Orchards dress

I can’t remember when I decided to make this dress or that I would use this fabric for it, but it feels like it’s been in the planning for quite some time. Having afternoon tea to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in August seemed like the perfect occasion to wear it, so I added it to my list of things to sew during July (I never like to rush these things!)

I really liked the Orchards dress when it was first released, but didn’t buy it as I’m not big on sleeveless garments at the moment. However, as soon as I saw versions popping up of THAT SLEEVE when the expansion pack was being tested, I was completely sold – I bought both patterns as soon as it was released and had them printed immediately!

The New Craft House stock some absolutely stunning deadstock fabrics, but they often have limited meterage and you have to be quick off the mark to secure the goods when they drop a new range. Luckily, there was plenty of this particular fabric – I didn’t buy it straight away, but I couldn’t resist the beautiful marigold hue for long. It’s so rich and saturated and the linen is the perfect weight for floaty dresses and nice crisp details, like those pin tucks!

I really enjoyed making the dress and I was very impressed with both instruction booklets by Vivian Shao Chen. The level of detail and explanation was great and the illustrations were excellent. I gave myself plenty of time to make the dress and I enjoyed sewing for a couple of hours each evening over the course of a few days. The pin tucks were time consuming, but I really enjoyed the precision of marking them out and carefully stitching all 70 of them! The texture they create is beautiful and I’d definitely like to try another pattern that features pin tucks one day.

I made my dress in the size 2 which best suited my bust measurement and I love the fit. It has exactly the right amount of ease in the bodice and sleeves to be comfortable but not too voluminous and the skirt has just the right amount of width and swish. If I made it again I would possibly add one or two inches of length at the hem to cover up my hockey player’s knees, but I wouldn’t make any other changes!

There are two other sleeve designs included in the expansion pack and a top variation as well, so it’s definitely a pattern I will come back to, particularly because I’m so pleased with the fit. There is also an option for a longer skirt length with a ruffle – you really do get good value for money with this pattern!

I felt absolutely amazing wearing my dress to celebrate our special milestone, but I don’t think it necessarily falls into the ‘special occasion’ dress category, so I’m confident I will get a lot of wear out of it. It’s definitely one of my favourite things I have ever made and I will always think of our wedding anniversary whenever I wear it!