In search of the perfect A-Line.

Having invested some time in tracking down an A-line dress pattern, I settled on BURDA 7798 with a few little adjustments to get what I wanted. Firstly, this pattern is cut on the bias which gives the dress a bit of a ‘swing’, but not quite the shape I had in mind. (This was easy enough to adapt by cutting it straight). It also includes two panels for the lower front of the dress, though this is not ideal if choosing a heavily patterned or floral fabric which without some careful precision when cutting out the fabric, can make a bit of a clunky ‘join’ down the centre line of the dress. Again, this is easily fixed by cutting this piece on the fold as a single panel.
I also added some extra width to the lower front panel so that I could include a few gathers to the empire line bust. It adds a little something extra and the end result makes for a perfect, easy wearing summer dress.

                             

I have used the pattern again, shortening it to make a tunic version in a Tana lawn, as well as another dress, adding two block coloured panels under the bust and at the hem. Ultimately and with a few tweaks, I found it a pretty versatile pattern and very wearable.
            

Sounds: Radio 4

Sustenance: homemade cinnamon biscuits