You know your project is a success when you start dancing when you put it on. Let me tell you, this dress makes me feel like dancing! Big sleeves, a flouncy skirt and a bold print on a breezy fabric is 100% a win for me! I love my new Wren dress!

So, it’s official. I have a new favourite fabric type! This was my first time working with double gauze and I gotta say I am in love. Totally in love. It’s so soft and breezy. It took me forever to decide on a pattern, and I’m so happy with my choice. This is my third Chalk + Notch Wren and it is quickly becoming my go-to pattern. I love it so much!

This print is incredible. I was a little concerned it might be too bold for me, but it’s perfect! The colors are unbelievably vibrant. I love how drapey and light it is. It feels so great to wear.
It sewed up really nicely. I used a microtex needle to avoid snags or slipped stitches. Because of the foil overlay, I pressed using low heat and a press cloth.

As I said this is my third time making the Wren by Chalk + Notch. I made the blouse back in March, the kid’s dress in April and now the dress! The Wren blouse and dress is a scoop neck, button front blouse and bodice with two lantern sleeve lengths. The skirt attaches to the hip of the blouse for a really fun flared look.

Since this fabric is so summery, I went for the dress with the short lantern sleeve. This time I eliminated the button placket, because I couldn’t bear interrupting the lovely print. It was a super simple hack. I simply folded the pattern piece on the “center front” line and cut it on the fold. I also cut the front facing on the fold and didn’t have to make adjustments to the length. The button placket is really the reason the Wren is considered intermediate. By skipping it and cutting on the center front fold, it was a pretty simple make.

I knew I’d want to wear a belt, so I lengthened the skirt by 1 ¼ inches. For the belt, I used the free Gemma belt from Forget Me Not Patterns. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s so effective! I love a loose dress and tie belt combo, and this tie belt is extra cute!

I’m so, so excited about this dress. It makes me feel fun and free. It’s such a great party or picnic dress. I can’t wait until the weather gets nicer so I can wear it all the time!

Pattern: Chalk + Notch Wren Blouse
Belt: Forget Me Not Gemma Belt (Free Pattern!)
Size Range: 0-30 (35-59” hip + A/B & C/D bust options)
Size: 18 C/D
Fabric & Notions: 3.5 Meters Rico Cotton Double Gauze
Design Modifications: Eliminated Button Placket
Fit Alterations: Lengthened Skirt 1 1/4"
Difficulty: Intermediate

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