Fabric: Minerva Exclusive Melissa Lowry Campo de Flores Aloe Vera Plant Dobby POD Fabric

Pattern:  Sinclair Patterns Lena Dress (https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/lena-woven-dolman-style-dress-with-ties-pdf)

I am so excited to share my new dress made with three gorgeous new elements that pair perfectly with each other: the pattern, the print and the fabric base! I used the a beautiful print called Campo de Flores print from the new Minerva Exclusive x Melissa Lowry collection, custom printed on the newly introduced Aloe Vera Plant Dobby fabric and sewed up the brand new release from Sinclair pattern - the Lena woven dolman dress. The result? A joyful summer dress that feels like the most perfect beach resort holiday in the sun! 

First of all, the print. I was drawn to many prints in the Melissa Lowry collection and especially the blue/white ones. However her warm toned prints are so unique and exotic, I just had to try them! I chose the Campo de Flores print which turned out even more vibrant and tropical than I envisioned from the digital image. I would describe it as burnt orange florals on olive green background - high contrast in theory yet beautifully harmonious in this print. 

Next, the fabric base. Minerva has recently added a collection of lovely plant based new cloths to their print on demand range, among them the Aloe Vera Dobby. I love anything with a dobby texture so it's no surprise I'm in love with this new base. It has the drape and weight of a viscose crepe with a very pretty all over geometric dobby pattern woven through. I would describe it as a tiny houndstooth-waffle-ish pattern (see my previous post for a close-up shot of the fabric showing the texture). The Aloe Vera content and dobby texture make it so breathable and cool to wear in summer - you have to try it if you live in a place with warm weather!

Last but not the lease, the Lena dress pattern. I had the opportunity to test this lovely pattern and immediately jumped onboard - I love a good dolman sleeve as well as any dress with waist ties so this is totally my gem. Lena has a relaxed fit bodice with princess seams and simple gathered skirt in several lengths. The highlight of the dress are the side ties - two on each side that both go through casings on the side waist. This unique design allows multiple ways to tie them. I have shown 2 different ways in my photos with the ties tied on the sides, vs in the front/back. Which way do you like?

I'm smitten with my new summer dress and can't wait to wear it all season long. I love both pattern and fabric so much and am sure to use them again in the future. What's on your summer sewing table? 

Until next time, Chloe 

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