Thursday 12 May 2016

Clarissa Dress - Pattern by MCM Studio Designs

 
I'm a big fan of classic styles. Fashion trends come and go, but style is timeless. This dress was inspired by centuries old provincial French dresses. Designer Linda, from MCM Studio Designs has designed a truly stylish little number! 
 
 
 
 

The PDF pattern includes sizes 2T to 10 & is recommended for intermediate sewers. The challenging parts of the pattern include buttonholes, ruffles, placket & front feature pleats. However with detailed instructions & diagrams included in the pattern, an adventurous beginner could complete this dress.





 
The dress has long & short sleeve options. I completed the long sleeve version - which is perfect for our cooling Australian weather. The short sleeve version finishes where you see the ruffle, so even in full sun, shoulders & upper arms will be protected.
 
 

 
This dress could be made in a variety of different fabrics. I chose a floral quilters cotton for the bodice & a deep blue velour type fabric for the sleeves & skirt. It gave the dress a very luxurious feel!




 
The front of the dress has sweet feature pleats down the centre. In my version the busy floral print hid those lovely pleats, so I decided to add a front vertical ruffle & buttons.
 
 
 
 
 
The back is designed to be buttoned or snapped. Again, I can't resist choosing a lovely button!! These gold glitter shank buttons just set the blue off perfectly! I highly recommend taking the trouble to put buttonholes in, the quality that buttons bring to a garment is second to none. Practice your buttonholes first on a scrap - then your actual garment.
 
 

 
The overall silhouette this dress has is just charming. The skirt falls from the bodice in a sloping gait from the centre front & back. The skirt drops nicely and this is partially due to the 3 inch hem allowance that weighs the skirt down.   
 
 


 
I loved sewing Clarissa and I'm always on the search for unique garments & this dress I feel is one of those items. Don't let those little details that define this dress put you off. Take your time. Make it as fancy or as simple as you wish!
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to purchase the pattern or find out more information, please visit MCM Studio's website  HERE
 
 


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