Orange is my New Dress!

This is my version of the Lily Linen Dress by Tessuti Patterns.

I made it in an orange coloured linen fabric because like Frank Sinatra once famously noted, "orange is the happiest colour."

And check out the pleating details at the hemline. It was the reason I was drawn to this design. I'm really happy with how this pattern turned out because this is the first try at this pattern. I know, a toile made out of linen, crazy! Thankfully, it worked out and I ended up with a wearable toile.  

I adore everything about this pattern from how it was packaged, it's perfect drafting, and oh my goodness, the fit! This is one comfortable dress. And can I just add that it's nice to make something without an armhole that is dropping a quarter-way down my arm? It came together easily, even though I didn't closely follow the instructions. Tessuti patterns call for a half inch seam allowance. I sewed a 5/8" allowance at the shoulder and side seams but used the recommended 1/2" allowance at the armhole. It worked out fine.

I also made my bias binding into a seam binding instead of folding it in half and opted out of stabilizing the neckline before I sewed the seam binding in place. The pockets were cut but as I was sewing the dress together I left them off. I know, I can't believe I just wrote that either. I figured the patch pockets gave it a more casual vibe and I wanted this dress for work. The last change to this pattern was the length. The pattern pieces instructs an additional two inches to be added to the hemline. Also omitted considering my height. On me it looks a little longer than on the model's photograph but I'm good with it. It's a very comfortable dress. Gotta love that even if it doesn't have pockets.   

The Stats:

Fabric:  2.5 metres

Pattern:  Tessuti Fabrics Lily Linen Dress

Additional Tools, Supplies & Distractions:  Cutting table, pins, pin cushions, scissors, tailor's chalk, thread clippers, sewing machine, walking foot, regular presser foot, iron, ironing board, seam binding maker, Burda tracing paper, pencil, ruler, measuring tape, seam gauge, audio book playing in the background and occasional breaks to fit in some housework and errands.  

Happy Sewing!