Skip to Content

Sew Different Colourblock Dress Pattern Review

It already seems ages ago that I visited the Great British Sewing Bee Live event  – although, in reality, it’s not that may weeks! I wore my denim dress for the occasion, meeting Laura of Sew Different she kindly gifted the colourblock dress pattern.

Colourblock Dress Pattern Sew Different

During the day I had fun choosing fabrics to sew it up with, eventually settling on three linens (not a recommended fabric on the back of the pattern!). I have to admit choosing fabrics proved tricky, in the end, some lovely ladies who I met on the coach going to the event helped me, thank you ladies.

Fabric choices Colourblock Dress Pattern Sew Different

 

Last week, with a planned trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate I decided to make up the dress. The plan to wear it to the show.

My real priority for the Tuesday was to finish an article for Reloved magazine, edit images and send the images over (amidst packing!) – not selfish dressmaking.

Sew Different Colourblock Dress Review

One of the aspects of Sew Different patterns I love is the ease of making.  The dress has no zips or buttons, perfect for those of us who are slightly nervous about inserting zips into clothes. An extra bonus as this saves so much time. I made this dress in less than three hours including cutting out.

The linen fabrics sewed up beautifully – I did change methods of finishing seams part way through. Initially, I started with turn and stitch method then swapped to zigzagging the raw edges. Personally, I prefer the turn and stitch finish but for some unknown reason I stitched the dress with a 1 cm seam allowance making this a little tricky. I have no idea why the pattern clearly states 1.5cm. As a result, the neckline is a little wide, I won’t be making that mistake again!

Did you ever watch the Great British Sewing Bee? Watching this I learnt the value of understitching around the neckline. This is advised on the pattern, it makes such a difference to how flat the finished neckline lies.

I am delighted with the finished dress – the fabrics hang together well. The V point is really easy, just follow the instructions.

Colourblock Dress Pattern Review Sew Different

The only downside of using linen is that it creases so easily.

Colourblock Dress Pattern review Sew Different

Can you visualize the dress in sparkly Christmassy fabric? A big thank you to Laura for the pattern:)

Since writing this post I have made the dress a second time with the correct seam allowance – this time for my Mum. The lighter fabric is a lightweight linen, the slightly darker also feels like linen but has an almost wax finish to it. Thankfully she chose the heavier weight fabric for the central panel and the back so it hangs well.

Colourblock dress pattern review, sew different

I have to admit I have treated myself to another Sew Different pattern and more fabric as I love the patterns, an early Christmas present to myself:)

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting

Friday 2nd of March 2018

GORGEOUS! You are making me want to convert over to wearing dresses instead of skirts with these amazing dresses you make! I love how your fabric colors look together and the drape is lovely. Great job, Vicky! :) Lisa

Julie

Thursday 14th of December 2017

Vicky, it's beautiful. Creasy linen is very on trend (well.. I don't know if thats true but I think it should be) My mum always zig zagged the inside seams, it was years before I realised there were other options. I love this on you, it looks fab. Perfect with boots and a cardie in the cold weather but it'll be gorgeous in the spring / summer too.

Ginny

Sunday 10th of December 2017

Love the dress. It looks great. Hope the Sewing Bee comes back soon.

Karen

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

It looks fabulous! Love the colours and the texture of the fabric which were spot on for that dress pattern. I hope you get to wear it often and enjoy it Karen x

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.