Merchant & Mills Camber Set Dress...

 So, I planned this project almost two years ago.  Here is the original fabric order post. Here is the fabric:

This is a linen/cotton blend which should be very nice for the hot weather.  This fabric has an interesting selvage and I am thinking about applying it somehow.  Here is the selvage:

For the pattern - Merchant & Mills Camber Set:

I have made this dress twice before (Version 1 and Version 2) and love it but realize that it is a little big for me through the shoulders.  I have modified the pattern using the tutorial at Helen's Closet and removed 5/8-inch from the shoulder.  Here is the results:

Sorry for the hanger picture but the photographer is away.  This pattern has become one of my most used patterns.  I really should do a complete refit on it is a little bit big but still very comfy.  As you can seen I chickened out on used the selvage edge on the dress.  

Happy Stitching!

Camera man returned.  Here's a picture with me:

New Camber Dress...

 Since I started documenting fabric purchases I have been able to see how long it takes me to use the fabric.  You know fabric buying is a hobby all to itself and it just happens to be associated with sewing.  The fabric for this dress was purchased in November 2020.  Just a year and a half ago.  I guess that is not to bad.  The Camber Set pattern was fitted in the early days of covid and kept me busy during the long days that I stayed with my parents.  I still enjoy the dress that I made in 2020 but decided it was time to make another one because the summers are hot and the dress is cool on those hot days.  Here is the fabric:

This is a 5 ounce cotton sateen.  Here is the finished dress - 3 ways:

Here it is the dress with the Rothy's loafers.  I love these shoes and wear them all the time.  The link to the Rothy's website will give you a $20 discount if you are a new purchasing customer and I will get a $20 credit.  That a win-win for both of us.

Dress with different shoes - Okabashi Breeze Flip Flops.  These shoes are really comfortable.  I do recommend this brand.  Link is for Target.

This time I added skinny belt and keep the Okabashi flip flops.  I think I like the idea of the belt.  Not so sure that that particular belt is the right one.  I have a bit of extra fabric so I will make a tie belt and see how it does.  

Most likely I will wear the dress most of the time without the belt but I do like the look of the belt a lot.  Maybe add a long necklace.  What do you think? 

The only change that I made with the version is that I added 2-inches to the length.  I will adjust the shoulder with the next version.  I was just a bit lazy this go round and wanted something new to wear.

On to my next project, if I can find the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

The Camber Set - Dress

I am moving right along on my summer wardrobe.  The Camber Set dress is my latest.  The muslin work is here.  Here is a refresh on the pattern:

I selected a stretch chambray in indigo. 

I thought this was going to be a perfect match.  I forgot that stretch wovens can be a challenge.  Here is my first challenge:

This is a regular straight stitch at 3.5 length.  Not such a pretty look.  So, I started playing with various stretch stitches.  Here is what I ended up with:

This is a triple straight stitch.  I have my machine set at 3.5 length, knit settings, and used a 75/11 stretch needle.  I think this looks much better.  Here is some top stitching:

Here is the finished dress:

I think this is going to be a perfect hot weather dress.  It seems a little big through the shoulders but it is a very wearable dress.  I think that I need to look for a belt to give a wee bit of shaping.

I highly recommend this pattern for both the top and the dress.  It is very well drafted and well worth your money.  Here is a link to a shop in the US that carries the paper pattern - The Confident Stitch (affliliate link) and here is a link to Merchant and Mills for pdfs.  If this pattern interests you, please support our small businesses so they will still be with us when the current problems are over.

Happy Stitching!