Monday, 3 March 2014

Tessuti Gabby Dress

The Tessuti Gabby dress was one of the first patterns I saw and fell in love with when I began sewing but at that time I was just too scared to try it. I was recently reminded of the dress and decided to give it a try. It's an A-line dress with no closures, darts, facings (Seriously, what was I afraid of?).

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I downloaded the PDF pattern and cut out a size small which equates to an Australian 10. I cut the long version and was able to fit the pattern pieces on 1.5m (width=1.4m) fabric by inserting a centre back seam rather than cutting on the fold. I made it up in a beautifully soft Tessuti Floral Rayon I bought on a lunch and fabric shopping date with the lovely Caitlan of Indie Stitches (more on than another time!). FYI, this fabric would make a gorgeous Cascade Skirt!

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I downloaded the pattern at 10 am this morning and had it cut out, fabric cut and dress sewn together by 3 o'clock. During this time I also showered, ate lunch, watched Dr Phil and other various activities. This dress was a very quick and satisfying make!

Tessuti Gabby Dress

I made the dress slightly different to the instructions:  instead of using vilene I just stay stitched the neckline, I french seamed all the seams and I turned the bias binding to the outside rather than the wrong side. On trying on the dress I realised is was quite big and also a bit too long for my liking. I took the side seams in 1/4" on either side seam and cut 1" off the hem before hemming it using up another 1.5" of the fabric.

Tessuti Gabby Dress

Even after taking the dress in it still feels super roomy. I wore it belted this evening out to dinner with Tim's family. I will definitely make this dress again but next time I will try the extra small and use the short length version.

Tessuti Gabby Dress