Dream dress! – Christine Haynes

A dress with a simple fitted bodice and gathered skirt (with pockets, of course) is the most worn type of garment in my wardrobe. Despite trying a few different patterns I hadn’t managed to find ‘the one’… until I made an Emery!

This is not a difficult sew, but has a lot of steps and involves a range of techniques. The instructions themselves are excellent, so I think a patient beginner sewist with a few projects under their belt could give this a go. Don’t be put off by sewing 16 darts – it’s totally worthwhile!

I used cotton lawn for my Emery dress, but I think it would look lovely in a range of fabrics – quilting cotton, cotton sateen, chambray, linen or even lightweight wool.

I used Swedish tracing paper to make a quick toile of the bodice and one sleeve and I was really pleased that I didn’t have to make any adjustments. I made a size 4 and the fit is perfect (my measurements are 33″ bust, 28″ waist and 38″ hips).

I didn’t add the bow detail at the waist of my dress as my fabric is very busy, but I definitely will include it in my next version in a fabric with a smaller scale pattern.

I’ve worn my Emery dress many times and received lots of compliments. I love the fit of the bodice and the perfect pockets! One of my favourite things about the dress is the way the bodice lining is finished – it’s so neat and clean and a far superior method than any other lined bodice I’ve made.