Summer dress – Nina Lee

Pattern: Carnaby Dress, Nina Lee – a simple shift dress, perfect for playing with pattern and colour. With separate skirt and bodice pieces, you can easily create a striking colour block effect or keep it subtle with just a pop of contrast in the pockets. It has two variations: with or without short sleeves (View A is sleeveless; View B has sleeves).

Sizing: 6 to 20 UK

Fabric: 1.5 m of John Kaldor Cotton Sateen

Notions: 21 cm exposed (non-separating) zipper, 0.6 m fusible interfacing, 23 cm x 4 cm grosgrain ribbon (for the zip guard)

Modifications: I graded between sizes 8 and 10 at the bust. Overall size 8 but traced out to size 10 at the bust to avoid doing an FBA. Also, I reduced the centre back length on the bodice by 1.5 cm but leaving the side seam as they were.

Fit: all right

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Yes

Watch out for: If you are adding the zipper guard, make sure you make it longer than the zipper.

Make Again?: Yes, I want one version of this dress with sleeves as well. I will also use fabric that has more weight such as corduroy or denim. I am tempted by colour blocking or using a contrast fabric for the pockets.