This is undoubtedly the summer of gingham! And my love for those teeny, pleasing checks is as strong as yours. I picked up a simple navy gingham (the proper stuff too, not the printed gingham!) from Norwich Market at just £4.50 a metre and squeezed the dress out of just 2m, making this next make my cheapest to date!
Sewing darts on the Sew Over It Shift Dress
When searching for a project for this fabric, I decided to reflect the simplicity of the fabric in the simplicity of the make. I bought the Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress pattern ages ago (from vouchers as work leaving gift!) and hadn’t tackled it. Low and behold, a fabric and pattern match from heaven was born!
As usual, my measurements spanned across sizes so I opted for a size 10 in the bust and a 12 at the hip. This was super easy to do – I drew a straight line from the waist (10) down to the hip (12) to combine sizes. Simples!
A bit of help sewing darts from the excellent instructions in Love At First Stitch
The fit without sleeves was actually superb – bang on! I made size 10 sleeves which seemed fine when first trying it on. Unfortunately, with further wear, the fit around the sleeves isn’t great. I can’t quite move fully and comfortably, and the dress rides up quite a bit when sitting or reaching up.
I’m still really keen on this pattern and will undoubtedly be making another SOI Shift Dress – possibly by making the entire thing in a size 12 and making it longer in length. I love the simplicity of both the make and the style – the whole thing comes together so speedily and the darts are simple to do and sleeves easy to set in.
It’s a great beginner pattern and I feel silly for not getting to it sooner! The instructions are nice and clear and the drawings are really helpful. Since this make I’ve also made a sleeveless Shift Top which I love – the fit is perfect! If you’re a beginner dressmaker then this is a great pattern – I would suggest lots of fittings as you go (I’ll admit I’m very bad at this!) and trying the sleeveless options first. The bodice would also be great for a hack with another skirt or trouser to create a jumpsuit.
Have you made the SOI Shift Dress?
Sew Norfolk 