My new sewing pattern, the Tie Belt Dress, is designed for people, like me, who have eaten too much over Christmas. The beauty of garments that have a tie belt is that you can pull them in as much or as little as is comfortable for you. So after that enormous dinner, you can let them out just a little bit to accommodate your expanded middle!
But, more to the point, we are all different shape and sizes and often the standard sizes don’t work, so this little bit of adjustment is another bonus comfort and fit factor for everyone.
My Tie Belt Dress is an A-line shape with a dipped hem which is slightly longer at the back than the front. The sleeves come to the elbow with little turn-ups that look great in a contrasting fabric. The belt is integrated into the back darts of the dress so it never slips down.
The navy and white one is made from 100% cotton men’s shirting. I’ve trimmed the check with a soft chambray on the sleeve cuffs and on one side of the belt. Both fabrics came from Fabworks Mill shop – here is a link to their cottons page. They have an amazing array of good quality shirting including some rather delicious candy coloured stripes and checks that are quite unusual.
This stunning version made and modelled by Mollie Moxie.
This is probably my easiest dress yet. It works well is most fabrics. It looks as good in denim as it does in satin or faux suede. The green/grey fabric I’ve used is a gorgeous double sided satin / suede. I love the way you can see both sides of the fabric on the belt and the sleeve turn-ups. I got it from the Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally earlier this year.
You can find the pattern here available as either an instant download or on good quality paper with coloured size lines for easy navigation. It comes with fully illustrated instructions and all the technical information about fabric quantities, sizing and layout that you will need.
Have a look at my other post for Mollie’s other makes and pattern hacks for the Tie Belt Dress. It is easily adapted into a relaxed top or a midi length dress with pockets.
