Emerald Green and Mustard Ikat

I love this dress! It’s simple but it works so well! I made this dress between a size 4 and 6.

Meg has drafted such a great pattern using good directions and illustrations.  She walks you through the fit, the options, and all the ways to make this garment last.  She uses the burrito method for sewing up the reversible dress and her video (link in the pattern) makes it so easy!

I love that this dress is reversible which gives you so many styling options.  I chose a bright emerald green and mustard square double ikat for the top layer and a coordinating linen/rayon mustard fabric for the under layer.  I thought it would allow for the most options when it comes to styling to have a solid on one side and a fun print on the other.  Plus the colors are great for all year.

I made a muslin of the top in a straight size 4 and realized that I needed a bit more ease in the bust.  I grade out to a size 6 at the bodice sides but kept the size 4 for the shoulders and the skirt.  An important note is that there are no buttons or zippers to get in and out of the dress; so you will need to have enough ease over the bust to pull it over your head.  It’s meat to fit like a jumper or pinafore with enough room to layer underneath.    I have this fit which I like but will probably take it in a very small amount next time on the sides.

I also made three additional modifications.  First, I raised the armhole by 1/2 inch because I didn’t want my bra to show and this definitely worked.  I also brought the shoulders/neckline in by 1/2 inch because the bodice muslin didn’t hit on the edge of my shoulder but was too wide. I also added 2 1/2 inches to the length of the bodice so it would sit closer to my natural waist.  I measured down from the edge of the bodice after trying on my muslin to determine the length.  The shorter bodice is cute but I thought it might not be my style.  The length was, of course, 2 1/2 inches longer, which I absolutely love.  Its right at my knees so good for all seasons.  I also finished ALL my seams, even the ones on the neckline, because I didn’t want this to ever unravel.  I hope to keep it as long as I can.

I plan to make a few more of these dresses in some of my fun ikats from India and maybe some leftover tencel challis.