Difficulty: Beginner
Shown in: Nica Cotton Batiste, Size 12,
This is an absolute gem of a dress, and I would definitely recommend it as a beginner project. Even with the lining, it only took me about a day and a half to make. It’s simple but, most importantly of all, it looks fantastic.
For this project, I chose to make option C of this pattern in our mustard and navy batiste as I wanted something bright and fun to put a dent in the winter blues. The dress works perfectly with a t-shirt underneath, but could definitely go without in the summer.
The batiste is lightweight and absolutely needed to be lined, so I paired it with a paisley Jacquard lining in matching colours. Both are beautiful to work with, but the lining especially is brilliant for beginners as it is surprisingly stable and easy to work with, without compromising on a lovely finish.
I made the size 12, without any alterations, and was very pleased with the fit. It comes up a little wide over the hip for my body shape and it would be very easy to slim it down if you preferred something tighter fitting, but I think the slightly boxy lower half makes the dress a little more casual.
One of the brilliant things about this dress that it required practically no faffing about - a simple cut out, sew and go. As someone who practically makes a hobby of underestimating the amount of work that goes into a sewing project it was fantastic to do something so easy, quick and straightforward. This is definitely a dress I’ll be making again and again.