Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: A Staple Denim Dress

Happy spring everyone!  I hope you are all experiencing warm days and sunshine!  
Today, I am reviewing a fun denim dress from a cute Simplicity pattern.  This pattern is what I consider a classic, staple dress pattern.  I don't think it will ever go out of style.  



As I write this post, the denim I used is sold out, but here is a nice choice: Selvage Denim

If you want something with a bit of stretch, a twill with lycra is a great choice as well.  Those you can see at this link: Twill


This is a fun pattern.  In case you are wondering what the envelope looks like, here's an image.


See what I mean about classic and a staple dress pattern?



Here's an image of the back.  I love that yoke with the gathered back.



The details of this dress are fun.  There's loads of topstitching, a shaped lower hemline, and those pockets!


The fit of this is pretty great as well.  I made alterations at the bust line and to compensate for the added length, I also added at the back between the shoulder blades and waistline.




Using white thread for topstitching on black denim is a risky choice.  It takes careful topstitching and some time with your seam ripper to make sure you are happy.



Without the belt, it skims your curves.




Here you can see how shaped the lower hem is.  Did I mention that I used cotton machine quilting thread for my topstitching?  I am going to use this thread type for topstitching on a heavier fabric, such as denim, more often.

Thanks for reading!
Sue

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

Made by a Fabricista: Structure

Hi everyone!  I can’t believe the year is nearly wrapping up already and this is my last post for 2024! You may have noticed but the barrel silhouette has been very much in right now from pants to sleeves.  To be honest I was a little bit hesitant about hopping on to the trend.  One I was not sure if the proportions would work for my body also I considered would this be a long lasting trend to keep incorporated in my closet?  But after a few seasons the barrel seems to stay in many variations, I think exaggerated proportions are such a thing now.  I saw this Cult Gaia x Gap denim dress collab with the barrel sleeves and wanted to remake it.  When I saw this brown distressed denim twill I knew it was perfect.  I had been debating between making cargo pants but I wanted to try to do something different and went for the dress once I saw the inspiration.   I used McCall’s pattern 8139 as my base with the following modifications.  Instead of...

Made By A Fabricista: A Wool Pinafore for Winter

Hello exciting wintry weather! Brrr, though. For my December post, I wanted to sew something more unusual for me, something outside my wide leg pants and big boxy sweaters, and this pinafore combination is exactly that. I really like the layering aspect and how easily one could switch up the look based on the top worn underneath, and how this pinafore pattern could easily work for all seasons based on fabric choice and possibly adding leggings. The new Love Notions Pianoforte Jumper in this incredibly charming polka dot wool blend suiting is just right. I wanted wool for warmth, and the sweet print just sent me. Of course a pinafore looks SO darling in dots. The Pianoforte is a slightly-cocoon shaped dress with princess seams and some large and handy front inset pockets. There is a zip-front option, but I went with the pullover plain front. I love the vintagey, sort of old-timey vibes of this style, and categorize this one under dopamine dressing.  Because the wool is on the heavi...

Made By A Fabricista: Spooky Season Hasn’t Ended Yet!

When fall started and we moved into Spooky Season I knew I wanted to make something a little witchy. I’d been eyeballing Stitch Witch’s patterns for some time, and after some back and forth on which pattern to make, I landed on the Harlow Dress. I really liked the neckline, the cute elasticated sleeves, and I didn’t have a pattern already with a princess seam a-line skirt.  I’m a huge sucker for linen , and after perusing Fabric Mart’s stock I decided on this beautiful black linen with a subtle rose jacquard weave. I loved how at first glance it looks plain, but when it hits the light the roses appear. I love to make things much harder for myself than they need to be. My favorite seam finishing technique, especially for a fabric like a linen, is french seams. They’re so neat and I don’t have to worry about anything unraveling, it’s all neatly tucked inside itself. What I didn’t consider was how tricky french seams with neck facings would be. I had to pick out several seams multiple...