Made by a Fabricista: Diane's Border Print Wrap Dress
Border prints can be scary for sewers because we never know what to make with them aside from the typical dirndl skirt with the border at the hem. When I saw this black and magenta ogee print with hot pink floral border I knew I wouldn't use it as a border on a skirt, but I would put it on the neckline....just like my mom did.
I used new McCall’s pattern 7119, view C, a maxi wrap dress with short sleeves. I chose it in part because it has a neckband with a shape that would fit within the width of the border but also because a wrap dress is really comfortable.
It can be difficult to determine how much fabric is needed on a border print so a little extra is always a good idea. I ordered 4 yards and used all of the border print (down to 2”!) primarily because the waist ties are very long. However, I have plenty of black fabric left over to make another small project.
The dress went together quickly and the instructions were well written. I chopped the maxi length to a midi length because making the dress go all the way to the floor would've looked heavy. This pattern is a great choice for a beginning/intermediate sewist and certainly something I will make again.
This is my first dress of the season and I'm looking forward to making it again. Next time I'll make the sleeveless version because I know some hot weather is on the way.
Do you have any summer dress patterns on your cutting table? I'd love to know what you're making.
Happy Sewing!
Diane - Gatorbunnysews
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Posted on April 14 2015
What a lovely dress – and the fit is divine! A great way to use a border print, and you are right – so nice to think of an option besides the usual skirt.
Your new dress looks beautiful!!!!
Do you any tips to avoid gaposis which is my main issue with wrap dresses?
Thanks so much for your post.
Lovely dress that looks spectacular on you. I saw this fabric and wondered how best to use it – now I know. Very well done!
Lovely.
Beautiful dress! Great use of the border fabric!
Very nice!!!! You look great. Thanks for sharing your childhood memories of your mom sewing and shopping at the fabric store. Those were some good times for me too!
I still love feeling fabric before I even look at the possibilities for sewing projects. Love this dress on you and it's a perfect partner of fabric and pattern.