A Summer dress with a hint of Autumn

This dress is one last grasp at summer sewing before the crisp, golden tones of Autumn take over.

The Atelier Brunette “Twig” motif is a fine and delicate print with autumnal resonances, printed on a soft blush pink viscose twill fabric. Their website describes this as “inspired by nature” with “pretty berries in the motif that are delicately affixed alongside small splashes of colour”. I simply love it!

The silky “twill” fabric is recognizable by its fine, diagonal stripes. It’s a fine fabric, with a beautiful drape and buttery soft hand with a lovely elegant sheen to it.

To pair with this stunning fabric, I had to choose an equally gorgeous pattern. Enter Hannah!

BHL describe Hannah as “the quintessential easy breezy wrap dress that can be as daytime casual or nighttime glamour as you want! With a sexy scoop wrap neckline, a gently gathered skirt and three unique sleeve options”.

This is a fabulous pattern, and depending on your fabric choice it can be made into a stunning evening gown or a casual everyday dress. I will definitely use this pattern again – the tulip sleeves in a beautiful crisp floral cotton lawn and the bishop sleeve in a deep ruby velvet ?

To go with this fabric I chose the dramatic bishop sleeve. I think this goes so well with the gathered skirt, oh so full of swish, and slight curve of the neckline – demure, elegant, sweet but when styled with heels and a little bag, romantic and sexy for date night.

I made a UK size 16 at the bust graded to a 14 at the waist. But when I tried it on it little too loose at the bust and the darts weren’t quite right so I ended up taking it in about half an inch at either side – now the fit is so much better.

I used matching bias binding to finish the neckline, and also used this to make the waist ties. I like how the neckline is finished so neatly with no flappy facings.

I took about 4 inches off the sleeve length, used elastic instead of the wrist ties in the pattern, and did a deep hem making the length 2 inches shorter.

The pattern was straightforward to sew and is really thoughtfully written, with added tips and optional extra steps. It provides enough detail to make it simple to follow without being too “hand holdy”. It was a really enjoyable sew!

I totally adore my new dress! ? I’ll be wearing this layered over a black turtleneck with tights and boots all Winter, and I’ll swish my way into next Spring and Summer with Mary Janes and sandals! Perfect!

Thanks for reading, happy sewing ?