Chalk and Notch Orchid Midi Dress

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I recently wanted a bright and airy dress to wear to a friend’s spring wedding, and decided on the Chalk & Notch Orchid dress bodice. I paired it with the Lotta skirt by Tilly and the Buttons to add a bit of swish. I really enjoyed making the bodice and especially the construction of the yoke, which was new to me and I’ve since used that construction method on other dresses with a front yoke.

The only modifications I made were a 1cm narrow shoulder adjustment and lengthening the bodice by 1cm as well. I got a lot of compliments on my dress and it was lovely to wear on the day!

I made this dress out of a viscose twill which had a beautiful drape. I made a size 16 C/D with no modifications and it fits me perfectly.

This dress has a lot of pattern pieces and a few new-to-me techniques but the instructions are very comprehensive. The techniques used give a lovely finish to the dress and it's very professional looking resulting in a very satisfying make.

It's an intermediate/advanced beginner make I would think given the number of steps involved and some knowledge of dressmaking would be useful.

I am thrilled with my dress and feel amazing in it.

I made this up from the PDF pattern and then spent a few days sewing it up. I am incredibly pleased with the end result, it’s definitely one of my favourite me made dresses, I wore it to my nephews graduation and felt really great.
I used a lightweight soft viscose from the Textile Centre (no longer available – I looked!) and I just love the colours and print. It did shift around when cutting and I trimmed a few pieces back into shape as I went along.
I am 5’1” with measurements at 36-29-38, however having read a few reviews I decided to make the smallest size and I am glad I did as it fits incredibly well especially across the wrap front. Oh and it has pockets!
I made one change which was to shorten the skirt pieces by 9cm (not forgetting to lift the slit so that it remained the same length). The instructions are very clear and concise and I particularly enjoyed the way the elastic tie belt was constructed.
Initially I was going to make the long sleeved version but didn’t want elasticated cuffs. It was a moot point however because I didn’t have enough fabric – I had 2 metres and used it all. Instead I made the flutter sleeves.
I made a few errors – all my own and absolutely nothing to do with the pattern – which were:
I only cut 1 yoke and had to piece together some scraps to get the 2nd one cut out.
I simply did not have enough fabric (or scraps) to make the 2nd set of flutter sleeves for the lining which means mine are unlined – however I don’t feel that detracts from the finished garment at all.
The interfacing I used was way too heavy for the fabric – I knew this when I cut it out but didn’t have anything lighter and didn’t want to wait to get some. It works well for the yoke and the split but it gave the hem finish a pantomime dame effect. Enter my new overlocker – I whizzed the interfaced hem facing off and then sewed a small hem. Again it looks fine on the finished dress. I was quite annoyed though because my mitred corners at the slit were perfect.
I can highly recommend this pattern – I will definitely make this dress again – perhaps in a viscose twill next time with the longer sleeves.

This might be the prettiest dress I've ever made. The pattern is drafted so well and has such a great fit. I've added a bit of length to my sleeves, bodice and skirt because I'm tall. Plus I lowered the front slit a bit. The fabric is this light weight rayon twill, which has perfect drape for this dress but it's very tricky to work with. I love that the long sleeve option has the perfect amount of minimal puff/gathering on the sleeve cap. The tutorial is excellent and you will be in very good hands here.

I was attracted to the Orchid Wrap Dress as I loved its floaty style and the long sleeves. I was looking for a dress for the springtime and this one has turned out to be perfect. I made mine in a viscose which meant it has beautiful drape.
The instructions were comprehensive and the bodice part in particular is beautifully drafted with lots of tailoring details that make it feel like a special make.
The extra details mean that the construction took maybe 5-6 hours but I think this dress is definitely worth it.
Ive already bought fabric to make a summer version with short sleeves.