A new Laurel

A little while ago, I was lucky enough to be picked by Minerva Crafts to try out some new stretch cotton canvas fabric. I was still riding the high of my last Laurel top and thought that it would be great to have a winter-weight dress.  

I chose a patterned fabric that had a good weight to it, with just a slight amount of stretch. It is perfect for a winter dress, or even a skirt and is better for fitted/structured items as it’s thickness means it doesn’t drape massively.

The Laurel dress is easy enough to put together, although I did need to make a few adjustments to the pattern to take into account the thickness of the fabric: namely re-adjusting the sleeve and taking in the back centre seams a bit for a slightly better fit.

I also tackled an invisible zipper for the first time using a normal zipper foot. After googling it, it seems the trick is to iron the zipper teeth flat and it worked!

For something a bit different, I bound the neckline and sleeves with a black satin ribbon. I attached it in the same way as I would binding – folding it in half over the raw edge and stitching in place – as I thought it would add a nice bit of contrast to the fabric. It was really slippery though, so Clover Wonder Clips were essential to holding it in place!  

So, without further ado, here’s my new Laurel (which you need to appreciate I’m modelling on one of our hottest days so far!!!!!)

So, pattern details;

• Pattern::: Colette Laurel
• Fabric::: Stretch Cotton Canvas, from Minerva Crafts
• Size::: 2
• Mods::: took in the back centre seam by 1/2″ on each side; lowered the armstyce and front darts by 1/2″

I’m really happy with how this has come out, I think it’s going to be great in Autumn/Winter with a pair of leggings. In retrospect, the only thing I would maybe change is taking in the skirt as it does feel a little bit pouffy!  

Sx  

Today’s sky ● glorious blue and baking hot!

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