As December is just round the corner, party season is almost upon us which only means one thing…..which Christmas party dress can we sew in time! Here is my pick of the top five dress patterns which would be perfect for that sparkly festive event!
1. The Estelle Dress from Sew Over It – this is designed for knit fabrics so is very comfortable to wear and dance in! It features a tie detail around the waist which is all part of the bodice (not a separate piece) and so despite the odd-looking pattern piece, its actually really straight forward to sew. Other design details include a three quarter or full-length sleeve and a version with or without a side split. Depending on your fabric choice, this dress could be fairly casual or completely stunning in a stretch velvet or sparkly knit material.
2. The Sophia Dress from By Hand London – I’ve had this pattern for years and really love the silhouette. It comes in two versions, a more fitted pencil skirt style or a full, multi-panel skirt perfect for twirling on the dance floor. My favourite feature of this dress is the collar and neckline. It’s a lovely V shape with slightly cut out armholes and no sleeves. It can be made with a variety of fabrics – I used a beautiful green brocade for mine but it also looks great in cottons, silks, wool tweeds or crepe.
3. The Night and Day dress by Gertie at Charm Patterns – this is one for you if you love a vintage style. It’s a really versatile pattern with lots of different options (72 in fact according to the pattern details!!) but my favourite is the round neckline and trumpet style skirt. I haven’t made this one as yet but its definitely on my ‘to-sew’ list. It can be sewn in sateen, wools, flannels and cottons. I find that Gertie’s patterns are always excellent; really well drafted and the instructions are first class. She is fond of vintage, couture style sewing so you are guaranteed to pick up some new skills or techniques along the way. I don’t think this would be a quick sew, but it would definitely worth the time and effort you put in to be bell of the vintage ball!
4. The Pauline dress by Closet Core Patterns – this is a very contemporary style dress with lots of nice details. It can be made as a short or tiered skirt and features puff sleeves, a square neckline and a large opening at the back which ties at the nape of the neck. Recommended fabrics are light to medium weight wovens like chambray, broadcloth, seersucker. This pattern can be lined or unlined and I think a lined, tiered skirt version with long sleeves would be perfect for a winter party!
5. The Etta dress by Tilly & The Buttons – this pattern is a classic sheath dress. It has shaping at the bust, waist and shoulders and a gorgeous V shaped back neckline. You can choose between cap sleeves or three-quarter length and make it in medium weight, non-drapey fabrics. The perfect chic and elegant dress to ensure you feel amazing. This pattern also has an online class to support you through the construction which is great.
There are literally hundreds of beautiful dress patterns out there, so it was hard to narrow it down to five. Have you chosen a pattern to sew for your Christmas party this year? Let me know in the comments down below.
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