Sometimes in sewing it’s about the journey and sometimes it’s about the destination. For this project it was definitely the latter. I’m really pleased with how my hacked Hughes dress came out, but boy was it tough getting there.

I’ve been dreaming about a black daisy print 90’s dress for a while now. When I saw this fabric I knew it would be perfect! It’s sweet without being overly girly, which is pretty much where I live stylistically. I love the mix of purple and white daisies. I picked up some buttons to play up the purples in the print.

The fabric feels really good to wear. It’s lighter than air, so I lined the skirt as well as the bodice. I’m glad I did, because now I can see myself reaching for this dress all year round. I would highly recommend starching the fabric before cutting out. I didn’t and I was kicking myself the whole time. It’s very, very slippery.

I didn’t set out to hack the Hughes dress. I didn’t realize the fabric was directional and that the pattern’s fabric requirements were very much for non-directional fabrics. When I couldn’t make the pieces fit, I decided to go with a different skirt option. I used the Melinda Midi by Sew Altered Style, which I then made into a Melinda Mini.

The Friday Pattern Company Hughes Dress is a mid length, scoop neck, button front dress. It features Viennese seams on the bodice and a paneled skirt. The back bodice panels have loops with an interlacing tie to cinch the waist (or not!). The Sew Altered Style Melinda Midi Skirt is a subtle A-line elasticated skirt. It’s pretty straightforward, but the best thing about it is the pockets. They’re HUGE. I can barely reach the bottom.

So, sewing. It’s always disappointing when you make a toile and then you still have fit issues. Despite having a full bust option, the bodice is still tight around my bust and pulls a bit at the buttons. It’s definitely wearable, but still annoying.

I was also frustrated when I attached the gathered skirt and realized that the gathering made the slash pockets swing out. Next time, I’d leave the pocket area ungathered. It’s an easy solution going forward, but kind of annoying that it’s not addressed in the pattern. Lastly, I took off about 15 centimeters from the lining length of the skirt. I’ve determined that gathered midi skirts just aren’t for me, but I love it cut above the knee.

Despite the frustration in the cutting and construction processes, I’m really happy with my dress! It totally scratches my itch for a black daisy-print 90’s dress! I’ll definitely be wearing it all summer long with chunky sandals, in the autumn with a cardigan and through the winter with tights and boots. Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

Make Breakdown
Pattern: Friday Pattern Company Hughes Dress + Sew Altered Style Melinda Midi Skirt
Size Range: XS-7X (34-63" hip) + 0-30 (34-59" hip)
Size: XXL C/D + 18
Fabric & Notions: 3 Meters Lady McElroy Tencel Lawn; Thirteen 15mm buttons
Design Modifications: Shortened skirt 15cm
Fit Alterations: Added 2cm to right side front bodice piece.
Difficulty: Intermediate

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