summer sewing!

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  68. Your dress looks super lovely! I follow you via bloglovin :)
    minuhno@gmail.com

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  69. Hello i really love the dress you made, i think it shows off your figure beautifully. Your review was great, very informative and clear. I would love to win the competition so i can wear it out on my birthday in a couple of weeks.
    I really like the Belle Bouquet cotton, the floral pattern and light shade would really suit a summer dress or the Parakeets cotton lawn if it could withstand the plastic boning.
    Have a great day, Thankyou Jen
    jenvhunter@live.com

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    1. The perfect birthday dress I think!
      I think a cotton lawn would be beautiful! You could always line it with something a little sturdier to support the boning a little more. Both lovely fresh choices!

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    2. That's a great idea thankyou. I could just line the bodice with a stiffer fabric, that way you have a nice soft flowing skirt! Hope i win now!

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  70. Oo! I love it! It's so timely to see this as I was just admiring a similar style dress that I saw on a friend on IG. Hers was green, which would be so fun! But I have several meters of a gorgeous Nani Iro double gauze with dots that I think would work perfectly for this dress as well as for the climate here. Fingers crossed!!

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    1. You are one of a few people who have mentioned Nano Iro and I think that is such a beautiful choice! Double gauze would make that skirt so wonderfully fluffy

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  71. Ooh you dress is lovely :) I follow you blog on Bloglovin and in would probably make this with a nice cotton poplin or lawn so it would stay cool in the Florida heat :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Cotton seems to be a popular choice for the heat! Good luck

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  72. I follow you on Bloglovin! Gorgeous dress and feel very inspired to make it now! Perfect for Singapore weather!!

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    1. I'm so glad I have inspired you Celine! It seems to be appealing to a lot of people who live in hot climates!

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  73. Ahhhh! It was love at first sight when I first saw the Rosie dress on Sew Over It! Dying to make it and yours looks amazing!

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    1. I can absolutely understand the love at first sight feeling! It was for me when I first spotted the class!
      Good luck

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  74. this would be a fun project to try out boning! thanks for the giveaway! rhonnajerauld@gmail.com

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    1. It is the ideal first try at boning as it is a very straightforward method. nice straight seams and clear instructions. It's often a construction method that really tempts me to try a new pattern!

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  75. I would love to make one of these. For some reason I think id make one in blue gingham - maybe have a bit of a Dorothy from Oz kind of vibe!
    Follow via email. kashtastic42@gmail.com

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    1. How gorgeous! What a lovely idea! I'm working with some fine blue gingham seersucker at the monist and am feeling a little Dorothy myself!

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  76. That Rosie dress is gorgeous on you! I always seem to particularly like your SOI makes (like your vintage shirtdress!). I'm just starting out learning to fit strapless dresses and putting in boning to build up my skills before starting on my wedding dress, so this would be a really great pattern to start me off!

    I'm thinking a nice tana lawn or a les fleurs rayon, maybe?

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    1. This would be an absolutely fantastic pattern for that! Great beginner boning as the plastic is so straightforward to work with
      I am very lucky with how sew over it patterns fit so I think they turn out pretty well!
      A rayon would give a lovely different effect to this skirt. Flippy and lovely

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  77. Ooh I just love yours too! I think it says something that we both went for tropical prints - it's such a perfect summer make! I was also intrigued by the boning method as it was new to me; my fabric was so fine I used tape instead of the fabric to finish the ends of the boning x

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    1. Tape is a great idea! Definitely going to recommend that to people. I've used bias binding to create channels for the boning before so that's another sturdy method.
      Thank you!

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  78. I love this shape, and it looks so elegant on you. I've been after a summery yellow dress for ages and I think this would suit that perfectly! Email is maxijam AT yahoo.co.uk

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    1. It is a beautiful shape isn't it? And I think so flattering on so many.
      Yellow sounds wonderful!

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  79. I adore your version,I think I would make it in a yellow or navy fabric With stripes!

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    1. Both gorgeous ideas! Very chic and Parisian! I'd be interested to see how this skirt might work in stripes

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  80. Really great dress so flattering! I need something to wear for a wedding in september. Ill probably make it with black fabric to go with my orange shoes;)
    Adi1411@gmail.com

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    1. A wonderful choice for a wedding. I love the sound of your orange shoes!

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  81. Hi I would love to win this pattern. I love the sew over it range of patterns. Your version of the dress is gorgeous! I love your fabric choice!

    My email address is: carolinecollins0614@gmail.com

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    1. I love their whole range too; been deliberating over which to try next recently!
      Thank you

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  82. I've followed your blog for a few years but have never commented before. The 50''s style dress really suits you and I think the fabric choice is contemporary and original. You often make choices of fabric which really work but aren't an obvious choice - such as the John kaldor fabric you used for your holly playsuit and miette skirt. Lovely job,

    Sarahmay70@yahoo.co.uk

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    1. I'm so glad to hear from you! Lovely to hear from a loyal follower.
      I do so like the fifties style but very rarely get the occasion to wear it as full skirts don't really suit my lifestyle or constantly getting on and off the tube!
      Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment. My job involves buying a lot of fabric so I like to think I have a bit of an eye for a good or unusual choice. I try to push the boundaries a little bit and try new things and it's so lovely for that to be noticed. Good luck!

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  83. Your dress is goregous ! I would love to use some cotton and steel fabric I have in my stash fro this dress, and a contrasting color for the collar piece.

    lillabuy@gmail.com.

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    1. I'd really like to try a contrasting collar at some point too! Thank you

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  84. This is a lovely dress - I'd probably pick a nice liberty lawn fabric for a summer feel :-) Astrid (amb73 @ Kent.ac.uk)

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    1. O how luxurious that would be to wear! Good luck

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  85. Beautiful make. The palm trees are cute! The dress pattern reminds me of a favorite RTW dress of mine.
    I love yellow. Howevet, I have recently realized that my wardrobe is lacking in that department; some lovely yellow fabric would be the perfect remedy.
    Thanks for the opportunity. I follow via Bloglovin'.

    solely4blogs@gmail.com

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    1. Yellow seems to be a popular choice and I love that idea! Good luck

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  86. Gorgeous! I think I might go for a plain cotton to show off that amazing silhouette but I love the print on yours too! H.

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  87. cute summer dress- be great casual or dressed up!

    JEss

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  88. Love this dress!! If I don't win can I buy the pattern?? tdubaj35322gmail.com

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  89. You look so beautiful in that dress

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I love hearing from readers of my blog so please feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you thought about this post/make! Any hints or tips to improve my sewing are always much appreciated too!

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