Every day‘s a weekend – Pattern Emporium
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_4492-1024x512.jpg)
Easy breezy summer.
That’s what it comes to mind when I think of this dress…. for now. I’m pretty sure that in a few months it will be the perfect cozy fall dress.
The new Pattern Emporium release is a great year-rounder.
Plenty options!
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_4649-1024x724.jpg)
Full disclosure: I expected this dress to not suit me at all. This style never looked good one me, my shape always made it look like a circus tent, kwim?
Why did I put my hand up to make it, then? Well… I knew that if there was anyone who could change my view on it, it would be Kate. And so she did!
The problem isn’t the style, it’s the fit. I was used with RTW ones… once you get it to fit your body, it’s a whole different story.
So I braced myself for all that gathering and made 3 dresses.
1 – Color blocked
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_1545-769x1024.jpg)
- Size 12
- tapered bodice tall minus 1”
- Midi neckline
- short sleeves
- Knee length skirt tall
- Pockets!
- Fabric: jersey pique
So cute!
2 – Simple and subdued
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_1593-769x1024.jpg)
- Size 12
- Relaxed bodice tall
- Low scoop neckline
- Short sleeves
- Midi length skirt regular
- Cotton jersey
Love the simplicity of this one. Perfect for easy days, but also for “I have a million things to do” ones. 😄
3 – Placket Hack
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_1576-769x1024.jpg)
- Size 12
- Tapered bodice tall -1”
- Midi scoop neckline
- short sleeves
- Knee length skirt tall
- Mystery knit
- Added faux placket to the front
![](https://liviality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/img_1566-2-769x1024.jpg)
So, let’s talk about this little hack! It’s such an easy thing to add to the dress and it adds an extra layer of cute, doesn’t it?
Here’s how to do it:
Prepping
- Sew your dress as per pattern, minus the bottom hem.
- Decide how wide you want the placket to be (mine is 1.5”).
- Double that amount and add seam allowance. That will be the width of your placket pattern piece. Mine was 3 1/4”.
- The length of the piece will be the length of the front of your dress plus about an inch.
Sewing
- Fold your placket piece length wise, right sides together, and stitch it forming a long tube
- Turn it right side out and give it a press.
- Find the center of your dress and align the bottom edge of the placket to the unhemmed edge of the skirt.
- Pin it in place all the way up to the neckline. You’ll have a bit extra placket on the top.
- Fold that extra bit to the inside of the neckline. I find that it give it a bit more of a realistic look that way
- Topstitch on both sides to secure it in place, add buttons, hem your dress and voilà! Cute addition to your dress is done!
Tips
- Wonder tape or wash away double sided tape is a great tool to help getting that placket to stay in place and straight when sewing!
If you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout! 😉
xxx
Livia
Hello! I’m from the PE pattern test group – new this round. Thanks for the great tip on the placket. I look forward to learning more from your blog. I host a fun sewing challenge that you might want to join each month. You def sew lots!!!
Lou Sheffer @sewmuchtodesign
Where can I find you on Instagram
Hi there!
Yay! The PE testing group is so fantastic <3
Sewing challenge sounds super fun, is it run on your blog or FB?
My Instagram is @livia.jy 😉
xxx
Hi. The sewing challenge is run through Instagram.
Details in my feed @sewmuchtodesign
The hashtag is
#MyMakesForTheMonth