60's style Peony Dress
It's the launch day today for Fabric Godmother's first sewing pattern, the Peony dress.
I'm a Fabric Godmother ambassador and was lucky enough to be picked for this project and sent an advance copy of the pattern and some of this beautiful fabric to make it in.
As I suspect this pattern is going to be very popular, I thought I'd write a post about it to share my thoughts - as it's what I research when choosing a new pattern.
The Pattern
It's a dress with two length options, above the knee (a la my version) or midi length with ruffle hem.
It has elbow length sleeves with a flutter hem. It's described as 'the dress you have been missing from your wardrobe' as it's so
versatile. It's a brilliant special occasion dress made in a crepe or silk, or a more everyday dress made in a linen or babycord.
I think a lightweight denim version would be amazing for cooler weather!
It includes a couture technique to add shoulder puffs inside the sleeve heads for extra volume. I didn't include them in my finished dress - I'll explain why later on.
It fastens with a centre back invisible zip and is finished with facings.
It's described as an intermediate pattern as it includes darts and inserting a zip, but I think an ambitious beginner with a few projects already under their belt could give it a go, as the instructions are really clear.
Buy your copy of the pattern here: https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/fabric-godmother-peony-dress-pdf-intermediate/
Fit and Adjustments
It's described as not close fitting, but has darts at the bust and waist to give shaping. If you wanted to make it closer fitting you could do so very easily, but I love the fit as it's really comfortable!
I almost always have to shorten bodices as I'm 5ft2", so I made a toile of the bodice with a little length removed, but actually this made the waist sit a little too high. So I cut out the bodice with no alterations and it fit perfectly! So if you are on the taller side/long torso I'd recommend making a toile to ensure you get a good fit.
I also made no alterations to the skirt length and I love it as is.
After adding the shoulder puffs to the sleeve heads I decided to remove them again, as made in this fabric I felt the shoulders were puffy enough without them. I would definitely use this technique in the fututre, especially if the fabric was lightweight.
The Fabric
I've had my eye on the fabric for a really long time, so I was delighted when Fabric Godmother let me choose it for this!
It's a viscose linen blend, so it's got some structure but drape as well - the best of both worlds. The print is called 'Petula' and it could be my favourite ever - buy it here https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/petula-viscose-linen-multi/
The pattern made in the mini version doesn't use a huge amount of fabric - the table calls for 2.2 metres in 140cm wide. I love patterns that don't huge a massive amount of fabric!
Will you be making a Peony dress? I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of them popping up on my Instagram feed this summer!
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