I have had this pattern in my stash for ages and in the hope that we will eventually get some Summer sunshine I decided that now was the time to make a Sundress. Having prepared the fabrics – both 100% cotton prints from Fabricland in Salisbury, I bottled out of making view C as I felt I would be just too exposed! I decided instead to make view A but with some variations inspired by View C. I particularly liked the contrast spot print around the bodice, midriff band and hem so wanted to include these features in my dress. I altered the bodice pattern for my unique (!) body measurements and drafted for contrast sections on the bodice. View A includes a side seam zip fastener which I dislike and I therefore allowed for insertion of the zip into the centre back seam – my preferred location. I finished the zip with a hand-picked seam but when trying on discovered that the dress goes on “pullover” style so the zip is not needed. The pattern also calls for the bodice to be lined. As this was to be a Summer dress and I wanted it to be as light as possible I drafted facings for the neckline instead and decided to bind the armholes with self bias binding. I had sufficient contrast fabric to cut the sash so included this in my cutting layout to be set aside and checked when I came to the fitting stage as to whether or not it was required. All went swimmingly well until I started to sew the tucks in the midriff band. On the illustrations you can see 5 pleats and they look to be quite deep. The pattern identifies the tucks, on close inspection they turned out to be pin tucks not pleats at all. I changed to just 4 deep pleats and the finished midriff band ended up the correct depth to line up with the back bodice. At fitting stage I noted some “gaposis” in the armholes and this has necessitated a tuck of approximately 1/2″.  The line of the armscye has changed but as it is bias bound is of no consequence. I have altered the bodice pattern and corrected the armhole line – just in case I decide to make this design again. I particularly like the sweetheart neckline and deep pockets which are stitched into the side seam and midriff band seam which means they don’t flap about inside the skirt. This time I made the skirt with the box pleats as per the pattern. I think another time I would make a gathered skirt and also replace the tucks in the bodice for gathers.

Using the “end of roll” bold-floral-printed stretch cotton purchased from Sew Simple in Taverham, Norfolk, I have made up the Prima shift dress for the 46th (!) time. As I knew the fabric length was only just over 2 metres and allowing for print placement (those huge roses!) I would be short of fabric I did not think there would be enough for sleeves. Luck was on my side, there was sufficient  for some short (almost cap) sleeves which I prefer to sleeveless for this particular style of dress. The fabric was a dream to cut out and stitch. I am particularly pleased to see that I managed to centre up the design on the front of the dress (the back is not quite so good but at least the roses do not fall on my cheeks!) It was not until I checked in the full-length mirror that I also noticed the distinct diagonal pattern in purple that is created by the darker floral print. The only problem with this garment was my lack of experience with invisible zips. This one was set too high in the seam so that the turnings on the facings are lumpy and there is no space for a hook and eye fastening. Still the lumps and bumps will be hidden by my hair and this dress will serve as an excellent reminder for when I next stitch an invisible zip – note to self – set the zip about 1″ below the cut edge of the neckline to ensure sufficient space for seam allowances on the facing, turning and the fastening .

The second shopping outing was to my old favourites – Sew Simple in Taverham. http://www.sewsimpleonline.co.uk/shop/. I have visited before so knew what to expect. A veritable feast for anyone interested in sewing, knitting, crafting! Firstly I browsed around a book store which is in another part of the complex and was delighted to find “Carefree Quilts” book at a very competitive price!

The book is filled with inspirational ideas for quick and easy quilting using traditional block designs – but with a more carefree, relaxed attitude to accuracy. I shall certainly be exploring some of the projects in the book.

After a restorative coffee and cake I strolled around the large sewing area, checking out all the fabrics, magazines, project ideas before finally making my selection. I bought the last of a roll of stretch cotton fabric with a very BOLD floral pattern with which I plan to make into a sleeveless shift dress.

I will use that “old faithful” Prima dress pattern so once completed the dress will be known as no.46!

I’m back from a week’s visit to relatives in the lovely county of Norfolk in East Anglia. Whilst away I took the opportunity to visit a couple of fabric stores. The first visit was to Shan’s Fabrics in Hunstanton, http://www.shansfabrics.co.uk/. It took a short walk from the car park to find this Aladdin’s cave which was filled with a wide range of fabrics. So many to chose from but I was limited in my choice as unfortunately this shop does not take credit cards or cheques. As I had only £30 in my purse I had to make a decision about which fabric to buy. I settled on a pretty daisy print on Blue background “Rue de Fleur” for Fine Lines Fabrics. When I returned home I found a new “Indie” pattern, Peony by Colette had arrived in the post which I think will look great made up in this fabric. I have never made up a Colette pattern before and am looking forward to this new experience. https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/peony.