From ROBERTS | WOOD KiT:
The Elysia bow patchwork dress is a hyper-romantic design featuring clever pattern-cutting that creates generous volume in the skirt and sleeves of the dress, without any need for gathers. The dress features a beautiful ‘bow’ patchwork design that comes together as the patchwork rows are assembled. Whilst romantic, the design is simultaneously clean and elevated.
Design & Construction Techniques: The basis of the construction is actually very simple - to assemble the patchwork in rows, and join the rows together. The project is broken down into sections, so you can complete the project in parts if you wish (e.g the assembly of the body, sleeves and skirt can be done in separate sessions.) The finishes include: binding (neckline and sleeves) a folded button stand, a narrow turned hem and buttons/button holes. This pattern has been specifically developed to make use of smaller remnants and offcuts of fabric which you might have left over from other sewing projects, or possibly from other unused textiles or clothing.
Recommended Fabrics: The design will work best with lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk. You could cut the fabric pieces either from 3 fabrics as suggested, or use more than three different fabrics or just one single fabric, for different effects. If you are using a monochrome colour palette, then different textured fabrics can be especially effective to contrast the different patches and bring out the repeating bow design. Examples could include thrifted pre-loved linens or embroidered cloth remnants. If you want to go for a more dramatic structured look to the high-volume skirt, a tip would be to cut some of the patches in the last couple of rows (row 3 and 4 of the skirt) out of a stiff cotton organdie.
Sizing: UK 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28
Sizing & Fit Notes: The dress features a high waistline, which is loose fitting, and a very voluminous skirt which increases dramatically in volume with each row of patchwork. The sleeves have a subtle ‘puffed’ effect without any fussy gathering. The dress fastens at the centre front with 5 buttons down to the waist. The length hits around knee-length, and the instructions for this project also include a section on how to shorten or lengthen the dress pattern by a few centimetres, with some simple pattern amendment tips
Please see garment measurements listed to help you choose the right size. (For additional fit information on bust ease and shoulder to shoulder measurements - see here)