As someone who is constantly cold, fall and winter become a wardrobe of layers. Everything is worn with a cardigan or sweater, and it can be a bit limiting. That's why it's always a joy to see beautiful dresses that happen to come with long sleeves. They're perfect for cooler weather.
The three patterns we've chosen this month take the sleeves to another level with volume and shape. They all sport balloon sleeves held at the wrist with elastic, and the shape creates a stunning silhouette when paired with romantic bodices and flowing skirts. These dresses are made for fall gatherings and autumn vibes.
With that in mind, we went full harvest colors, combining deep red, earthy oranges and classic blacks. While some of the dresses can be sewn in stiffer fabrics, we kept things soft and silky to show off the romantic drape of each dress. We think you're gonna love them!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Aura Dress from Papercut Patterns
It is so nice to have Papercut Patterns back in printed format because they have so many cool dresses. The Aura Dress is actually a few years old but it's stayed under the radar. I hope to change that. The dress is a wrap style, meaning easier to fit, with a fantastic statement tie and generous sleeves. It can be dressed up for parties with heels and a necklace or kept casual with a tshirt underneath and tights. Whatever you chose, we think this dress will become a key part of your cool weather wardrobe. Now let's dig into the fabric!
- Red Currant Rayon Poplin - Normally this poplin comes in bold prints that we have swooned over in the past, but we recently discovered a line of solids that has us over the moon. A tighter weave than a challis, this poplin is opaque and deeply saturated. The juicy, berry pink is jewel-toned and bright. It will transition beautifully into the traditional, earthy tones of fall. A gorgeous fabric!
- Ojos Flame Rayon Challis - This printed lawn, designed to look like an ikat print, is warm and rich. An earthy, rust orange background is dotted with a navy eye design for a timeless yet modern look. The lawn is silky and deeply saturated, and it will feel simply wonderful against your skin. Plus it will drape so nicely for the balloon sleeves of this dress.
- Floral Shade Ecovero Crepe - This black and white print, sort of like a photo negative of a floral, is unique and wonderful. Combine the pattern with a silky soft viscose crepe, and you have a luscious dress in the making! The crepe is lightweight and textured, with a semi-fluid drape and cool hand. Turned into this dress, it will become a bold statement outfit that is truly one of kind
Sew Select Box: Ivie Dress from Chalk & Notch
Somehow I missed the release of this dress pattern until three days before launching this month, and I immediately changed my plans. The Ivie Dress fit so perfectly into the sleeved dress theme, that I couldn't miss the opportunity to use it. With a gathered raglan bodice, tiered skirt, a tie-front, and, of course, the billowy sleeves. The look is boho, but not costumey, and it even comes with an option for separates, so you can create a variety of looks. We love it! Now to the fabrics!
- Black Rayon Poplin - This silky soft rayon has a great hand and fluid drape, very similar to rayon challis, but with a tighter weave. And who doesn't love a good black dress? Lightweight, flowing, and soft, this fabric will be perfect for all seasons and all occasions. We absolutely love it!
- Maroon Dot Viscose Crepe - We are always a sucker for a polka dot, if you ask us, this fabric ups the ante with a truly fantastic color pairing. The deep red, a purpley wine hue, is rich and romantic, in contrast to the large dark navy circles that dot the fabric. A scattered style, far apart, gives a sense of volume and space to the fabric. We can't wait to see it all sewn up!
- Hilma Rust Viscose Twill - If you look closely at this fabric, what seems like a wild, abstract line print is actually a bold, modern floral with dark rst and ochre blooms all across the surface. Modern and unexpected, this print is a sight to see. Plus the ecovero twill is silky soft, with a flowing drape and light weight, perfect for this romantic dress!
SHOP THE SEW SELECT BOX >>
Sew Indulgent Box: Pauline Dress from Closet Core Patterns
I'll admit, I wasn't fully convinced by the Pauline Dress when it first came out. But the more I see makes on Instagram, the more I see the sneaky glamor of this dress. For me it comes down the bodice shape and the back. With a square neck and tucked empire waist, the bodice nods to Regency dresses and fashions of the past, but the back, a large cutout with a tie closure, is utterly modern. The contrast is thrilling and is only amplified by the large sleeves and drop waist. A unique and stunning dress! Here are the fabrics!
- Petal Rosewood Ecovero Crepe - From Mind the Maker, a recent addition to our repertoire, this fabric is deep and earthy, with modern, almost abstract florals. Blue and cream petals float across the warm, rosy brown background, adding just enough pattern too keep it interesting. The fabric itself is silky and drapey, as all good crepes should be, and will match the twirliness of this gorgeous pattern. A match made in heaven!
- Black Magic Floral Viscose Satin - First you'll fall for this pattern, a dark floral combining bright pink with deep black and grey. Pair that with a satin finish, and you have a truly stunning dress. A combination of viscose and rayon, it is designed to feel and look like silk, but without the dry clean only upkeep (because who needs that?). An absolute stunner!
- Cranberry Viscose Imitation Silk - Have you ever wanted to own a silk dress but everything about silk terrifies you? Yeah, we know the feeling. Silk is amazing but also hard to sew, clean, and maintain. Enter this viscose/tencel fabric. Because of the tencel, it looks almost exactly like washed silk, but it's machine washable and has a little more body, making it easier to sew. Fool all your friends into thinking you bought an expensive silk dress or top, and then smile because, one, you made it, and two, at the end of the day, you can throw it in the wash!
SHOP THE SEW INDULGENT BOX >>
With fall weather approaching, we're revisiting our City Jackets from last year. These boxes, full of stylish jackets to be worn as part of an outfit, not a cover for one, are outfit makers unto themselves. They're fabulously stylish, and would even make nice pairings with these dresses.
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
0 comments