Inari Dress: Evidence that sewing has been happening.

Contrary to what my blog may communicate, I have actually been doing a lot of sewing recently. Mostly for my Cabaret Wardrobe; pieces which are just too damn cold to model at this time of the year. I will get some of those up soon, well TBH probably August at the earliest. Because… IT’S INDIE PATTERN MONTH! Yes!

Last year I made my Named Esme Cardi and won a prize. This year I am hoping to enter 3 of the 4 challenges, if not all 4!

I have to confess when I saw the first IPM challenge was Dresses, I was very *meh* about the whole thing. Unlike most sewers, I don’t wear or make dresses that much. (I’m always praying for the IPM Pants challenge.)

But then of course I had been thinking for some time – like while the rest of the internet made this pattern – about buying the Named Inari Dress. I ❤ Named patterns with a fiery passion. And the plus side of the Inari is that it also functions as a top pattern.

This fabric had been sitting in my stash for about 6 months. I bought it for about $4 from a local op-shop. I’m not sure what it is, I think it might have some wool content. But regardless, it’s warm and slightly fluffy on the inside which is perfect for a Christchurch winter.I couldn’t decide between vertical or horizontal stripes, so I did both!

The neck band is made from stretch merino sweat shirting scraps leftover from a long since worn out pair of track pants I made for my husband. The thread was on hand too, so a real righteous make this one!

I mostly find Named patterns easy to use and well laid out. Sometimes there are details missing that irk me, but this pattern is a real walk in the park. I think from cutting out the pattern pieces to finishing the last stitch, it might have taken me 2 hours, certainly no more than 3! I cut a straight 42 after reading that some people had found it a bit small in the hip area. The only changes I made were to add about 5cm to the length and make the sleeves 3/4 for winter, perfect for hiding merino under layers.

My only gripe is that on the side splits with a 1cm seam allowance it’s pretty hard to get a really nice finish without an overlocker. Not so much an issue in this fabric, but if I was sewing something that really frayed I’d want to be able to turn it under twice.

Insomuch as I don’t wear dresses much, I just love this dress. Great colour and big and snuggly. Basically it’s a nightie I can wear during the day which is always my goal. #secretpyjamasforthewin

I’m very excited to be participating in Indie Pattern Month for a second time. And I am hoping to participate in at least 3, if not all 4 of the challenges.

Outfit deets:

• Vintage necklaces: long beads –  a gift from my Dad & Stepmother, geometric – purchased from a Melbourne vintage store
• Bracelet: a gift from my late Grandpa
• Boots: bought over 10 years ago, and chopped from long to ankle length by me (I just folded the top over and glue gunned it down)
• Black merino tights: Made in NZ, from Farmers