I am absolutely in love with this pattern and fabric…I feel like Marilyn meets the flower garden! Just what’s needed at the end of summer and a hot, muggy month.
It’s been sleeping in my stash for a year. I got the cotton calico at Holly Lobby last summer (they still carry it), and I ordered the pattern at the same time, specifically for the fabric. Now finally, what a fun dress.
The pattern is designed with a full lining – but I’m not about to line a summer calico with all this volume!
Instead, I drafted facings for the yoke, front neckband, and armholes, and assembled them into a one-piece facing.
Then I treated the facing as though it were the lining. Worked out great.
Usually I sew a size 14, but I cut a size 10 in this pattern because it is so roomy. I made only two concessions to the smaller size:
- Added 1″ at the yoke center back.
- Lowered the armhole by 1/2″.
Even the hemline (the short version) worked for me. I did add 3/8″ to the length so that I could turn a 1″ hem, rather than 5/8″. Picky picky 🙂
Check out this darling ‘obi-ish’ belt! I’ve made a couple more for other dresses, including one in a cotton knit.
Tech note: I faced one side of the belt with mid-weight interfacing, and the other side with craft 808 interfacing, both fusible. It doesn’t double up on itself at all.
Great pockets!
And here’s how it looks without the belt. Just in case someone wants a super comfy tent dress, it’s cute too.
Bye for now! Coco
Coco's Loft 
Thank you so much!
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Thanks, Carolyn. I like the skirt as well! It's the first full skirt I've done in ages, maybe since I was a teenager!
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Carole, thanks. You're right, they've gotten better and better. I check online every week or so, they add fabrics periodically. And they are always on sale! They carry some of the same fabrics as JoAnns, but at 30% off, all the time.
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Ruth, thanks so much. It is easy to wear, no hardware in sight.
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Thanks, Judi!
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Thanks, Anne. Now that you mention it, it would be pretty in a sheer floral over a solid. You're the print queen….??
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Thanks, Theresa. I'm kind of a sucker for fackings and bindings, love the challengs 🙂 Isn't the belt neat? So easy to make. Thinking of trying one in faux suede or pleather this winter. I'm chicken to try leather plus it's a bit pricey for me.
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Thanks, Catherine. I think the fabric does make a difference. The pattern called for softer stuff, but I like the volume, lots more fun!
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Thanks, Terri. I'm with you…I kind of miss the 60's short (mini!) tent dresses 🙂
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Angela, thanks!
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Many thanks, Valerie. I had to do something to complicate it!
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Thanks, Pauline!
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Beautiful dress!
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That's a really great looking dress! and I like it both with and without the belt. I love the big, oversized skirt particularly
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Darling dress. Hobby Lobby has some great fabrics every once in awhile and you scored with that find!
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Cool and summery dress – a perfect pairing of fabric and pattern. I like your facing-instead-of-lining technique.
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Beautiful fabric! I like it both ways…with or without the belt.
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I love it- the swingy shape, the shoulder yokes- very pretty! I'm not sure why you'd line it at all unless you were making a shear one?
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Oh how pretty! Great job on the facings. If I have problems with a pattern it is usually with them. Love the Obi-esque belt.
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The voluminous skirt works so well. Yours looks bigger than the envelope photo – less drapey fabric? I think it looks great!
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I have loved tent dresses since the 60's! I like all the looks you can do with this one, and what a creative way to do the facings!
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I would never have envisioned your dress from that pattern. Cute!
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Very cute. That all in one facing is a good idea.
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cute dress Coco
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