Chalk + Notch Fringe Dress in Washed Twill Fabric

You guys!! You know how you sometimes get good vibes about a make mid-way through construction, but you don’t quite expect HOW MUCH you’ll love it after it’s done? This is one of those!!!

When I first received this Khaki coloured washed twill fabric from Minerva (who generously gifted it as part of the #minervamakers ), I had in mind a pair of WBM Summer Shorts for the Mister and a pair of Fibremood Benita shorts for myself. However, after some thought, I felt that the luscious drape of the fabric would be wasted on shorts (and the Mister prefers his shorts made in stiffer fabric anyway!). That’s when I suddenly remembered the Chalk + Notch Fringe Dress pattern that I had bought EONS ago (yay for pattern stash-busting!) and figured this twill would be a good match for the pattern.

Holy moly, I never expected the end result to be this good! The drape of the twill really brings out the gathers in the skirt (which is minimal at best), and the colour means that this will be a great everyday basic piece. While this fabric does not press well (something to note if you’re looking at using it for more fiddly makes like collared shirts), I’m pleased that the hem looks fairly crisp and the neckline turned out clean.

One thing I hadn’t realised at first was that this fabric is made out of 100% poly. I don’t really gravitate towards poly fabric these days as I’m trying to adopt a more sustainable fabric shopping habit, plus organic fabrics are so much more comfortable to wear, but in this case I’m glad that this fabric is overstock and at least more earth friendly. I’m also not going to complain that it requires minimal ironing out of the laundry - another gold star for this make!


Fabric Details

Main fabric: Washed Twill Fabric (H10627-Khaki)

Fabric composition: 100% Polyester

Main Fabric Width / Yardage: 59 inches (150 cm) width. I ordered 3m, and had generous remnants left over after making the dress.

Texture: Smooth and slippery with good drape! Despite the slip factor, I didn’t find it too difficult to work with, and it didn’t fray overmuch. I would say it’s a medium weight fabric, so great for dresses (to have a bit of weight in the skirt).


Pattern Details

Pattern Version: View A (button front), with view B sleeves (sleeve cuffs). Waist ties are inserted in the front dart.

Size: Size 4 in the shoulders and bust, tapering abruptly to size 10 at the waist and skirt.

Alterations: Omitted the back darts for a looser fit, as I fall slightly over the size 10 waist measurement.

Things I liked: EVERYTHING. This pattern is a winner for me - great drafting and clear instructions. I’ve already cut out another one in a rayon! I was also surprised at how much I like the skirt (I usually even out my skirt hems), but I quite like the interesting hem line and it doesn’t overwhelm my shorter frame even when wearing flats.

#minervamakes #minervamaker #washedtwill #chalkandnotch #fringedresspattern #sewist #handmadeclothes #khaki