It was 30 degrees when I sewed this dress, it was 45 degrees when I took pictures of this dress, but everything about this dress screams summer. It's effortless, and slightly bohemian. I guess here is where I should mention that this is the brand new Colfax Dress from True Bias.
Even the construction of the Colfax is effortless, the neck and arm binding also serves as decoration, the hem is faced so it doesn't require the fussy ironing of 1/4" folds, there are no fasteners or closures just a slit so you can pull it over your head. It's perfect for summer vacations or the beach (or consoling yourself when you are stuck in the hot summer city with everybody's window A/C units blowing hot air in your face).
As this is my tester version I'm not going to go over the pattern in too much detail. Suffice it to say it's a quick and satisfying sew. I did add 7" to the length. It's a rather naughty thing to do when pattern testing, but I got the vision you see above in my mind, and I just couldn't help myself. I didn't use the lengthen shorten line, because I was afraid it would be too narrow for a full stride. I extended the side seam line to get more width, then bumped down the hem line. I had to then extend the width of the hem facing.
I used Light Weight Denim from Joann. I'm not sure if that's a cop out or a sweetkm classic as I've used it so many times before (here, here, here and that's not including kids clothes!). In my defense, it comes in reasonable colors, has a decent drape, and is readily available at my local store. I think it would be fun to make a short one as a beach cover up with sheer body fabric and opaque accents. Check out Kelli's introduction to the Colfax to see how you can use different fabrics to articulate the dress details with the different views. Lots of great tester versions are rolling to #colfaxdress if you need a little more inspiration.
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There is a smoking hot coupon code and contest going on for the Colfax Dress from now until April 28th. Hustle on over to the True Bias blog for the details!
Pattern: Colfax Dress from True Bias
Fabric: Light Weight Denim from Joann Fabric
I love your version of this dress. The length is perfect! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ariane! I will definitely make another short one, but I just had to make this one happen first.
DeleteCute! I like the longer length! I was thinking the Colfax would be great as a maxi in a flowy fabric.
ReplyDeleteOoo, it would be great as a maxi. The weight/drape of fabric makes the dress look very different. Mine is pretty stiff, vs. a few testers did really flowy versions.
DeleteIt looks great on you, definitely an effortless "throw-on" kind of dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Masha, I see a few more of these in my future...
DeleteBeautiful dress! I love your other denim makes, too. I've always avoided the Joann lightweight denim because it says to line dry... Have you found that to be a problem? What happens if you put it in the dryer?
ReplyDeleteHa! I have never read the care instructions! I do not line dry, everything goes in the dryer here. I have never had a problem, but I do prewash and dry the fabric before I cut.
DeleteThanks Kristi, that's good to know! I shall give it a try. Do you find the darker wash denim to be a lint magnet? I have been curious to compare the Joann's to the Kaufman lightweight denims which are also lovely. Hmm... If you ever want to write a denim/chambray review post, I would love to see it!
DeleteThat's a great idea Erica! I think RK is better and if I ever planned ahead I would use it over the stuff from Joann. In fact I just made a dress with the RK New Castle denim and I LOVE that fabric! The Joann denim is just fine considering the price, and easy availability.
DeleteAlso, I don't think it's a lint magnet.
Gorgeous. It looks wonderful in denim. I love it this length -- and as Meg says above, I think it would look wonderful as a maxi.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emi! I'm tempted to make a maxi too...so many projects, so little time!
DeleteAdding length is genius! I'm somehow seeing this dress in another light now. Lovely finishes too at the neckline. It fits you so well!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mie! The neck finishing is effortless and thoughtful. Every detail was considered!
DeleteLove the neckline. It's a lovely frock.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The neckline construction makes a very clean finish too.
DeleteIt's great - looks like one of the comfiest dresses ever. Really pretty on you too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin! Definitely an effortless summer staple.
DeleteThis looks like a perfect dress for summer. I bet you'll get tons of use out of it.
ReplyDeleteI think I will. I love a dress + shoes outfit. So simple.
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