The perfect comfy lightweight denim dress - the Staple Dress and the Perfect Pattern Parcel #3!
I often admire simple, loose natural-waisted dresses at stores, and while I'm sure they're easy to make, you don't often see patterns for them, so I don't usually get a chance to sew them myself at home. So the Staple Dress pattern, with its comfy fit and elastic waist, was a perfect one to try!
Here are some inspirations. Doesn't a lightweight denim or dress-weight chambray just seem perfect for an easy early summer dress?
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1. Gap 2. J.Crew 3. Old Navy 4. Madewell (I know this one's not the same loose/elastic waist, but it's so iconic and popular and still that comfy, slightly-structured look!) |
I knew I wanted the soft, washed look of a slouchy elastic or gathered waist dress, so I pre-washed my denim. (I don't always pre-wash fabric if it's not a natural fiber or if I know I'll never machine wash it, but it helps in cases like this.)
The pattern was super simple and fun to sew! I love the French seam finish at the shoulder seams, very nice touch. PDF patterns are so great because the photo steps are so clear and easy to follow compared to a drawing in a paper pattern. April did a great job on this one!
The size I cut ended up being HUGE, so I added decorate vertical tucks on either side of the center front, and a big inward-facing tuck at the center back.
Handy pockets, too!
Hard to tell, but the fabric is actually a very lightweight denim (twill weave versus straight weave). Also worth noting the difference between chambray and denim--here is a great picture example!
Diagonal weave= Denim
Criss-cross weave= Chambray
A great easy project!
Check out Perfect Pattern Parcel #3 while it's for sale! It includes:

About Perfect Pattern Parcel:
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised almost $4,500 towards eliminating educational inequality.

Visit the other Perfect Pattern Parcel reviewers here...
Criss-cross weave= Chambray
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Source |
Check out Perfect Pattern Parcel #3 while it's for sale! It includes:

- Bombshell Swimsuit by Closet Case Files
- Jorna Tank Dress by Jenna Brand
- Staple Dress by April Rhodes
- Poppy Tunic by Make it Perfect
- Water Bottle Tote by Radiant Home Studio
- Bonus Pattern: Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #3 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern: Prefontaine Shorts for Women by Made with Moxie.
About Perfect Pattern Parcel:
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised almost $4,500 towards eliminating educational inequality.

Visit the other Perfect Pattern Parcel reviewers here...
Perfect Pattern Parcel #3 Inspiration Tour Schedule:
Friday, May 30
Sew Busy Lizzy ||
Pienkel ||
SeamstressErin
Saturday, May 31
Design By Lindsay ||
the Brodrick design studio ||
Cookin' and Craftin'
Sunday, June 1
Diary of a Chainstitcher ||
a happy stitch ||
Disaster in a Dress ||
sew Amy sew
Sunday, June 8
oonaballoona ||
A Stitching Odyssey ||
Sew Charleston
Monday, June 9
Sew Sweetness ||
True Bias ||
Ozzy Blackbeard
Tuesday, June 10
Welcome to the Mouse House ||
Sew Caroline ||
Adventures in Dressmaking
Wednesday, June 11
Peneloping ||
YoSaMi ||
sewVery
Thursday, June 12
la inglesita ||
La Pantigana ||
Sanae Ishida
Friday, June 13
Seamster Sewing Patterns ||
Paunnet
Suzannah, this looks fabulous! The Staple Dress is such an excellent pattern because it can be made into so many different style dresses. I especially love it in denim. That will be prefect all summer long, and then it will look hot with colored tights and boots come fall. (I may have to make one!)
ReplyDeleteI love your version!!! I didn't want a denim dress yesterday, but I do today!
ReplyDeleteThat turned out so cute!! And I've been trying to figure out the difference between chambray and denim for the longest time, so thanks for the explanation!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI was trying to decide what fabric to use for this pattern and now I know! It's lovely, the front tucks really make it. Funny how what initially seems like a mistake can turn into a lovely feature!
ReplyDeleteVery cute and classic. I'll bet it looks great with every single belt you own, too. Fun!
ReplyDeleteI love it! A want one too!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! Looks like you will get a lot of wear out of it, it seams like a very easy dress to throw on! Oh and thanks for explaining the difference :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! It's super summery. I love your sandals too. Could you give me the source?
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, they're from Target! http://bit.ly/1tWOpxH
ReplyDeletesuper cute dress! I love everything denim/chambray, so I'm biased :) I love your sandals too!
ReplyDelete