I’ve really had my eye on all those trendy vintage-inspired button-front dresses that have been popping up from so many great RTW brands I admire (hello Reformation & Christy Dawn). When Fibers to Fabrics contacted me about a collaboration, I immediately knew that was the look I wanted to go for.
I was so excited when Fibers to Fabrics contacted me not only because I’ve been a fan ever since I discovered them, but their company completely falls in line with my values. If you’ve been following me for a while, you will know that I rarely buy current retail fabrics. I am regularly shopping my stash which mostly consists of second hand, vintage, and deadstock fabrics. Many of us sew because we don’t want to contribute to the negative effects that fast fashion has on our environment. I believe that as sewists we also have a responsibility to think about where our fabric is coming from.
Fibers to Fabrics supply is all hand woven or hand printed ethically in India. And I have to say it shows. The fiber quality is amazing and the colors are brilliant. Follow them on instagram to see some of their fabrics being printed in action!
This print was immediately one of my favorites when I was browsing their site. I was tempted by the navy color way but decided on the green because I have much less of it in my wardrobe. It also comes in Maroon as well. I was so surprised at the quality when this fabric arrived! I expected the hand to be more like a wax print or broadcloth but its much more similar to a lawn or voille. So drapey and so soft! Will definitely be looking to them in the future when I need unique floral prints or ikats.
I was debating and debating about what pattern to use for this fabric. I thought about V9253 but didn’t quite have enough (most of their fabrics are narrow – keep that in mind when ordering). Then an instagram pal suggested the Jessica Dress by Mimi G and I thought…. duh! It’s perfect. (If that was you… thanks a mil!) Not to mention this pattern is FREE!
This dress ticks all my vintage inspired, meant for florals, light and breezy, great for hot weather boxes. I did make a few changes to make it my own. I copied Emmanuelle (@zoubizoubisou) and cut 4 straps instead of 2 to do the tie shoulder detail. I’m not a huge fan of sweetheart necklines and I could tell I wasn’t going to love this one so I made the front more a slightly curved V neckline. I did this by drawing a line from the top of the bust seam to just above the second button (cutting out the first button) and giving it the slightest curve. I think this neckline is much more flattering on me. Lastly – now don’t get mad y’all – I narrowed the pockets to 6” wide. I’m sorry! Yes they are big and magical but they were just too big and in this lightweight fabric they were puffing out too much. Lastly, this fabric was so light I decided to fully line the bodice instead of doing the facing. I also felt that this was not only a more structurally sound option but more comfortable and clean looking on the inside as well.
As far as fit goes, I had to make a few changes there as well. I cut a size XS based on my waist measurement but should have graded to an XXS in the bust because I ended up having to take about 2” out of the top of the side seams & side back seams. I also shallowed out the bust curve (small boob probs) by about 1/4”. Then of course I had to take 2” off the hem.
I can’t not mention my amazing buttons from Arrow Mountain. I can’t get enough of their wooden buttons (see them in action on my Gerard Coat) and like to buy from them when I need something special for a project. I figured I’m using this special handmade fabric, why not get some nice handmade buttons to go with it!? The little scalloped flowers matched the print perfectly and I just love them so!
See the dress in action on you tube:
Pattern: Jessica Dress by Mimi G
Size Sewn: XS
Fabric: Fibers to Fabric hand printed cotton
Notions: Arrow Mountain wooden buttons
Difficulty: Easy!
Adjustments: Took in bust, Added tie straps, narrowed pockets, adjusted neckline
Finishes: Serged seams, fully lined bust
Time: 3 hours
Sew it again? Yes! I love this dress.
Needless to say this dress has been on heavy rotation since I finished it. It is perfect for our ridiculously hot weather and the wacky print hides all my bbq sauce & tea splatters 😉
** Most of this fabric was provided to me by Fibers to Fabric, all opinions are my own.
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