I recently started working my way through the patterns in the new Merchant & Mills Workbook. Filled with tons of patterns I want to make, I thought I’d just get stuck in and work up to the more complicated projects.
My favourite pattern thus far is the racer-back Bantam top and dress. I started with the dress version in a medium weight linen.
A simple, quick sew the dress has some lovely details that elevate it to a beginners project you can be really proud of. I was a little concerned about the bias binding being a little too bulky in the same fabric, but it actually worked beautifully.
The only adjustments were to take it in about a cm on the side seam under the arm as that area gaped a bit – easily done before adding the bias tape – and taking the curved hem a few inches up. Hem length is turning out to be a given for me with every pattern as I am very particular about where my hem hits on my legs! It needs to be in a very specific place on my knees or it looks wrong to me. ;-P
I liked the look and feel of the finished dress so much that I immediately started the top version in the left overs of my chevron stag fabric to go with the skirt I made ages ago. The top is a good length that covers the bum but also tucks in well for full skirts. A nice, versatile staple. I need to make these in some solids now. 😉
I’ve discovered the dress also looks great belted and with the samples from the Boardwalk Collection. ;-P
We are heading to Sweden to visit Maria on the blog tour today. Hear her talk about her beautiful Promenade cardigan design, shown below at the beach in Neckinger:
If you’ve missed any of the tour thus far, check it out:
Kettle Yarn Co. 