It is common knowledge that I love border prints. Like my brain stands up to attention when the good ones are around. Cause we know all border prints are NOT created equal.
My Idea:
Use the main piece as the skirt part. The bodice would be cut from the fence part so that it would flow into the skirt piece. I personally dislike when the border print doesn't flow so I always try to plan for that.
Here are a few photos of the cutting layout:
And because I can here are...
My Top Five Border Print Rules:
1. Overbuy the amount of fabric that you usually purchase for a garment. If a dress/shirt takes 3 yards, purchase 1.5 to 2 yards more. Why? Because it allows you extra fabric to match and play. One of my very first border print dresses, I was cheap on the fabric and this was the result.
The internet was not kind. A lesson learned and never repeated because the comments were so cruel I never wore the dress. Though I guess I really do like poppy print fabrics!
2. Find a resource that helps you with placement and how to purchase border prints. I wrote a blog post based on an old Sew News border print article.
3. Take your time. Move the pattern pieces around until you get your desired result. DON'T RUSH!
4. Use a pattern that doesn't have a lot of seams - though I have done that.
5. And TNT patterns work the best because you don't have to work out fit issues.
The Poppy Print Dress:
Using my TNT Myosotis Dress pattern meant there were no fitting challenges. Just how to manipulate the fabric to get the most pleasing result.
As I said above cutting out and using the fabric to it's best advantage is key with any border print. Here are some photos of the finished dress...
...and a video.
I finished this and wore it back in October 2024. Just getting around to blogging about it. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen it already. Just sharing a few details now.
...as always more later!
