Deer & Doe Plantain Tunic Pattern

Whilst I am still cogitating on how to make up the faux fur/cerise knit gilet from Simplicity 4032, as light relief I decided to use up some of my stash! A quick hacked version of the Deer and Doe Plantain top into a dress.

Plantain Dress Hack

I found this winter-weight jersey from Fabricland (£4.59/metre) deep in my stash. It was probably purchased sometime last year when I began my adventure with jersey fabrics. The fabric is no longer listed on the website so I do not know its construction – only that it has good stretch in both directions. This piece was a remnant from a top-making session with my friend Adrienne. I guess there was approximately 1¾ yards from which to cut the dress and fortunately there is no definite one-way direction to the print.

First step was to trace the pattern and make a few small adjustments. I graded the waistline seam of the back bodice to allow for my sway back. The final CB seam was 16½ inches. I cut the skirt 27 inches long allowing just ½ inch for the hem. The centre front of the bodice neckline was raised by 2 inches and I also cut a neckband 2¼ inches wide. I lengthened the centre front waistline of the bodice by 1 inch to allow for my bust and graded back to 0 at the side seams. The sleeve pattern is 4 inches shorter than the original and I added double folded cuffs.

The dress went together very easily. Due to lack of fabric I cut the back bodice at the selvedge and made a seam. The skirt was cut from the full width of fabric and had only one seam at centre back. I applied a neckband with finished width of ¾ inch and cuffs that are 1¼ inch deep. At first fitting I took in the sleeves by 1 inch grading to 0 at the underarm. All seams are overlocked and the skirt hem is finished with twin-needle stitching.

At the final fitting I noticed that the waistline seam on the bodice had stretched. I added some clear elastic to the seam – stitched with a triple zig-zag. This has pulled in the waistline and makes for a much more flattering fit. Here I have yet another dress that looks good with my wide double-buckled belt.