Welcome to your November 2023 Dream Wardrobe.

UK SIZES 6-30

I’ve been a huge fan of the Merchant & Mills aesthetic for years. It is a classic loose-fitting silhouette that is timeless and reminds me of the brand TOAST. It reminds me to stop and consider the simpler things in life and just slow down a little bit. Perfect at this hectic crazy time of year.

 

About the fabric:

Mini Ambrose Yarn-Dyed Gingham Cotton - Blue & Navy is a classic mini gingham in a gorgeous comforting combination of 2 shades of blue.

 

I always recommend pre-washing your fabric. With cotton I suggest a cool wash (the cooler the better for the environment I wash pretty much everything on 20) But make sure you pre wash the fabric at the temperature you intend to wash the finished garment at.

We have given you over 4m of fabric this month so there is plenty for the pattern included or you could try one of these ideas.

 

About the pattern:

Etta is a simple wrap dress with a lined bodice and inseam pockets. Choose between short or three quarter length sleeves or make it sleeveless. The dress has an inner tie so you can choose how loose you want your wrap to be, but it is designed to not be fitted at the waist.

 

Notions required:

• Matching thread (we have sent you a reel of Gutermann rPET thread)
• Interfacing (I love this woven one)
• Popper (optional)

The Etta dress would also be great in the following fabrics:

 

 

About your gift:

These top quality needles are perfect for adding hand stitching finishes to your me made garments.

 

#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

 

Josies’ sewing tips:

 

Measuring and sizing:

When I measured for this dress I decided to go down a size as I knew that M&M patterns are often oversized. I wouldn’t recommend going down more than one size as the shoulders are still quite fitted.

I also added a full bicep adjustment as I wanted to make sure the sleeves were not too tight.

There is a great tutorial on the BY Hand London website here

 

Cutting out:

If you open up your fabric and cut all the pieces on the flat as per the pattern instructions, you can save fabric usage. This pattern uses lots of fabric as it has a long full skirt that crosses over at the front. So, this is definitely a good way to go.

As the front and back of this fabric are very similar I recommend marking the back of your pieces to make sure you know which way round the go when you get to the construction.

 

Construction:

The instructions are great and very simple to follow, I would add in that before you slip stitch the lining I suggest you trim and grade the seam allowances to prevent it becoming too bulky, especially in the corners.