5 minute read
Making the Wildwood Wrap Dress
The Wildwood Wrap Dress is a pattern I’ve wanted to make for some time, not least because I was intrigued by the novel and clever shaping features.
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The bodice is shaped with pleats at the neckline and wrap waist, along with darts at the back of the skirt, which gives the dress such a nice shape and fit.
The waist seam sits really well at a slightly high waist. I think this is very flattering fit as this is often the narrowest point on the figure. This is accentuated by the Obi wrap belt that could easily be made in a contrasting colour. You could also make the belt in a variety of colours to change the look of the dress and co-ordinate with accessories.
The Wildwood Wrap Dress
By Sew House Seven
This pattern is suitable for intermediate sewers and there are many clever details in the design of the dress such as the French seams on the shoulders and underarm seams, which means that you can roll the sleeves without exposing open seams.
I was impressed with the construction of the pockets. I have sewn for many years and the Wildwood’s pockets give perhaps the neatest finish I’ve seen on this type of pocket. They sit really well, with no gape whatsoever. For those who like generous pockets, these are a really good size!
Also I liked the way that the hem facings worked. They give a really good finish to the wrap skirt and the slightly asymmetric hem adds another effective detail to the design. The only thing to remember is that you do need to determine the length you want to make when cutting your dress pattern out. I made version A’s length, but combined this with version B’s sleeves.
Overall, I’m pleased with how this dress turned out and will definitely be making this pattern again. I’ll be interested to experiment with different fabrics to give it an alternative look.
Wildwood Wrap Dress
by Sew House Seven
More about Ramie...like Linen but without the creases
For anyone not familiar with ramie – it’s a linen-like fibre, native to China and comes from a nettle type plant. Ramie is a cellulose fibre just like rayon, it’s extremely absorbent and breathes well making it the perfect summer fabric!
As an extra bonus it’s easy to look after and like linen, it improves the more it’s washed.
Plum Washed Ramie
from Sligo by Modelo Fabrics
Although Ramie doesn’t generally shrink, I did prewash it as I prefer to do this to find out how it behaves when washed. I washed it on a cool wash and hung to dry.
For me, it’s the Ramie’s texture and stability that appealed, particularly for this Wildwood Dress. On the face of it, this is a simple wrap over dress, but there are a lot of extra details that not only make it look super special when worn, but also make for an interesting project.
After making this dress I asked the pattern’s designer, Peggy Mead, to comment on how she felt Ramie worked with the Wildwood
“I was so thrilled to see Jacqui’s beautiful Wildwood Wrap Dress in this raspberry Ramie fabric! The colour is so vibrant and gorgeous and the dress really looks beautiful on her. I remember lots of Ramie fabrics in the ’80s but haven’t really seen it around since. I always liked the look and drape of Ramie and it’s nice to see that it made such a nice Wildwood Dress.”
“I created the Wildwood Wrap Dress pattern using the draping method to create the origami-like shape of the bodice. The bodice is loose in the bust so there is very little likelihood of needing an FBA or SBA. While the skirt, however, is more fitted and as Jacqui mentioned, you will want to determine your length ahead of time as the hem facings are sewn on. Simply measure from your natural waist down to where you’d like your hem to finish and add or subtract from the skirt pattern accordingly. I always advise basting together your garment first so it’s easy to unpick if you need to make adjustments. And yes, the pockets are one of my favourite features too Jacqui!”
EDITORS NOTES
THE PATTERN:
Pattern
Sew House Seven is an independent pattern with a focus on, but not limited to, creating beautiful women’s sewing patterns that can be sewn up quickly and easily, yet appeal to sewists of all levels.
The Wildwood Wrap Dress is perfect for parties, weddings or the office and when you just feel like wearing a dress. It’s a true wrap dress, with the option to wear with a detachable obi-inspired belt. The beauty of this dress is created by the drape of the shawl collar and enhanced by the waist and shoulder pleats. The pattern comes in sizes 0-22 and 16-34.
View this pattern and others from Sew House Seven here –https://hantex.page.link/shswd
THE FABRIC:
Jacqui has used Modelo’s Sligo Collection – this mediumweight fabric has 20 beautiful colour ways to choose from. View the complete collection here – https://hantex.page.link/mfsli
