Monochrome tartan handcherchief hem dress

ooobop monochrome tartan handkerchief hem dress

There was a time when I’d have not been quite so descriptive about a dress. I’d have said, ‘you know, that black and white one’!

But it’s got more complicated these days. I’m more invested. And more proud. And more hell-bent on everything I make being as considered and as much ‘me’ as possible. So every detail counts!

ooobop monochrome tartan dress side view

This self-drafted style is the same as the last one I made in a striped crinkle cotton linen gauze and I knew it would work so much more interestingly with a tartan because of the drama of the drape at the sides.

It’s so satisfying to use a pattern that you know works and fits. Especially when time is so precious right now. Though I’ve been a bit naughty by not transferring my notes to my digital pattern yet – I just used the last scruffy print-out with the adjustments already made.

pattern pieces with handwritten notes

Note to self: make those bloody changes to the digital version before you loose/damage the paper pattern and you’re left wondering why the third version fits so badly!

It’s so true what they say about keeping notes on or with your pattern pieces. However marvellous you think your memory is you will undoubtedly forget the changes you made last time!

The double French darts played an important part in the design – they allowed the checks to travel undisturbed down the front bodice through the front skirt.

And with all the action at the sides of the dress the mismatched checks look more intentional than ever!

But behold the joy of invisible zip wins when the check matches either side!

back view of the dress

Mitred corners on the hem were once again an important decision as the underside of the skirt shows mostly at the sides. They eliminate the bulk of the overlay and look so bloody neat that I want everyone to see them!

mitred corners of the hem

The fabric is not really thirty-something degree appropriate (yes, you read that right, 34° in the UK yesterday!). It’s a polyester viscose twill from one of the shops in the Goldhawk Road but I chose it for the drape and the checks with more of an autumnal or winter vibe in mind – layered with a jacket and worn with boots and tights. That said, I don’t know that I can wait that long to wear it again, so I might accessorise it further with a sunhat and a fan, if these tropical temps keep on coming!

ooobop monochrome tartan dress

Sewing has definitely slowed due to aforementioned sunshine. Not least of all because it’s such a lovely distraction and makes me want to be out in it, but also because it’s so go dammed hot in my house and it’s impossible to focus. The need for air con is nigh! How are you all coping?

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