Rachel's Pauline Dress

I've been wanting to make the Pauline Dress by Closet Core Patterns for so long now but had some reservations over the dropped waist style on me. However, after getting some inspiration from Instagram I knew I could make this work for me with a few changes.

The back design is what sold this pattern to me as I simply love it, it's totally unexpected when you view the dress from the front. Having seen this gorgeous yarn dyed gingham of Jenny's I had visions of playing about with the angles and creating something unique.

I graded between a number of sizes for my version, 12 bust, 14 waist and an 18 hip, adding an inch to the bodice and 4 inches to the skirt to take it below the knee was pretty perfect for what I had in mind.

This bodice pattern is quite complex to put together, there are a number of pleats and darts that are not in the usual place, along with a facing and lining it takes a while to put it together, the skirt was straightforward though.

I didn't have quite enough fabric to get elbow length sleeves but had an idea to use a square of fabric I had leftover on the bias to cut 2 lower panels and used some lace from my stash to make it look intentional, I think I got away with it!

I'm still not completely in love with the dramatic puff sleeves on me, I feel a bit like an American quarterback and might end up removing some of the volume in them, but otherwise I've really enjoyed this project, so many ginghams have a substantial poly content but this is 100% cotton, feels lovely on the skin and has enough structure to hold the shape of this pattern.

Another success and I can see me making this again in the future.

Inspired to make your own version? Here's what you'll need:

[Disclosure: Rachel 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.]