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!
So very glad to see you're back! And with such beautiful dresses! I think I have that green dot/poppy border print in my stash -- officially afraid to use it now, although I'm glad to be aware of the potential for unintended consequences! Happy 2025--looking forward to reading more from you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back. I am an amateur sewer but I have learnt from some of your previous posts. Question - your dresses seem to be mainly summer. In the winter what do you wear over them? or do you wear thermals under them? Apologies' if it is too intrusive.
ReplyDeleteJ January - I don't wear dresses in the winter time. I'm just too cold in them especially since I no longer have a job that I'm required to dress professionally. It's why I make so many shirts, blouses and knit tops & cardigans during the fall/winter.
DeleteHow gorgeous is this! I love the video, and I love a poppy print. So glad you are enjoying sewing again. It is infectious, and I am launching into a TNT dress as we speak :)
ReplyDeletePatricia - I probably won't ever sew as much as I did back in the 2010s, but it is who I am and I can only not sew for so long!
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress. I agree about buying extra fabric for a border print, however I actually like the clever placement of fabric on the previous dress where you didn’t have enough. I love border print, and poppies! Oh be still my beating heart ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you! Though as I stated in the post, that dress scarred me and was a great learning opportunity. Honestly I'd rather have too much than too little at this point.
DeleteSuch a helpful post, thank you! I have sone border prints in my stash and needed your wise words too give me a push.
ReplyDeleteThis dress definitely deserves the border print winner’s award. And I love your advice to buy more…for any reason;-). I want to work on a few full dresses for summer and you’re inspiration for getting great results, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI love your use of border prints. I also appreciate tnt patterns because I feel once you’ve found a fit that you are/ feel comfortable , it allows your creativity to take hold in trying prints and textures.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very informative post and I will use it to tackle a border print I want to make a top out of. Both dresses are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress! Thanks to you I can now be more discerning about how a border print flows.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful fabric print and a great use of the border in that dress. Very pretty. Looks fantastic on you. And here's to TNT patterns! SO useful :)
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