Pairing a perfect fabric and pattern combination is always my aim when creating my me-made wardrobe. When Harriet sent me a metre and half of cotton double gauze, I was immediately thinking of a summer dress that I could wear on sunny beach or garden days.
According to Harriet's helpful website notes on Cotton gauze; it's a "lightweight, soft fabric that is perfect for sewing loose fitted unstructured dresses and blouses. It's open weave makes it perfect for wearing in the warmer months." Apparently it's breathability is all in the construction; "Double gauze is two layers of very thin gauze fabrics that have been basted together which forms a subtle grid over the entire fabric." Thanks Harriet!
I used the Rico-design double gauze in pink, olive and blue splashes on a pale pink background, which reminded me of Nani Iro double gauze but better value and much wider! Perfect! It's soft and floaty but useful to note to treat raw edges gently (I used French seams).
So which pattern to choose? I've made the Grainline Studio Hadley top three times (and also previously blogged about it here). With its gorgeous sweetheart low neckline, top stitching detail and swingy shape, I knew it could be a perfect dress hack. In a simple hack, I extended the hem length of the bodice by 15 inches to make a midi-length dress. I ditched the facing in favour of Atelier brunette bias binding - just because- which I had made myself but Harriet does happily stock it, alongside a fun rainbow Handmade label.
As well as loving this pretty fabric, I would recommend the Hadley pattern for its versatility with different necklines and sleeve lengths. This dress hack makes it an even more useful pattern in my tried and tested box. I could easily see myself in more of these summer dresses in pretty cotton lawns or viscose, as well as cotton gauze or even linen. So many options!
The pattern is currently available to buy at Sew Me Sunshine, plus a range of other cotton gauze fabrics from Harriet's treasure trove, ready for your summer me-made wardrobe.
I hope you feel inspired to sew with cotton gauze. To UK readers, here's hoping for a bright and sunny summer. If not, we've always got Sew Me Sunshine fabric to cheer us up! Yay!
Happy sewing!
Ella ✂️ (Find me on Instagram @Sewistella)
I was provided this fabric free of charge in exchange I wrote this blog post. I chose the fabric, and chose what pattern to use.
Love this hack and about to try it myself. Did you literally just extend the bottom of the bodice 15 inches or did you insert those 15 inches where the pattern suggests lengthening/shortening? If the former, I’m assuming you followed the flair of the bodice? Any insight you have would be much appreciated. Thank you!