Geometric Print Staple Dress

Hello! I guess it’s time for my monthly post. I made this dress back in July and I CAN believe that I have not blogged about it yet, because I had a very busy Summer. There were weddings and going away parties, then my ukulele classes started up again. Also, my new job continues to keep me as busy as ever. I CAN’T believe I haven’t blogged about this dress yet, because I love it so much and have worn it A LOT. I think I had worn it 3 times already before I even took photos in it and I have continued to wear it about once a week ever since.

Pattern- April Rhodes Staple Dress purchased from Nido, when I was in Vermont.

Fabric- cotton lawn from Bolt Fabrics in Portland, OR.

Alterations- added 3″ to length

Total time to make- 9.5 hours (no muslin)

Notes-

• I did not do a muslin for this dress, as it’s not a particularly fitted dress (no darts in the bodice or anything) and is a pretty basic shape. I figured I’d be fine without one and I was.
• I did grade from a medium at the top to a large at the waist, but I would have been fine with just a medium overall.
• The fabrics wrinkles a bit, but it doesn’t really bother me.

This isn’t a silhouette I normally wear, so I’d been sitting on this pattern for awhile. After sewing it and wearing it, I love this style of dress. It’s super comfortable and was quick to sew up. That’s a win-win in my book!

I used a technique for making thread belt loops from Nancy Zieman’s Sewing A to Z Book, as featured on the Colette Patterns blog.

Store-bought dresses are often too short on me, so I love that I was able to make this dress the length I wanted. I reach for it in my closet a lot because it’s so comfortable, the right length and not too dressy for work. I need more dresses like that. Since this is such a quick make and a good style on me, I will definitely be making more!