Stitch Samples :: Dress No. 3 from 100 Acts of Sewing

This is a modified Dress No. 3 from 100 Acts of Sewing.  The original pattern is a V-neck kaftan, with a seam running down the center front.  It also features side vents and cut-on sleeves.

Monarch English Garden Lawn designed by Rifle Paper Co. for Cotton & Steel.  This is the navy color way, but we also have it in peach and cream (plus an assortment of other cotton lawns just perfect for this dress)!

For this project, no, as I’ve made this pattern so many times already. I love the Rifle Paper lawn and knew I’d love to make an easy babydoll dress with it. However, whenever I do make a woven garment, I always do at least a wearable muslin to make sure I’m getting a fit that is comfortable.

Yes, a few! My first version was the pattern as is. I liked it enough, but knew that this basic pattern was easily modified to include some design features that I’ve been gravitating to the last year or so. You can see the changes I made on the image below:

First, I removed the front seam. Having no seam is especially handy when working with a print that you don’t want to bother trying to match up! Next, I changed the v-neck to a rounded neck using a French curve to get a nice shape. I removed most of the length, instead opting for shorter bodice pieces that I attached a gathered skirt to. Lastly, I took some strips of fabric to make ruffles for the dolman sleeves. (A good rule of thumb is to take the measurement of the sleeve hem and multiply it by 1.5. This will give the gathers a nice little ruffle that’s not too overwhelming.)

My advice if you are just beginning your garment sewing journey or continuing to build your experience and skills, is look at individual pattern pieces and see where you can make easy design modifications or changes to match your own personal style. It really adds to the fun and longevity of basic patterns!

This pattern is very beginner friendly! There are so few pieces that it’s also a very quick sew. I decided to use French seaming for the all of the finishing inside. And because I didn’t have much fabric left, I wound up using pre- made bias tape for finishing the neckline. I think the polka dots look so sweet with the butterflies!

The pattern was quick & easy, highly customizable, and the instructions were clear and concise. I also like that 100 Acts of Sewing patterns are size inclusive. Rifle Paper makes some lovely lawn that is very comfortable to wash and wear.

I really don’t have any complaints about the pattern. In regards to the fabric, I do wish it had just a smidge more drape. That’s what typically makes me choose lawn over quilting cotton for garment projects like these. Not a deal-breaker though!

Absolutely! And have already!

I had the teeniest amount of fabric leftover from this project. Which is great for mask- making! I didn’t think I’d love the matchy-matchy of this outfit, but wore it out to two appointments and got many compliments. When in doubt, just go for it!