The #wardrobebuilder project - Dresses with a pattern giveaway!

I think dresses are my favourite sewing project. I am constantly drawn to fabrics and patterns that I think will look fabulous as a dress. However, I don't end up wearing them very often. In fact I have made dresses that have almost, or actually, never been worn. I even swore to Rachael (my fellow sewing addict) that I would leave off them for a while, such is my addiction! For me, the challenge this month is to make dresses that I will wear, and that fill a gap in my wardrobe, rather than be guided just by what I want to create.

(Notice 'dresses not 'dress'. Taking full advantage of this month's theme to indulge).


So, I am mega-excited about this month's project and have almost too many ideas!!!! I have a lot of summery dresses in my wardrobe, but little in the way of colder weather or winter items. I'd really like to add a dress I can wear out in colder months for dinners etc to my collection (and am pretty much set on the Day Dress tbh). I also wear a lot of dresses at work, so adding some formal work wear will also be something that gets used. Finally, I do follow other sewalongs, and the #sewtogetherforsummer shirtdress challenge has caught my eye so there could be something in this category coming along this month too. I have had a look at the Vogue Patterns Cocktail Hour collection for the Eve appeal, but nothing really takes my fancy there.

This month there's also a great pattern giveaway from The Avid Seamstress, who have a great collection of beautiful patterns, with tutorials too. As I said, I've already pretty much committed myself to the Day Dress....to start with!

Dresses I really want to add to my wardrobe this year

Day Dress by The Avid Seamstress: I think this dress would look brilliant in so many different fabrics and can be quite versatile in use. I like it's simplicity and classic features.
Mesa by Seamwork: Firstly, if it's Seamwork it's quick. Secondly I think a nice geometric ponte could make this suitable for work.
Aldaia dress by Pauline Alice: Again, I think a good ponte choice would help make a good work dress - I like the v neck version so might have a play with that.
Vintage Shirt Dress or Alex Shirt Dress by Sew Over It: Yes, I am a Sew Over It addict. I can't help it. I have both of these in my stash and really should make at least one for my shirt dress challenge! I also have fabrics waiting for both so starting to feel a little guilty that I've neglected these projects.
Ansa Dress by Named Clothing: This has just been released and I love the detailing on the sleeves and waist. I'm not sure yet how this fits a wardrobe gap, or what fabric to use, but I love it.

Fabrics I'm loving right now for this project

Croft Mill have a fabulous selection of fabrics that includes basics and some more unusual finds. I've got my eye on a black crepe that was originally from the Kate Moss fashion house.
Dragonfly Fabrics have some really lovely Ponte de Roma fabrics. I'm drawn to the textured ones for some of my work projects.
The wonderful thing about dresses is that cottons work so well, and there are so many places to source interesting prints at good prices. Right now though, Liberty have 50% off their archive prints, which is too good not to at least look at, right?

This month's prize winner will be randomly selected from one of the link ups added...a beautiful pattern courtesy of The Avid Seamstress!

An InLinkz Link-up

Don't forget that some added links will also be published in next month's Sew Now column...so by adding you are also giving your permission for your image to be featured.