The Regatta Dress is easy to make, fun to sew and a delight to wear - a frock as suited to romping through a field of wildflowers as sitting eating oysters in a seaside bistro! The fully lined bodice has a nifty neckline threaded through with ribbons, which tie at the shoulders to create pretty straps. It buttons all the way down the back giving a bold vintage feel. The skirt is a simple gathered rectangle - with optional big patch pockets.
FIT
The dress is drafted to be fairly loose through the bust and waist to give a relaxed look. The final bodice shaping is determined by how you arrange the neckline along the ribbons. If you like a closer fit through the bust/waist its easy to take in the bodice down the side seams, or cinch in with a belt.
VARIATIONS
Adjust the skirt dimensions to create a fuller or slimmer silhouette, or try pleats instead of gathering for a neater look. Pop a net petticoat underneath for a 50's style dance dress. You can also use the skirt instructions provided with the pattern to draft your own cute button-through gathered skirt.
LEVEL
If you've already made a few simple outfits this will be a great next challenge. There are quite a few buttons and button holes - so if you're not an expert now you will be by the time you've finished!
FABRIC
Dress weight cotton, seersucker, lightweight denim, cotton shirting or African waxed cotton - this is a dress crying out to be made in a vibrant print.
You will need 2.8 metres /3 yards of fabric, at least 140cm/55" wide. This is based on an approx knee-length skirt and includes enough to self line the bodice. Alternatively use 50cm/20" of fine cotton lawn to line the bodice. (You might need 1 metre/11/4 yards if the lawn is narrow.)
HABERDASHERY
4 - 5cm/11/2 - 2" wide ribbon (not too stiff) – 2 metres/21/4yards. Or make your own ties in matching or contrasting fabric.
2.5 - 3cm/1 - 11/4" diameter buttons – x10 plus a spare!
Lightweight interfacing to reinforce the button stand – strip measuring approx 20 x 90cm/8" x 1yard
