The Assembly Line Cuff Dress

The suiting fabric which I used to make this dress had been sitting waiting for a smart and comfortable use for a couple of years. The pinstripes were useful for cutting and make an interesting feature on the bodice because the side panels are slightly angled.  Construction is straightforward, including a more sensible channel for the cuff elastic than the method used in the cuff top pattern, I think.  The only tricky part was the back facing, which I found wouldn’t lie flat with the two ‘legs’ joined in the centre.  Once I separated them it worked fine and although the understitching isn’t pretty, the end result looks nice and neat.
No idea why one picture is upside down, but I can’t get it to behave! Oh, now the other one has joined it *sigh*
I have made another version with a longer front bodice and I’m sure I’ll be making more.  

I’ve had this pattern for a while now but didn’t have the right fabric for it. I wanted a swishy and drapey fabric dress than crisp and structured. When I spotted this linen viscose blend, I knew immediately it was what I had been searching for! I thought the unique print would be fabulous combined with the modern vibes of the dress.
The dress has a relaxed, comfortable shape making it easy to wear, but it’s the small details like topstitched seams and keyhole neckline that elevate it and make it feel very special to wear. I think the pattern has a kind of timeless feel to it and can be quite versatile depending on your fabric choice.
Changes I made to the pattern:
I took 2 inches off the bodice so it lands higher, right at the narrowest part of my waist.
I used 25mm elastic rather than 30mm as that was what I had available, I narrowed the elastic channels to compensate for smaller elastic to keep them tight.
I used a hook and eye to fasten the keyhole neck at the back rather than a button because I forgot to sew the button loop when attaching the facing!
I sewed the neckline with a 1.5cm seam allowance rather than 1cm (in an attempt to get more of a “boat” neckline)
In terms of sewing, because of the grown on sleeves and elastic waist, I found this to be a simple stress-free make and a confident beginner should have no trouble at all following the pattern. Construction is straightforward and the instruction booklet is comprehensive with easy to follow steps and diagrams. I like the handy “stitch guide” at the front too, which came in handy when trying to work out what a bartack is and why to do it at the pockets.
Overall, I think this pattern is exactly what the description on TAL website and envelope says - a modern, romantic midi dress with attitude!
 

As a big fan of the cuff top, I added the cuff dress pattern to my 'to sew' list as soon as it was released! I'm really pleased with my first version of the dress, which I have sewn in a pretty floral viscose challis. This is a great pattern for beginner sewists and perfect for anyone planning their spring makes ready for the warmer months ahead. You can read more details and see more photos of my dress over on my blog post here. I have also written about a problem I noticed with the pattern, which is why I have only awarded it 4 stars.

This is the perfect summer dress ? made in Seasalt ringspun viscose. Read all the info on sizes before you cut this one out. More pictures and info on my blog   [****]