For Christmas, I received a hefty gift certificate to a new-to-me fabric shop, Loom & Stars. I immediately fell in love with the hand-dyed, hand-woven West Bengal fabric, sourced by owners (and sisters-in-law) Kristine and Manisha.
It was hard to choose, but I finally settled on three yards of their Latte Stripe Handloom Cotton Twill. The fabric is so beautiful, and it washed up and relaxed wonderfully after a quick line dry. I knew immediately it was the perfect match for my Megan Nielsen Darling Ranges dress, which is also on my #MakeNine2021 list.
I made View A in size 0 with no modifications other than leaving off the back ties. I really like the looser feel of it untied, and it will make it an easier layering piece without them. I'm already envisioning wearing it over one of my True Bias #NikkoTop or under a cozy cropped sweater with some tights.
The instructions were incredibly easy to follow, and the dress came together very quickly. I did interface the button placket, especially considering the delicate nature of the fabric. I serged all inside seams, but I'd like to experiment with French seaming this pattern in the future. The construction of the bias-bound neckline to front placket was a new technique to me, and is such a clean finish. Some thrifted vintage buttons that were just the right color completed the make.
Next time, I would do a small bust adjustment and raise the shoulder seams up by a quarter of an inch or so to bring the neckline up. I think I'd also re-draft the inseam pocket pattern so that the tops catch in the waistband to prevent sagging.
I love the prairie girl vibes I get from this dress, and the fabric makes it that much more special.