Welcome to your May 2023 Dream Wardrobe.
UK SIZES 6-30
This month we have sent you a fabulous dress pattern and the most amazing fabric to go with it. I am always inspired by the Scandi designer brands, this month we have taken inspiration from Ganni, with this version of their iconic checked dress. It features a godet in the skirt, for diehard fans of the sewing Bee, you will know all about godets! Talking of the Sewing Bee, here at Fabric Godmother we are all very excited to see it's return this month.
About the fabric:
A brilliant, checked seer sucker, is the ideal summer fabric. Lightweight, but still with enough body to hold the drama of the dress pattern.
I always recommend that you pre-wash your fabric. This fabric can be washed at 30 degrees, I would suggest a low spin cycle.
This fabric is perfect for the Gabby. We have sent you over 4 metres of this fabric so if you choose to make something else there is plenty of fabric.
Here are some other pattern suggestions
Anna Allen Anthea Blouse & Dress
Vikisews Clarissa Dress
Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Dress & Blouse
How to use up your scraps…
A matching bucket hat would be very cute in this fabric. I also have become addicted to making cloth napkins recently. So much nicer and more environmentally friendly than a scrap of kitchen roll.
About the pattern:
Meet Gabby, with the ‘G’ from ‘good time’ and ‘graceful’. And it does it all without extravagant details, just the alluring play of lines and bust darts. This dress has a wonderful willowy drape. The triangular insert (godet) at the front is an eye-catcher although the two-in-one balloon sleeves - with a shorter inner sleeve that pulls the outer sleeve in – do give them a run for their money. Gabby’s got some drama going on, but is still wonderfully simple somehow. Some people have just got *it*. No more drama? Drop the godet – simple as that.
Instructions - Click here - you will need to create an account with Fibre mood to access the insructions.
Notions required:
- Matching thread (we have sent you a reel of Gutermann rPET thread)
The Gabby would also be great in the following fabrics
Washed 100% Linen - Lilac
Essie Cotton Poplin - Cobalt
Bella Floral Viscose Crepe - Pink
About your gift:
How adorable is this month gift? 2m of the cutest daisy trim you have ever seen. I have so many idea for this trim, bags, napkins, necklines, it's perfect for summer.
#fgdreamwardrobe
Want to share your Dream Wardrobe? Use the hashtag #fgdreamwardrobe and share your unboxing and final makes on social media.
Happy sewing, Josie xxx
Phoebe's Dream Wardrobe Notes
- The dress came out a little oversized on me, if you are in between two sizes, you may wish to make the smaller of the two sizes as there is a lot of ease in the hips.
- This fabric can fray a little and there is only a 1cm seam allowance, for this reason it might be helpful to chalk the notches rather than snip them to avoid the snips extending past the seam allowance as you work with the fabric.
- I cut the inner sleeve from a piece of white cotton lawn, this isn't visible when raising my arms and it gave the sleeve a little body. You have enough fabric to cut the inner sleeve from self fabric if you wish.
- The fabric is very gauzy and if you are wearing on a sunny day you may wish to wear a slip skirt!
- When cutting out checks, it is helpful to cut out everything on the flat so the placement of the check can be considered and the pattern can be matched (if desired). When pattern matching, consider where the front bodice pieces join at the centre front seam and fold back the 1cm seam allowance to decide where this central join should be (I had this in the middle of a check), then fold the seam allowance back out to cut the fabric. Repeat for the other side of the bodice mirroring the pieces and checking that when you sew it together you get a seamless join.
- Although not in the instructions, I recommend stay stitching the neckline and facing pieces, starting at the shoulder points and sewing to the centre front and centre back to avoid stretching the neck out. You may also wish to stay stich the long edges of the godet if you are worried about stretching this out (as mine did stretch a little when I stitched this part)
- When sewing the front bodice together at the centre front seam, it can be helpful to baste this part first. This seam is right at the front of the dress and if you have taken the time to pattern match it's worth basting to ensure a really seamless finish!
- When sewing the godet, it would be helpful to sew one side and then machine baste the other side before you stitching at the 2.5 stitch length. This would just help to ensure the checks on the front skirt piece line up to each other (they can look wonky if the godet isn't sewn accurately at this part - something I learnt first hand!).
- When sewing the sleeve hems together, you can divide the sleeve hem and inner sleeve hem into quarters to help you distribute the gathers evenly between these four points.