As I was browsing for new awesome patterns to share on my Facebook page, I stumbled across this gorgeous tie dress pattern by Charlotte Kan. It was love at first site. I absolutely had to try sewing this dress! It was so casually cool, and looked absolutely perfect for Summer. Furthermore, I was excited about the possibility to try a new designer. I had never heard of Charlotte Kan before, but her name sounds couture chic – am I right? Lol. Anyway, this pattern was a must-try for me.
I LOVE IT!!! Like truly, madly, deeply do.
My first thought was to make this dress in a knit fabric, but I decided to be a good girl and follow the fabric recommendations on the pattern – and stuck with a nice, lightweight woven. I found a gorgeous linen slub fabric at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores called ‘Tobacco potting’. I went back and forth between the grey club knit and this brown – ultimately deciding that the brown would look gorgeous against a Summer tan.
The Tie Dress
pattern by: Charlotte Kan
MAKE THIS LOOK:
- Pattern –Tie Dress by Charlotte Kan (affiliate link)
- Fabric – Tobacco Potting slub knit, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores (affiliate link)
TIME NEEDED:
- 3 – 4 hours
SKILL LEVEL:
- Adventurous beginner
THOUGHTS:
I absolutely adored sewing this dress! The pattern was impeccable, and the instructions were top notch. The were two times when constructing the pattern that the instructions became confusing (simply because she was teaching me a new way to make a pocket for example), she had a link included in the tutorial to a in-depth blog post for that step. It was truly fantastic, like she had thought of and planned for all of the questions.
I love that she took a basic dolman dress, and added a level of flair that I never would have thought of. It truly is like taking the next step in basic sewing. Her pocket detail is fantastic, that might be my favorite feature.
I did sew a size up – based on the measurement chart. I like my Summer dresses super loose, and not fitting in any way. It can get HOT here in Virginia Beach, and nothing is worse than too tight clothes. Since my hips don’t lie, the last thing I wanted was for the linen to pull at my hips – so I kept it safe. I am really happy with the results.
SLIGHT PATTERN MODIFICATION:
I made one slight modification with the tie front pattern pieces. As I was looking at the photos of the other people who had sewn this pattern, I noticed that the front tie pattern pieces didn’t close as much as I would have liked in the bottom front. I wanted to make sure that the tie met in the front center, so I added a good 2″ to the angled front of the pattern piece. They do overlap a bit at the bottom because of my modification, but it is exactly what I wanted and I like it.
WHERE TO PURCHASE THIS PATTERN:
I am super excited to see what patterns Charlotte Kan comes out with next. This twist on a simple pattern silhouette makes me feel like she is a clever designer with much more to offer. You can purchase this pattern directly from Charlotte Kan HERE. I was able to locate the pattern at UpCraft Club HERE, which reduced the amount I would have had to pay based on British pound to American dollar conversion.
Either way, I feel like this pattern is well worth the money and I definitely recommend it. A great pattern for a beginner seamstress wanting to try new techniques with a polished finish.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy sewing!
Cute dress- you chose the perfect fabric!
Ha, I have that same fabric sitting on my cutting table while I decide whether it will be shorts or a skirt. Nice to see it sewn up. That dress looks like it will definitely keep you cool on the more humid days!Masha
Brown was the right choice – really suits you! Looks like the perfect dress for a hot Summer’s day.
Very fitting style for you & that Brown…………………Hotcha-cha-cha!! Lookin’ Good Mama!!!
This looks like a comfy more casual version of the Kielo Dress by Named. I’ll have to try them both out this summer.
You look great in that dress — nice work! It is a very unique and chic style in my opinion.
Love! I was wondering how did you finish your seams?