I’m excited to share my latest make with you. I’ve made the ‘Elodie Wrap Dress’ by Closet Core Patterns, which I chose after a couple of trickier makes had left me looking for something nice and straightforward that would just…work! I fit the Closet Core block well so I don’t tend to need a lot of adjustments in order for their patterns to fit me well. This pattern is rated as a 2 out of 5 in terms of difficulty and if you were to do a quick Google or Instagram check, it has been done a lot, and I mean A LOT! Alongside this, Closet Core describe Elodie as being the dress that can do it all; from casual day dress, to swishy beach dress, to formal gown and even wedding dress. I was sold!
I’ve chosen to make this pattern using Jenny’s Stamp Shapes cotton, which is actually a little out of my comfort zone, as I usually tend to go for floral prints. The fabric has a lovely barely there, blush pink base with a lilac, rust and black geometric design. I don’t think my pictures really do it justice as it’s truly lovely and not something I’ve seen anywhere else. I did have an initial panic before I started, as after a bit of Instagram pattern stalking, I noticed there are a lot more of these dresses made up in floaty viscoses and satins. I was a bit worried that my cotton wouldn’t hang well and it would have too much structure for the design. Closet Core however, do recommend cotton poplins and chambrays, and as my plan was to make the short version (View A) the amount of drape would not be as big a factor. After making this dress I would definitely recommend cottons for it, although, I imagine getting a good fit around the bust and waist is more important, as it won’t simply drape against your body like a viscose or satin would.
As I mentioned before, I usually fit Closet Core Patterns well but I often need to make a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) for any tops and dresses. This dress has a little more ease in the bust and grown on sleeves, so I didn’t actually need to do a FBA. Bonus! The bust is shaped really nicely using release pleats, which I don’t think any of my other patterns have, so I really enjoyed constructing this part of the dress. There are also pleats at the back to add shape, however, when I tried the bodice on before attaching the skirt, they seemed to poof out WAY too much. It all magically sorted itself out when the skirt was attached and I’m glad I didn’t hack anything off in my state of panic!
The only alterations I chose to make were to lengthen the sleeve and shorten the skirt slightly. The pattern comes with the option of a very short dolman sleeve and a long dolman sleeve that hits at about the elbow. I wanted to make my sleeves slightly longer, and so I simply added 3cm to the short sleeve length. This is just a personal preference, but I guess personalising things a touch to your own taste is one of the great things about making your own clothes.
In case you are wondering… You can squat and lunge like a pro in this dress with no fear of your underwear showing! The bodice is also constructed in a way that (for me) keeps everything perfectly covered, with no gaping or slipping. This is a wrap dress you can wear in public safely! After my initial worries about using a cotton, I am actually really pleased that I did. It made cutting and sewing this dress an enjoyable, straightforward sew and I’m really pleased with my casual, day dress. It’s great to know the pattern has the scope to be made again and look completely different with another fabric.
Inspired to make your own version? Here's what you will need:
Pattern : Elodie Dress by Closet Core Patterns
Fabric : Stamp Shapes Cotton
[Disclosure: Maz was provided with the materials for her project free of charge and received a gift voucher in recognition of the time spent on her project.]