Well folks, here she is, my version of the By Hand London Flora Dress!
When the BHL ladies contacted me a few months ago to see if I wanted to test their newest pattern, well, it was kind of a no-brainer. After my love affair with the Anna bodice (of which I have 2 more finished projects to show you!!), it would have been dumb of me to say no, right? Also, luckily for me, this was just before the 'Very First House Purchase' storm!
I opted to make version 2 of the dress, though version 1 has a lovely faux wrap bodice, which I might need to try once autumn/winter has left our fair isles.
I cut out a straight size 8/12 in the bodice and could have probably taken in the waist a tiny smidge (or it's the perfect dress to wear out where large amounts of food may be consumed!).
I also cut out a size 8/12 in the skirt, but lowered the front of the skirt by cutting it 2 sizes longer (just because I prefer my skirts longer). I then also lengthened the back of the skirt by the same amount so that it would keep its dramatic high-low hem.
The dress came together exceptionally easily and as the bodice is lined, it looks just as beautiful inside as it does out. I also love the pleats they've added to both the front and back of the skirt (making it even bigger and more dramatic!), it's a style that is super flattering on all shapes and sizes.
The gorgeous fabric I used was sent to me courtesy of Tessuti Fabrics in Australia and is a beautiful poly/rayon blend called Tea Party in Mauve (best name for a fabric ever! Unfortunately it's now sold out). The fabric is so soft and has the perfect amount of drape for the skirt with just enough hold for the structured bodice and a tiny bit of stretch for comfort. I also love the textured plaid design running through it - a subtle amount of pattern without being too much.
The circle skirt does take up a lot of fabric, so you will need to take special care when selecting the width of fabric you opt for. But, in saying that, if a small corner of the skirt went off your fabric, you could either a) just make the skirt a little less full than it is, or b) you could add a little triangle of the same fabric, or a contrasting fabric, to fill in the gap. You would have a little seam line where you had added the extra fabric, but wouldn't a contrasting section look AWESOME??!! I kind of wish I had done that!
As I've found with all the BHL patterns I've made, the instructions are friendly, talkative and informative. Sewing can be such a solitary act, but I always feel like I'm having a conversation with a very knowledgable sewing buddy when reading BHL instructions. Is that weird? Does anybody else feel this way? (After writing and reading that, I feel a little like Shirley Valentine, though instead of talking to a wall, I talk to my sewing patterns!! Eeep!).
The only thing I was a little worried about with this dress is that sometimes the straps don't quite cover my bra straps. This is easily solved by either adding bra carriers to the straps or wearing a strapless bra.
xx
J
PS) Blank sewing room walls and a large window for indoor photo-taking FOR THE WIN! Pity a rather large cutting table will be landing in that very exact spot in a few days...
I opted to make version 2 of the dress, though version 1 has a lovely faux wrap bodice, which I might need to try once autumn/winter has left our fair isles.
I cut out a straight size 8/12 in the bodice and could have probably taken in the waist a tiny smidge (or it's the perfect dress to wear out where large amounts of food may be consumed!).
I also cut out a size 8/12 in the skirt, but lowered the front of the skirt by cutting it 2 sizes longer (just because I prefer my skirts longer). I then also lengthened the back of the skirt by the same amount so that it would keep its dramatic high-low hem.
The gorgeous fabric I used was sent to me courtesy of Tessuti Fabrics in Australia and is a beautiful poly/rayon blend called Tea Party in Mauve (best name for a fabric ever! Unfortunately it's now sold out). The fabric is so soft and has the perfect amount of drape for the skirt with just enough hold for the structured bodice and a tiny bit of stretch for comfort. I also love the textured plaid design running through it - a subtle amount of pattern without being too much.
As I've found with all the BHL patterns I've made, the instructions are friendly, talkative and informative. Sewing can be such a solitary act, but I always feel like I'm having a conversation with a very knowledgable sewing buddy when reading BHL instructions. Is that weird? Does anybody else feel this way? (After writing and reading that, I feel a little like Shirley Valentine, though instead of talking to a wall, I talk to my sewing patterns!! Eeep!).
The only thing I was a little worried about with this dress is that sometimes the straps don't quite cover my bra straps. This is easily solved by either adding bra carriers to the straps or wearing a strapless bra.
Righto, time for some Instagram selfies... cause that's how I roll.
xx
J
PS) Blank sewing room walls and a large window for indoor photo-taking FOR THE WIN! Pity a rather large cutting table will be landing in that very exact spot in a few days...
