I’ve kept shtum on here until now, but I’ve recently been working on my first sewing pattern for release (eek!) which I submitted to the Monthly Stitch’s Project Indie competition. Me and my design were profiled on the Monthly Stitch this week – you can view the profile here. Make sure to also check out the other submitted designs by Helena and Lindsay. The winner will be selected based on the combined score from a panel review & a public vote – and you can VOTE NOW! If you like the pattern any votes would be greatly appreciated as the prize is something very valuable – the time & expertise of people who really know their stuff in relation to running an indie pattern company, branding, and pattern testing.
My pattern – the Lou Lou Dress – is a short A-line dress with a twist. The dress is fully lined with a decorative band across the hem of the lining which can be made in a different fabric – perfect for a small fragment of a precious fabric. The dress is French seamed for neat insides and suitable for transparent or delicate fabrics. The dress has a very slightly dipped (modesty protecting) hem at the back.
The dress has two variations. Version B features a collar and a small pleat on either side of the front neckline which creates additional fullness in the dress for a trapeze effect.
The Lou Lou Dress has been graded and digitised but is yet to go through pattern testing. If you would be interested in being a pattern tester for the Lou Lou dress (and/or future patterns) please sign-up using this pattern testing form. If you have any feedback on the dress do let me know.
For info, the dress is named after Louise Brooks’ character in the Pabst film Pandora’s Box. Louise Brooks is one of my icons because she was such a talented actor, and also because she was uncompromising. It meant that she didn’t ‘fit in’ with the studio system in Hollywood at the time and as a result didn’t have the film career her talent deserved. I have a massive Pandora’s Box poster in my living room with ‘Lou Lou’ written in a huge font which may have been a big subconscious influence on the naming of the pattern.
Photos of Versions A and B of the dress are below.
Version A:
The main fabric is a patterned polyester with a bow design. The dress is lined using the same fabric with the decorative hem in a solid colour.
Version B:
The main fabric is a gorgeous silky polyester purchased in Paris with a floral design. The collar and decorative hem are made in a spotty lace.
