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Happy official first day of Spring 2019! Its British summer time which means I am coming out of my hibernation with a sewing pattern review for the Everyday Chic Dress from Sew Different patterns.

Everyday Chic Dress Sewing Pattern

The Everyday Chic Dress is a multisize sewing pattern with a size range from UK8/US4/EUR36 – UK26/US22/EUR54. A softly fitting A-line line shape with a boat neckline and big BIG pockets – its a versatile and chic style. The raglan sleeves and shirring attracted me. The pattern is available on high quality paper or as a digital download. I used the paper pattern which comes with detailed instructions.

Size and fit

Based on my bust and waist measurements I sewed size UK10/EUR38/US6 without any fit alterations. The fit is good. Its roomy enough that I can wear it layered over a roll neck top.

Fabric selection

Mod Check is a monochrome gingham style, twill woven poly-cotton mix. The fabric is from Fabworks Mill Shop in Dewsbury. This selection was outside my comfort zone of bright bold colours but I wanted to recalibrate my relations with non bright colours. As far as experiments go – this worked and I love how it turned out. A bonus is that the fabric is easy care since it is a poly mix. There was no attempt at pattern matching here.

Note about the pockets

The pockets on this dress are incredibly generous. I love that about this design. To give you an idea, I can fit my Kindle e-reader in them and its not visible. Tha, my friends, is what I call a pocket!

Design Alterations

I made 2 design alterations.

1. The original design has a split neckline. Laura has a tutorial on her blog for leaving out the split neckline. I followed this to the letter and its so easy to do.
2. I cut the front bodice piece on the bias to create some visual contrast.

Sewing Techniques

I was fascinated by the use of shirring to achieve some shaping while also maintaining the pull over ease of wear. The shirring thread had to be wound by hand onto the bobbin. The action of creating just enough tension as I carefully wound it was oddly meditative. Shirring is something I will incorporate in future projects. It was a joyful experience.

Verdict

This really is a simple to sew dress that is perfect for beginners and adventurers alike. It has no zips or buttons (a defining feature of Sew Different patterns).

I plan on making another one in a bright colour for summer. This was one of the garments I sewed up for the SewDifferentxFabworks collection to show at the Frocktails event arranged by Laura (Sew Different).

Styling Options

Since sewing the dress, I have been wearing it in winter layered over my black cotton jersey Burda roll neck top with tights and knee length boots. That makes for a more serious look. Another way I style it is to add pops of colour by wearing bright purple tights and a equally bright roll neck top with a red lip to finish the look.

Here is how I have been wearing it:

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Trying out black and white today. Burdastyle rollneck top under @laura_sewdifferent Everyday Chic Dress made in gingham from @fabworksmillshop Have a fantastic day everyone! #sewing #sewcialists #handmade #handmadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #couture #sewing #sew #photooftheday #ootd #ootdfashion

A post shared by Hila (@saturdaynightstitch) on Feb 7, 2019 at 12:08am PST

ou can check out my video showing the collection here and chatting about the experience.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Peace and love,

Hila