Pattern : Simplicity 8910
Fabric: Minerva Exclusive Kaleidoscope Skies Brushed Cotton Flannel POD
When I first chose this fabric for my latest ambassador make, my plan was simple - a pair of cosy PJs. I’ve used this base cloth before and absolutely love how warm, soft, and snuggly it is. It’s one of those fabrics that just feels like a hug! But as often happens with sewing plans, inspiration struck when I spotted that @Sue Sewing had made the most gorgeous dress using the same base cloth and that was it, my fabric didn’t want to be PJs anymore, it wanted to be a cosy winter dress!
I’m so glad I changed direction. The fabric has such a lovely weight and texture that it works beautifully as a dress. It’s warm enough for winter but still has a nice drape, and I can easily layer it with tights and boots for an effortlessly comfortable (and stylish!) look.
Pattern: I’ve had this pattern in my stash for quite a while, but I could never quite decide whether it was really ‘me’. You know how some patterns sit there quietly waiting for the right fabric (and the right mood)? That was definitely the case with this one.
The dress has so many lovely details — the darted sleeves, the dropped back waist, the fitted bodice, the deep bound pockets and the softly pleated skirt. All those little touches give it a timeless, feminine feel without being too fussy. So, after a bit of deliberation, I decided to go for it!
Fabric: As I mentioned earlier, I’ve used this fabric before and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s made from 100% cotton fibres and has a moderate structure, which makes it an absolute dream to sew. The balance between softness and stability means it presses beautifully and behaves itself under the machine.
The brushed texture on both sides gives it that signature soft and cosy feel — perfect for winter projects.
I prewashed it at 30°C and did notice a small amount of shrinkage, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when ordering your yardage. Other than that, it sewed up like a dream and feels just as lovely to wear as it does to work with.
The Sewing Journey: Before cutting into my main fabric, I made a quick toile of the bodice to check the fit and decided on a few small adjustments. I carried out a narrow shoulder adjustment, reduced the width of the bust darts slightly to give myself a bit more room (I didn’t want to do a full FBA), and lengthened the dress to midi length (maybe it’s a bit too long 🤔). The instructions were excellent - clear, logical, and easy to follow. Even though the fabric is woven and doesn’t contain any stretch, it does have a surprising amount of natural ‘give’, so I had to be careful not to pull it out of shape during construction.
Result: I honestly love everything about this dress! The fit, the fabric, and the overall feel make it such a cosy yet stylish piece for the cooler months. If I were to make it again, I think I’d just raise the neckline slightly as it feels a touch low for my personal preference — but that’s an easy tweak for next time. Definitely an entry for Minerva’s #sewcomfy challenge!
As always, a huge thank you to Minerva for gifting me this amazing fabric as part of their ambassador programme 🥰
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