The Perfect Summer Dress!
The Trillium Dress is an easy and quick make to add to your summer wardrobe, and the addition of the shirring (not as scary as I thought it would be) gives you an extra skill to add to your sewing arsenal. The instructions are very easy to follow, with tips on the shirring as well as an on-line tutorial on the made-by-rae website. I found this great fabric with vintage sunglasses on it and gave it a go. The first dress bottom had to be re-done when I realized I had placed the sunglass pattern off centre. This would have driven me nuts, so I had to order more fabric (sigh), and start that bit again. But once I got that right it was smooth sailing! The other point I would like to mention that I didn’t do on my second dress (not sure what happened) is that the last line of shirring should line up with your bodice piece so that it forms a line that wraps around the base of the bust and then around to your back (hopefully this makes sense). I left mine as is even though it isn’t perfect, as it isn’t that noticeable to anyone but me.
This dress has a lovely Empire waist look, which I think is lovely and comfortable, but can give it a maternity look for many body types. It is nice to wear though in the hot summer and could work for someone wanting to hide a wider hip or tummy.
The pattern has a new update with extended size range and a bodice for fuller breasts. There is also an extension pack with different sleeve options. Check out the pattern and all the options at https://www.made-by-rae.com/washi
Art & Sew 