Tropical Bettina Mark3

I just love this style and I have received many compliments when wearing either of the two previous versions of this dress. I bought the colourful Tropical print cotton fabric from Fabricland when I visited their Basingstoke branch on Thursday last week and have been anxious to get it sewn up. Having completed the preparation for a bag-making workshop next Saturday there was now no reason to hold back – I went for it!

The short cap sleeves are self-lined and the lapped zip in the centre back seam is hand picked. All seams are overlocked as is hem which is a narrow ½ inch with a single row of top-stitching. I know that I really should have pattern-matched the large floral motifs but it is such a busy print and I was a little short on fabric so it is, what it is – no pattern matching!

                                Full length view of Back             The hand-picked lapped zipper

The next version of this pattern will be a little different as I plan to make a V-shaping at the back, like the original Betty dress from Sew Over It. The dress may even be sleeveless, it all depends on the pattern layout for that circular skirt which takes so much yardage. The fabric will be an ”in your face” bright Red poppy print so keep your eyes peeled for that!