Seamworks Benning Dress (Muslin)

I experimented with a pattern company new to me. Seamworks offered the Benning Dress PDF Pattern for free, so I decided to give it a try. The pattern was straightforward to sew, requiring only a few minor fitting adjustments. For instance, I lowered the bust dart by 1 inch, a typical alteration I need to make.

I created a quick muslin using a repurposed bed sheet and followed the pattern instructions closely. The skirt tiers required sewing three rows of stitches for gathering, which I liked. The neck facing and side seam pockets turned out perfectly. Overall, I liked this pattern, but I believe a softer fabric would be more suitable.

Seamworks Benning Dress

I think a 1-1/2" round back adjustment is necessary for the final version since the dress tends to shift towards the back on the shoulders. The lengths of the skirt tiers seem more reminiscent of a nightgown, so I might consider altering them in the future.

Back View

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Love Notions Melody Dolman Shirt

I don't often wear shirts as I prefer dresses, but the Love Notions Melody Dolman Shirt piqued my interest. Sewing it was straightforward, although it took me four days due to frequent interruptions from visiting little ones. The pattern is excellent. Now, I need to sew a skirt to coordinate with it.

Love Notions Melody Dolman Shirt

Back View

Button front camp shirt

Upon examining my closet, I've realized I lack a camp-style shirt. Could you suggest suitable bottoms? Perhaps a skirt or capris? (I prefer not to wear shorts.)

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Ellie & Mac Diana Fuchsia Tiered Skirt Dress

 I'm usually not keen on solid-colored dresses because they tend to reveal bra lines and other imperfections. However, I've just finished sewing a new version of the Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered skirt dress using a Fuchsia ITY knit fabric. This time, I added short sleeves with elastic to create a playful look. I'm quite fond of the dress, but I'll reserve judgment until I wear it to decide if it's a keeper.

Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress

Elastic sleeve

Back View

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Ellie & Mac Diana Tier Skirt Tropical Floral Dress

 I had to sew up another version of the Ellie & Mac Diana Tier Skirt dress!  I had this Tropical print ITY knit fabric in my stash that begged to be sewn into a summer dress. I made the scoop neck with lined flutter sleeves and a three tier skirt.  I love how you can mix & match this pattern!

Ellie & Mac Diana Tier Skirt Dress

Scoop neck & flutter sleeves

3 tier skirt

I only lengthened the bodice by 1-1/2" since three tiers would weigh down the seam a bit.

Back View

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Blue Paisley Dress

 I just had to make another version of the Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress.  This time I made the square neckline with the runched center front making it look like a sweetheart neckline.  I also made the 3/4 length sleeve with the shirring.  I love this dress!

Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress

Shirred Sleeve

Runched neckline

Back View

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Ellie & Mac Tres Belle Wrap Maxi Dress

 I have quiet a few Border print ITY knit fabrics in my stash and really need to venture out use them.  I thought the Ellie & Mac Belle Wrap dress with the straight maxi skirt was a great choice.  I used one of the border lengths for a self fabric belt.  I really love the look and fit of this dress the only downside once I wore this was remembering that living in hot & humid Florida a maxi dress is VERY warm!

Ellie & Mac Tres Belle Wrap Dress

Back View

I hope to find more inspiration for border print fabrics.

Happy Sewing

Bonnie

Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress

The Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress caught my eye when it was released, and I finally found the time to sew it up.  I liked the idea of the square neckline and the tiered skirt.   The pattern did not disappoint and I think it may be a TNT favorite now! 

I sewed this wearable muslin version up in a jersey knit I had in my stash from Fabric Mart Fabrics.  I lengthened the bodice by 2" per the instructions to measure my side waist.  The fit length was perfect!  I made this version sleeveless with a two-tiered skirt.

I may raise the neckline in the future for my modesty choice but overall it's a great pattern!

Ellie & Mac Diana Tiered Dress

Happy Sewing

Bonnie