As I mentioned in my introductory post about my wrap dress project, the first category of patterns is Work to Weekend. I searched for patterns that would work in a range of fabrics and for a range of occasions. Since it was my first go round with wrap dresses, I wanted to experiment with different shaping techniques, while still keeping to the classic wrap figure.

Sad admission: Ideally this post would have gone up in January, but I was hecking sick and then I thought ‘Nah, I’ll just skip it.’ But then I thought two months later that I should. So I’ve actually already finished two of the three dresses, but for the sake of this post, we’ll just pretend I haven’t yet.

Pattern Plans

For the Work to Weekend category I chose the following patterns:

Simplicity 8735

I love all the variations with this dress, but Version D is my favorite. I love the midi-length A-line, long sleeve and split cuffs. I’m particularly excited about the princess seams with different cup sizes. I’ve often had a tough time getting wraps to wrap around my bust, so I’m happy to try a pattern with a FBA already built in!

Sew Over It Eve

 

The Eve dress has become a cult classic in the sewing community. While the flutter sleeve and dipped hem dress is more popular, I really love Lisa’s black and tan version with the straighter hem and simple elbow length sleeve. I think it keeps the softness, but it’s a little more versatile. This dress requires fabric with a lot of drape and features a gathered shoulder yoke for shaping.

Vogue Easy Options 9313


Lastly, I’ve chosen this vogue pattern and I’m planning on making view B. Again I’m excited for cup sizes, but this pattern utilizes bust and waist darts for shaping. It has a waist band that closes with two hooks and bars. Instead of a facing, the bodice and skirt are finished with wide bands cut on the bias.

Fabric Plans

For my fabrics, I’m keeping to office-appropriate neutrals, but with a little flare.  I’ll be working with a foxy printed crepe, an abstract floral viscose and a stretch cotton gingham.

Honorable Mentions

I thought I’d share a couple other patterns that I loved that would also be great work to weekend wardrobe staples.

 

If the Seamwork Ruth had been released when I started this project, it would be in these plans. Alas, the patterns were bought and decisions were made. I love the contrast between the notch collar and relaxed grown-on sleeve. The balance is perfect.

Okay, so part of the reason I like the Vondel wrap dress by The Halfmoon Atelier dress is simply for the name. I love the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Additionally I’m curious to try the finishing techniques included in this pattern. I haven’t ever done a burrito yoke, and this one is beautiful.

If I had a fancy pants job I’d wear the Just Patterns Linda every single day. The inverted collar and metal belt are so chic. A little too chic for me I think, but I still love it.

I hope you enjoyed reading my nerdy plans and pattern dissection. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve already made up the Simplicity and Eve dresses, so the blog reviews will be up this week.