I got the opportunity to view Fibre Mood’s newest collection of patterns before they were released, as well as my pick of pattern to make! I just fell in love with Mindy. She’s the perfect summer dress with her sweet, empire waist and puff sleeves!
I have been very diligent about only using fabric from my stash these last months, and I’m happy to report I still haven’t bought any fabric for two whole months! Pretty good, right?! The fabric I chose for Mindy has been sitting in my stash for the last two years. It’s a beautiful Liberty of London crinkle silk chiffon that my mom got for me at The Fabric Store.
I have only ever used crinkle silk chiffon once before. Though, it is one of my favorite dresses now, it was one of my most trying makes. Hence, not using this fabric for two years.
This pattern is not lined, but since the chiffon is see-through I had to completely line it, which I would have done regardless of my fabric choice. It wasn’t too tricky to figure out. I cut out a size 12 (40) according to my bust measurement, but I did end up taking the side seams in about 1/4” from the bodice to achieve this look.
Instead of following the instructions to first made the lined bodice: sandwiching the sleeve seams between the lining and the fabric. Then I made skirt sewing the side seams of the chiffon and lining separately, but basting both layers together at the waist. I did not used a zipper. I found I could easily slip in and out of the dress without the use of a zipper, and considering the delicacy of the chiffon I was glad I could forgo one. After all the side seams were sewed together on the top and skirt I joined all layers together at the waist. All seams are french seams to ensure nothing will fray, and so that it looks nice and tidy when you peep a seam through the chiffon.
I did end up cropping the sleeves quite a bit. After trying it on I realized the long sleeves in the silk chiffon made the dress look a bit dated. I felt like I had just stepped out of a Jane Austin novel, ready to be taken to the ball to meet Mr. Darcy. So, I cut them shorter, just enough to cover my shoulders, and what difference that made!
For the hemming of the sleeves and the bottom hem I used an overcast technique I saw on Mood Fabric’s Instagram. Basically, you sew a straight line along the edge of the fabric and then with a very small zigzag stitch, overcast the edge. I pulled on the fabric while zigzaging to achieve the fluting effect on the sleeves.
I’m very pleased with how the dressed turned out. It’s beautiful. I hope that I get enough chances to wear it. I will say this: I think for my figure this dress isn’t the greatest. Even though I love an empire waist, I need real waist definition.
If I do make this dress again, though, the one thing I will do is lower the bust darts. They are placed very high. I didn’t notice that until I had already started (this is why you make a muslin first!).
Ok. Now that I look at these pictures I think I actually really love this dress. Look at that color! Look at that fabric! It was worth the extra work.
Go check out Fibre Mood’s new summer collection! There are so many cute patterns to choose from! Here is my affiliate link to their site. If you choose to buy a pattern using my link I will get a small percentage of the sales!
Happy Sewing!
Bella
Dress Pattern: Mindy Dress by Fibre Mood
Fabric: Liberty of London crinkle silk chiffon from The Fabric Store
Lining: Silk from The Fabric Store