Romantic Swedish style

The images of the samples looked so glamorous on the product page, I couldn’t resist buying this frothy, voluminous pattern. It duly became a frothy voluminous dress when I made it up in black linen, just like the samples, although I’m not sure all that froth really suits my size 18 frame.

Still, on the whole this was a win. It’s essentially a very simple frock and comes together really easily.  I like the design’s use of single bias tape to make channels for the elastic rather than sewing the elastic on as shirring, so there’s always scope to tighten the elastic later if it starts to go slack. The pattern is pretty well written for each step although the company would be well advised to get a subeditor or copy editor to help them with the English translation as there were a few confusing phrasings in the instructions.

My tip for other users is to use a strong chalk to mark on the lines where you need to sew on the bias tape, or even baste a line. I kept having to redraw mine because the chalk got rubbed off. Also get a large orange cat to keep you company while you sew (see picture).