The Rugby Dress

I made this after buying a Ready-to-wear version of the same dress from Merchant and Mills in the sale. I had seen the pattern before but it looked too loose in the pattern photos, especially on the arms – turns out, the sleeves were much nicer than that so I bought the pattern and sewed up another! Making Notes: I made a size 8 with the following alternations: Lengthening the bust dart to size 6 point” Narrowing the side seam from underarms to pockets by 1/4″ Hem reduced by 1″ I sewed it in a medium heavy linen with Liberty lawn for the contrast features. I find Merchant & Mills patterns seem to differ from each other little in their presentation and instruction style. The Rugby dress has size 6 cutting lines, the other styles (I have the Factory Dress, and the Camber) do not. The Rugby has smoothly drawn digital style diagrams, the others have hand drawn sketchy pictures. Check each pattern for seam allowances as they can vary too. Merchant & Mills designs look simple but there’s always a neat technique or finishing method and the pattern drafting is beautiful, even though I always make alterations, they are simple. It is a moderately quick make, the placket and collar take the longest and demand the most concentration (that’s why it’s an intermediate pattern). I especially like the closer fit on the shoulders combined with lots of room to move in the skirt section, plus the pockets are placed perfectly for me and disappear into the side seams. It could easily be shortened to make a popover shirt. You can read more here: https://verykerryberry.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/merchant-and-mills-rugby-dress-in-linen.html