I made this dress a while ago, but like so many of my projects that end up in the cycle of wear, wash, repeat I didn’t get to take any photos and didn’t get around to blogging about it. Back when I made the Saltspring in Blue, I had been eyeing out Sewaholic’s Yaletown pattern as another great option for a breastfeeding mom who needed work clothes to be a bit more forgiving for a few months.
The pattern came together really easily and I love the stretchy waist line and no zips or buttons! I didn’t include the button closure at the front for ease of access for nursing but I also quickly realised that I would need to wear a camisole underneath.
The fabric I used was a lightweight poly cotton from the Remnant Warehouse in Sydney and although the fluttery-ness of the fabric goes well with the pattern I am disappointed that it’s not 100% cotton. I can definitely feel the difference. (Oh dear…turning into a fabric snob!). The fabric is also rather see-through so early on I realised I would need to line the dress. At least the skirt portion. My decision not to line the bodice went hand-in-hand with the always-where-a-cami idea.
With the lined skirt came in interesting dilemma of how to deal with the in-seam pockets. Does one make pockets in the outer fabric AND the lining and make sure it all lines up? Do the pockets somehow float between dress and lining? Or do you make a slit in the lining so that pockets can be tucked through the lining? I’m not sure what standard practice is in this situation but I went with the last option: split the lining for a section of the side seam, finish the edges and let the pocket poke through. This seemed like an elegant enough solution and it seems to work well for me without unnecessary bulking up of the fabric.
The pattern includes a fabric belt but the dress also looks great with a wide belt tight around the waist.
Pattern: Sewaholic’s Yaletown Dress
Fabric: Lightweight poly cotton from Remnant Warehouse in Sydney
Alterations: I lined the skirt portion and didn’t put the catch or closure on the front cross over and just prefer to wear a camisole underneath.
Do it again: If I find the right lightweight PURE cotton.
Dodgy Zebra 