Orchard Top & Dress by Helen's Closet

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What can I say - it's a free pattern so I went for it.  I made the View D version.  Initially I was a bit hesitant because of the spaghetti straps (need the right bra) and I wasn't sure if it would hang too low on my chest (don't want to show any cleavage), but I was pleasantly surprised.

 

View D

I've been waiting on a strapless bra order to come, but since it looks like it's not coming any time soon, I decided to improvise and tuck my bra straps in so you can's see them just to get some pictures in this cute little dress.  

How I Did It

I wanted to get the optional strap hardware so I could make the straps adjustable, but I could not find anything at my local fabric store. To my surprise, the fit is just about perfect (need to add a smidge more width in the chest area) as is the strap length.  I did not need to make the straps adjustable 😁.

  • Fabric

    • My fabric has been in my stash somewhere around 10 - 15 years.  It is some kind of polyester or rayon blend I think.  I love the colors and they remind me of both summer and fall - the colors are why the fabric spoke to me.  I am really trying hard to use fabric in my ever expanding stash.

  • Pattern Adjustments

    • Blended between an 18 and 24ish from the armhole down to the hemline.  I mistakenly printed an 18 and 20 so had to add 2" at the side seam.
    • I shortened the length 3".
    • I do want to add a smidge more width in the chest area just for a teeny tiny bit of wiggle room.
    • I may take about 1/4" off the length of the strap.  At least one shoulder strap fell down a couple times.  I want to wear the dress and see how it does before I make this adjustment.

  • Some Construction Pictures

















  • Some Finished Pictures























Conclusion

I was pleasantly surprised with how this dress fit in the chest area no cleavage at all and the strap length is good.  I am almost tempted to make another version but I am not sure I will get to wear it before it gets too cold.  I am in love with this dress - so simple and chic.

The only tedious part was the spaghetti straps.  I will definitely be making this again - more than likely next summer.

What's Next

Have already started sewing the Cashmerette Harrison Shirt and have their Ames Jeans cut out and ready to sew.

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