Designed by Lisa Comfort, this 70s-inspired wrap pattern features novel shaping, with a clever combination of darts and pleats, cleverly positioned to reduce bulk around the bust and waist. The faux-wrap, V-shaped neckline is completed with a cute collar and collar stand. Lois’s long sleeves finish with cuffs, but can easily be cut shorter to suit your desired length. The dress comes with two hem lengths. Version 1 hits below the knee, and features short slits in the side seam for a little bit of extra movement and swish, while version 2 sits just above the knee.
INTERMEDIATE
1 Download the pattern at sewmag.co.uk, then print out and follow the cutting guide. Staystitch the front edge of both front bodice pieces. Mark and pin the bust darts in both front bodice pieces. Note that these are intentionally different sizes. The dart on the left side provides all the shaping for that side, whereas there is additional shaping within the pleats for the right-hand side. Pin and stitch in place. Press the darts down towards the waist.
2 With right sides up, lay the right-hand side bodice out flat. Starting at the circle closest to the waist edge, form a pleat by aligning this with the circle next to it and pin in place. Continue pinning in place all the way down to the waist. Make sure the seam lines match. Pin and stitch in place, starting at the waist edge and stopping at the circle, making sure to backstitch. Press the seam allowances towards the side seam.
3 Repeat step 2 for the next pleat, pressing the seam allowance towards the side seam. Machine tack the seam allowance of the pleats in place at the waist edge, within the 1.5cm seam allowance. With right sides together, align the shoulder seam edges of the front and back bodice pieces. Note that there is a little extra ease on the back shoulder. Pin and stitch in place. Overlock or zig zag the seam allowances together and press towards the back. Interface both collar stand pieces and one of the collar pieces. With right sides together, align the curved edge of one of the collar stand pieces with the concave curve of the interfaced collar, matching the circles.
4 Pin and stitch in place with a 1cm seam allowance. Trim the seam allowances down to half their width and press the seam allowances towards the collar stand. This will now be the top collar. Repeat from the start of step 4 for the other collar stand and uninterfaced collar pieces. This will now be the under collar.
5 On the top collar, staystitch from 3cm beyond the shoulder notch to the same point on the other side. Use a 1cm seam allowance for
