Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Franken-pattern Skater Dress by Diane



Although the mention of Frankenstein conjures up scary images of Igor and bad posture, Franken-patterns are quite different. Sewists have coined the term to describe combining more than one sewing pattern until a new look materializes. Ahhh, the joy of creating something new and unique. “It’s Alive!”



It’s time for a winter dress and I’ve been drooling over this fabric for quite some time, both because I love the print and because a double crepe can be difficult to find.  It has a pebble like texture, beautiful drape and “mechanical” stretch, meaning that although it is a woven fabric without lycra, it still has a slight crosswise give.  The stretch makes this fabric easy to sew and even more comfortable to wear.


The print is sophisticated but still really fun and lends itself to a simple style. The skater dress silhouette is quite popular right now and I thought a modified version would be perfect.  There are plenty of skater dress patterns out there but I couldn’t find one suitable for a woven fabric, therefore, I decided a Franken-pattern was in order.  


For the bodice, I used New Look 6144 View B. I’ve used this pattern before and love the fit. I cut the pattern 1" above the waistline so the skirt would sit just above the waist and made pleats at the neckline instead of the darts the pattern called for.  



For the skirt, I wanted to dirndl style skirt, not too full, not many seams, so I could make the best use of the print.  I used Simplicity 1354 for the skirt, omitted the pockets and left everything else the same.


What’s a cute dress without a bag to go with it?  Simplicity 1387 was the basis for the shape of the bag, but I changed the handles, closure, hardware and lining to get the bag that I wanted.



The top of the bag is a light beige twill and a black wool suiting makes up the bottom and handle.  To round out the menswear feel of the twill and wool, I lined it in a classic striped shirting and trimmed it with “pleather”. The pattern doesn’t have any pockets in the lining, so I added a zip pocket on one side and sectioned pockets with bias trim on the other.




I’m so happy with my Franken-pattern dress and my coordinating bag makes me feel like I really have it together.  Thanks Dr. Frankenstein.

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Help Our Buyers Shop!

  Comment on this post with what you are looking for right now and our buyers will seek it out!  I am craving wool gabardines and ponte knits in fun autumn colors. What about you?

Made By A Fabricista: Turning the Page

We had a lovely, warm September in central New Jersey but as of last week, fall has finally started to set in. While I’m no longer operating on a school calendar, I always look forward to the return of fall, the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the opportunity to “turn over a new leaf.” While exploring the Fabric Mart website, browsing all their gorgeous cottons, I was incredibly inspired by the Eggshell/Black 100% Cotton Horizontal Stripe Weave Lawn . It looks exactly like a lined piece of paper. I thought it would make a fun top for work during this transitional season, one that sparks “blank page” creativity. I wanted to pair the top with a simple yet classic pair of pants, allowing each piece to be a quality addition to my work and loungewear wardrobe, working together and as separates. I picked up the beautiful Midnight Navy/White 100% Tencel Chambray , which has a fun denim-look while being quite soft and flowy. When designing the top, I wanted to play with the stripes. I chos...

Made By A Fabricista: Getting Ready for Fall with a Pinafore

Hooray, the best season has finally arrived again! I don’t know about you, but I spend all summer sweaty and wishing for cooler weather despite my massive appreciation for sundresses. I prefer a chill in the air, a breeze rustling my skirt, and layered garments for coziness!  Would you believe I have never sewn a wrap pinafore dress in all my hundreds of garments? It’s shocking, I know. I’ve had one on my mind for at least a year or two, but narrowing down the final pattern wasn’t easy. In the end, I chose the Fibre Mood Khloe Pinafore because I really like the straight, high neckline and the finishes at the wrapped bodice.  So here we are, combining the best of all possible worlds, a wrap pinafore that is utterly magnificent for summer, BUT adding a long sleeved layer underneath to take it seamlessly right into autumn.  On the dress, my only change was to widen the shoulder straps by doubling their width for better bra concealment when I wear it alone. I do wish I’d adde...