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Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Having said that, I'm very pleased with how this dress came out. 1-48 of over 5,000 results for 'summer shift dress' Results. The few extra centimetres I added to the length makes it more comfortable to wear in more formal settings. I would also probably line the dress so it crosses seasons. I think a small sway back or an adjustment to the back darts are needed to smooth out the crinkles at the back. I would make a couple of tweaks if I made another version.
Summer shift dress zip#
I think I like the effect of the lapped zip over the original design.
Summer shift dress full#
The sleeves and neckline are finished with a fun daisy print bias tape - I do love a surprise party on the inside of an item! I inserted a lapped zip instead of the more expected invisible zip because, amazingly, in a drawer full of zips I couldn't find a single invisible one.
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After stitching the darts, it is essentially the side and shoulder seams, a zip and hemming. I made a change at the front and left out the bust darts. On closer inspection of the original, it is possible that the longer darts are actually seams with the diagonal darts included as part of the pattern but I'm still not sure.
Summer shift dress how to#
The French darts were easy to include but I couldn't work out how to include the diagonal back ones so added them once the dress was made. I traced the original dress to get the sizing. I love that these are almost invisible amongst the leaves.
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Additional shaping at the back provided by a couple of extra diagonal darts which feed into the French ones. This shift features long French darts at the front and back. The large areas of thin leaves means you don't have to worry about pattern matching - the seams just merge together - which makes using the print super easy. The tropical palm leaves are black and they repeat every 24 inches. I had originally thought it was a deep blue but it is actually a wonderfully deep purple. Sunset is a very difficult colour to capture on camera. Browsing The Fabric Fox offerings, I came across the lovely Sunset print which is part of the Rio collection from Alexander Henry fabrics and I knew I had found a match. I knew that I wanted to replicate the dress as much as possible and found myself drawn to cottons with larger floral prints and was favouring purple and blue hues. I was searching for the perfect fabric to make a replacement for my beloved ready to wear shift dress which has seen better days. One of the most satisfying parts of sewing your own clothes is when a fabric and a pattern find each other and work in unison. Claire wanted to make a new shift dress for the summer and she has chosen the perfect tropical print to make it in!
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Every few weeks we will share a guest blog from someone who has made something using our range of fabrics. The Fabric Fox Creatives is our way of collaborating and sharing the work of talented, crafty writers. The Sky Above - The Craft Cotton Company.Sweet and Spookier - Art Gallery Fabrics.The Flower Society - Art Gallery Fabrics.Christmas in the City - Art Gallery Fabrics.The back of the dress is finished with an exposed zipper and the elliptical hem provides more coverage at the back. The relaxed style hangs beautifully and is very flattering.Īdapt your look for daytime with simple sandals or trainers, nip it in with a belt (matching tie belt available separately) dress it up at night with heels and a statement necklace and even team it with a jacket in cooler weather. Our Sleeveless Shift Dress is made from beautiful 100% rayon crepe, which is durable, easy to care for and breathable, so it’s really comfortable to wear in hot climates such as Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.
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