Beryl Bomber Dress

I’ve made the Beryl Bomber dress from Named clothing in a Japanese indigo dyed cotton from Dragonfly fabrics. I found this to be a relatively challenging pattern with some interesting details. Mainly the zip and facing insertion which is quite fiddly, and I’m sure that one of the instructions is not quite right as following it (pressing up the bottom of the facing once its sewn to the hem) results in the hem being folded out the wrong way. Maybe its just me…anyway it was easily rectified. I chose to use a heavyweight single fold rib cuff ribbing for the collar instead of double folded lighter ribbing and it needed care to attach this without stretching. I used the same cuffing for the cuffs rather than elastic insertion as per the pattern. I would highly recommend this pattern for those not in the first flush of youth like me. It’s got a waist, but you can make the elastic as tight or as loose as you like. I have chosen it to be loose but just gathered enough for a bit of shape. The top is quite roomy and blousy and the zip can be easily undone if you’re feeling bit hot. Pockets are a good size and always useful. The front vent adds a little cheek. I really enjoyed this make, there’s plenty of interest and challenge.