I’ve been eyeing up the Shelby pattern by True Bias for a long time, and I had some Rifle Paper co rayon earmarked for an Autumn version. I also wanted to make a version that I could wear on cooler Summer days leading into Autumn as I don’t have many summer dresses in bright colours with sleeves.
I bought this viscose from Sister Mintaka and I thought it would be the perfect colour for all seasons, and ideal for the Shelby pattern since it’s so soft and drapey.
In terms of pattern adjustments, I cut between sizes, grading out at the shoulders and hips and in at the waist – this was fairly easy to do with the pattern pieces and I based my adjustments on the finished garment measurements. I didn’t raise the neckline which I would normally do for this type of pattern but on reflection I think I should have raised it by 1cm and I’ll do this on my next version.
It was so surprising how quickly this came together especially with all the princess seams. I ended up marking the waist ties a little too high (I raised them anticipating my short torso but actually they would have been perfect where the original notches were). I had already overlocked the seam so to fix it in the easiest way possible I opened the seam from the right side and sewed in two loops enabling me to cross over the ties and tie them up lower. I actually really ended up loving the result so for my next version decided to do a lace up back from the beginning.
I added some daisy buttons I got from eBay and used yellow thread to complete the look. I really love this pattern, it feels so comfy but also put together and I’ve reached for this dress many times since making it. It’s also really nice that it’s loose but you can tie it tighter for a more fitted look.
Next up is a Rifle Paper co rayon version with a lace up back for Autumn!
Kate Eva 