I’ve worn my pink a-line dress so much I made it again! It’s the same fabric, a boiled wool jersey from Truro Fabrics, in a colourway called cream. Personally I think it is more of a beige than a cream. I’m really liking the modern, minimalist vibe of this version, which is very different to the bright pink of the original.
The one thing I wasn’t pleased with in my first version was the side seam pockets which have a tendency to gape. I decided to give single welt pockets a try. These are a little on the small side but I was concerned that they’d look odd if I made them larger. I spent some time pinning little rectangles of fabric to the front of the pink dress to test out size and placement before cutting anything out. I’m very pleased with how they’ve turned out but they were a lot of work!
The back’s completely plain. Yes those are creases near the hem, I’d been wearing it all day at this point. The zip is nicely invisible but could have done with being longer. I couldn’t find a beige 24″ invisible zip online (ok I didn’t look all that hard) so settled for 22″ and it’s turned out to be not quite enough. Anyone know an online shop that does 24″ invisible zips and doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for postage?
And in other news, Winnie of Scruffy Badger Time interviewed me for her Desert Island Sewing series. You can read mine here but check out the whole series if you aren’t following it already. It’s fascinating to see which patterns people choose to be cast away with. Thanks Winnie!
Catherine Daze's Blog 
I like both of them as the cut is very nice. The pink one makes really a statement! This one you will be able to dress up with stunning accessories.
Such an elegant dress.
If that’s the only creasing after a full day’s wear, then I’d say it’s a fabulous fabric! Love the look of it on this dress, especially with the stand-up funnel style neckline. The single welts were a perfect match 🙂 Very elegant!
It’s nice! I get all my zippers from zipperstop. They have everything YKK and do large separating zippers, regular invisible ones and everything in between. Think they have their own store too (non-etsy webpage) and something on ebay..
Great dress and nicely done! BTW, thanks for the nice pix of your welt pocket construction. I’ve only done four garments with them in my life (the first was in my jr. high home economics class). As you observed, “a lot of work”. I usually steer clear but I’m inspired to make something with them now. Maybe a linen vest for summer.
I like this in the cream too. Your pocket addition is genius and a great feature on the dress.
Another triumph! I have serious dress envy with these two – did you say it was out of print?
thanks! Yes, this is a 1972 pattern so possibly even counts as vintage.
The shape of this dress is so very attractive – I love it’s minimalism. I enjoyed reading your desert island post – loved that Chado RR was on your must-have list!
Catherine, this is so simple and so elegant! I absolutely love it and I know I’ve said it before, but you have such an awesome sense of style! Loved your interview over at Winnie’s too by the way ;o)
What an amazing dress. Not boring at all. Love the cut on you and those pockets are amazing. Well Done!
I also love that you had a Chado Ralph Rucci pattern on your list.
This dress looks great! I love simple, elegant dresses, so I don’t think it’s boring at all. I really like the welt pocket placement, and that dress really wears well if that’s all the wrinkling you have after a day of wear!
This looks fabulous on you! The welt pockets are perfection!
This is just so chic! I love it in the beige colour. And your Desert Island choices are sublime. I love those Rucci dresses!
This dress looks so amazing on you. You would think the color would wash you out but it doesn’t. Their is a bit of Tilda Swinton to the look, something otherworldy to it. Congrats!
I love the simple lines of this dress and the welt pockets are a great addition.
Boring beige my patootie. It’s stunning – looks magnificent with your coloring. Nothing this perfectly made and interestingly shaped could ever be called boring.
Beige / cream. Whatever the colour it looks fab and very understated and elegant. The pocket placement is great so all that work paid off no end.
How wonderful that a 1972 pattern could look so modern. Good design is timeless. This one looks very nice on you and should be very versatile for your climate.
You have totally nailed your personal style, this kind of minimalist look really suits you. Minimalist doesn’t mean boring though, your dress looks very high end and classic, the pockets are a great addition too.
I love it in this colour! The single welt pockets look great, and are in good proportion. You can never go wrong with adding pockets imo
Not boring! It’s wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I had to track the pattern down and get it sent from the States!
Not sure I’ll carry it off as well as you, but I have to try.
This dress is really beautiful and it transmits very calm, you can always make it more … pop! adding accessories, so it is a winner in your wardrobe …. love, love the pockets!
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I like this…it’s such a great look for basic beige. Very sharp dress.
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