This dress came about through a whole series of tear sheets I started gathering last summer. I wanted to put together color blocking and hidden pockets and create a really great casual dress for everyday wear. This is where I ended up.
This dress is sort of the equivalent of wearing a slightly over-sized classic shirt. But a lot cuter. I guess this pattern is sort of the opposite of the Fairy Tale Dress because it’s roomy and relaxed and casual, like something you could pretty much live in. Which might also be why I want one in my size, since I seem to be living in over-sized men’s shirts lately.
S has certainly enjoyed wearing her Book Report Dress lately.
You know how much I like the fun little details. In this pattern we’ve included hidden pockets located right in the front seam, so you can color block this dress (or make it in a single fabric) and never notice that the pockets are there because of their placement.
The color blocking also comes into play at the back yoke, so it shows at the front where the shoulders button with some cute little button loops. We also included two gentle pleats at the front neck for a sweet and feminine detail.
We also added our favorite really easy cuff with more of those cute button loops at the long sleeves so they can be buttoned and look more tailored but without the fuss of sewing a sleeve placket.
The dress also has a classic shirt-style pleat at the back, and of course with all these great tailored shirt details we also had to include the shirt-tail hem.
So of course you could also wear this dress as a tunic, with leggings or pants underneath like our house model is here while she works on her summer book report homework.
This dress is designed for quilting cottons, lightweight corduroy, or even stable knits. The pattern is rated two scissors in difficulty, so it’s a relatively quick and easy project to complete.
And did you notice that there are no button holes? Yeah, I thought you’d like that.