I don't make many dresses but I do like a button up shirt style dress and I thought the Poppy dress fitted in with that style but elevated it with the collerless neckband with a ruffle sleeve. The a-line shape gives a sleek shape with slight volume at the hemline.

I made my dress in a linen that had been in my stash for years, it's soft but still has a bit of structure.

As with all Minerva Patterns there are great instructions with loads of details. It comes together with loads of great details, such as the busy darts and patch pockets. There are also back darts to refine the shape but I decided not to put these in as I wanted a loose fit. Apart from that I made as desiged and found it true to size.

The only other change I made was to bind the armhokes as I didn't think my finish of a turned back overlocked seam was neat enoug. I know no one else will see but I added my personal bias tape over the seam, next time I would make my bias out of the dress fabric.

I'm really happy with my new dress but will also wear open as an overdress.

Happy sewing 🧵

Nicky