I hope you’re all enjoying the Sew Long Summer sewalong!! I know I’ve been having a blast with it. All summer long, I’ve been crushing on and dreaming about this Cotton & Steel fabric. Originally, I had intended to sew up a Burda sunsuit with it, but I’m just not convinced I’ll ever wear it. Enter the Sewaholic Lonsdale dress, which just kinda screamed summer to me.
If you’ve never sewn an indie pattern, I highly suggest you do. The instructions are so much clearer, and fitting issues are minimal. Tasia also has a VERY easy to follow step by step sewalong posted online, so if the instructions ever do trip you up, shes got your back! You can’t go wrong, I’m tellin’ ya.
For this dress, I cut a straight 12, and it’s a pretty good fit. I could stand to take the bodice in a bit, but I fear that would make it too tight. The fabric is a cotton lawn, so there’s absolutely no stretch here. I will warn you, the Lonsdale is a fabric hog. I used a full 4 yards on this one, and that’s with some creative pattern placement. Those cute tie straps connect to the bodice, and they are LONG. Also, the bodice is fully lined, so you need 4 of those suckers. It’s part of what makes the dress so lovely, just make sure you plan for it! A non-sewing related qualm, it’s either a strapless bra or no bra for this one. I hate a strapless bra with a passion usually reserved for telemarketers, so…I felt you deserved a warning.
To sing Tasia’s praises one more time, she understands not wanting to hand stitch. Hand stitching is the worst. It takes forever. My man-sized hands are not made for it. DOWN WITH HAND STITCHING. For the waistband, you have the option of hand sewing it to the skirt, or stitching it “in the ditch”. I, of course, opted to stitch in the ditch, and it looks just fine. It’s also worth noting, this entire dress was sewn with grey thread. The base of this fabric is kind of an odd green color, and I just didn’t have a color to match. Grey thread is a bit magical, it just somehow manages to blend in with everything. It’s a beautiful thing.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what you’re all making!! Happy sewing 🙂
That fabric makes a great dress. That is a lot of fabric but the dress is beautiful.
I’m in love with this fabric, I want to make so many things with it.
It turned out so cute! I’ve always admired Sewaholic patterns for their style, but I’ve yet to try any of them. Sew News did a Robson coat sewalong and I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the instructions and details, though trench coats are needed for maybe 5 days out of the year. Someday, perhaps. I agree about strapless bras too! Horrible things that must be endured for the adorable styles of summer.
I’m actually about to start the Robson! And the Nicola, and the Davie….I’ve got sewing to do lol.
I’ve liked that fabric too. I have one Cotton & Steel voile in my stash that I just pet saying “precious, precious” but am too afraid to cut. I’ve passed on the Lonsdale because I wasn’t a fan of the twisty tie front, but wowsa, 4 yards! I don’t think I could bear it. It looks great on you and I’ve never looked that good in Joanns.
I have another Cotton & Steel that I’m really excited to use soon. Ahahaha you recognized the location!
Wow, that is a lot of fabric, but sooo worth it! I love your fabric and the dress is so well-fitting! TFS, Annette
It is!! But definitely worthwhile! Oh well thank you!!