Sunday 16 June 2013

Nautical Jersey Dress


Yes, I admit it. I have run out of names for my nautical inspired creations. However I have not run out of inspiration for more nautical garments, so that's fine. I made this dress a few weeks ago, before a weekend away in Madrid. Madrid can get HOT and I realised I had nowt to wear during such temperatures that was pregnancy-friendly so a quick project sewing project was required. (Check out the pic above, that's a portrait of my grandmother painted by my grandfather in the 60's. She doesn't look that into my creation does she?!) 


So first we need to talk about the epic fabric. I'm insanely lucky to be able to say that it was a gift from the phenomenally lovely Winnie from Scruffy Badger Time. She is such a sweetie. It's a really lovely drapey jersey with a large elastane content, making it super comfy to wear. I still have sufficient fabric left to make an adult's top or a couple of toddler/child garments, whichever I get round to first. 

The pattern is yet another interpretation of my own batwing top pattern. Following on the success of a T-shirt version of this originally long-sleeved design that made for my best mate, I then simply extended the pattern down into an A-line dress shape. The sleeve bands/cuffs are made from a contrast scrap of navy and white striped jersey of a similar weight left over from my maternity stripes top. This dress was constructed using an overlocker for all seams, plus my usual machine with a three-strep zigzag stitch to hem it. This dress actually took longer to cut out than to construct, got to love that ratio when you're tight on time. 


Look! It's me and my mate Anna (who lives in Madrid) with our bumps! Jersey-based success! This may be the most comfortable garment I have ever made, and certainly the most comfortable maternity garment I own. I wore it two days straight in Madrid and it even saw a bit of use back in UK before the sun decided to piss off again and Summer was replaced with clouds and rain. I managed to get ice cream down the front though, which I see as a victory. 


If I had to split hairs and find a flaw with this creation, I'd say that I made the sleeve bands/cuffs a little too loose. If I could be arsed to unpick, recut and reattach them then the gathered effect of the sleeves would be a bit more apparent, however I can't so it is what it is. As with all successful and speedy creations, I'm now tempted ti make a whole heap more using any pieces of similar weight jersey in my stash. However the UK weather has shown that, due to the fact that I have literally only worn this once since returning from Madrid, making a pile more of these dresses would probably be a waste of fabric. Still, I am confident that it'll see post-pregnancy use too, possibly with a bit of skimming in at the side seams at some point (although maybe not!).

19 comments:

Catherine said...

Lovely dress...and you are looking fantastic! I spent yesterday watching small children playing football in the rain, wishing I had worn my thick winter coat not a summer one... So I know what you mean about summer dresses .... All the lovely summer shirts I had planned have not be made :(

Mel said...

I really love this dress, the style & the fabric. Where did you get the original pattern from? Did you make it?

johanna@projects by me said...

The dress looks lovely (fantastic fabric!)and comfy, just as it should be when you have a bump! :)

I think the sleeve bands look fine.
I love sewing with jersey fabrics too and I have plans for at least three jersey dresses right now. I'm very inspired by this brand at the mmoment:
http://www.houseoflola.se

Kathryn said...

This is lovely and it looks super comfy! Hopefully our summer will come back so you get more wear out of it. I've got a Maria Denmark kimono tee cut out & ready to sew and you've made me think, if it's successful, I could extend the pattern into a dress -thanks for the inspiration!

Cecili said...

What a cool and gorgeous dress, you look adorable in it! Love the pic with your expecting friend too :)

Alyssa said...

That is indeed a yummy fabric. Keep on keeping it stylish maternity style!

vintagerockchick said...

Dress looks great, I love the fabric. In fact, I think I'm going to have a go at making a batwing top, although maybe not a clingy dress as I don't have the excuse of a 'baby bump' -mine is just a 'belly bump'

Hazel_Myope said...

I know what you mean about the British weather, it's almost the middle of the year and I'm still having to wear my wool coat. At least you got to go somewhere sunny for a bit.

For me July/August is the time to start autumn sewing. I'll be missing all the summer dresses. :(

Helen said...

This looks great! Would it not work with leggings/jeggings? Or do you think it would ride up too much?

Love how your husband is shamelessly and happily toting your floral handbag! What a gent! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, just a wonderful dress! I actually didn't realize it was 'nautical' inspired till I saw a fabric close-up. The beauty of it is that from a distance, it looks like polka dots!

Jen said...

Super cute! I'm currently making a few maternity dresses from jersey because it got warm here in the PNW and all of my below-the-belly trousers and shorts have developed a nasty habit of sliding down. Apparently I'm carrying much lower this time around. I'm not sure how much use mine will get, since we, too, have returned to cooler temps. Since I like the fabrics, I've found a few patterns that are non-maternity (like yours) but are easily worn while pregnant. Love the pic of you and your friend! You both look lovely and happy.

Anonymous said...

I love the portrait of your gram-- what a lovely heirloom! The dress looks great!

Len said...

I don't think I shall ever tire of your nautical creations. Such a good style.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I've been loving nautical styles this summer and your dress is adorable! Super cute, you did an awesome job! :-)

Scruffybadger said...

Coooo!! I'm chuffed to bits you've used it, and could have guessed you'd make something so much cooler than I could even imagine! You look gorgeous and the dress shows off your growing gorgeousness !! And it's got holiday memories too! Bring in the uk sun so you can't get a bit more use out of it xx

110 Creations said...

I've never thought of using a 3 step zig-zag on a hem until I read this post. I tried it on a super stretchy ponte knit and it was AMAZING! Thank you for tuning me into this technique!

Craft Sanctuary said...

I'm loving this dress! It looks like a perfect comfortable-yet-presentable dress for work.
ps I love the dual baby bump photo! Too cute!

liza jane said...

You look so good!! What a cute little baby bump!

frk.bustad said...

That's a nice bump you've got going there... It does suit the dress!

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