Fen Dress & Top

Reviewed by rosiejane on 23rd March, 2016

This is a very particular style – you’ll know if it’s for you as soon as you see it! If you like loose, casual, boxy, this is one for you. Me? I love it.
Fabric: a sort of double layer reversible cotton from Ditto Fabrics. Pattern asks for 3.5yds for a long sleeved view B, but I only used 2.4m x 150cm for a size 12, with careful layout.
Instructions: excellent. It’s a simple design, but this is the most successful bias trim neckline I’ve done yet, and that’s because of the clarity of their instructions.
Fit: I made a size 12 with a small FBA, though I wasn’t sure I’d need it because of the boxy fit. Upon reflection, I’d have been better doing a 10 with the FBA.
Finished dress: Just how I imagined, though maybe a bit looser! It works well with a reversible fabric for the bias and pocket facings, but you could equally do that with a contrast fabric if you wanted. I think having made it, I wish I’d done the short sleeves but that’s a minor thing. It feels like an honest dress, that I will wear and wear through summer. I might make one in a brushed cotton for cosiness on spring/autumn days with a long sleeved Tshirt underneath.