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My @sewoverit Zoe Dress In Gorgeous Brocade Fabric
How I made my vintage inspired festive dress, plus tips on working with brocade fabrics…



Today I’m sharing my beautiful Christmas dress made in red and gold brocade (insert This dress was just what I was looking for; stylish, 1960s inspired with a dash festive sparkle. And let’s face it, whatever Christmas 2020 looks like, we need some sparkle and we deserve to look fabulous!
Here are the reasons why I love this pattern and fabric combo and brocade really isn’t scary if you haven’t worked with it before (honestly it really isn’t).



I Love The Cut Of The Dress
The Zoe Dress a shift dress with some gorgeous ‘60s details. I love the darts on the front and back bodice, scoop neckline, zipper back plus it has a modern twist with seam inserted pockets.

The back darts on the scoop neck.

The front darts remind me of my Grandmothers shift dresses with a retro bust dart. Absolutely beautiful!


The dress falls just above my knee, I added a few inches to the length and make it this length as I didn’t want a mini dress. If you like this length budget this into when you purchase your fabric.

The pattern has two sleeve lengths and I chose the longer version for the Winter months, I also love a ¾ length sleeve as it’s so typical of the era.


I cut out a size 12 and took the bodice in around my waist. I also made the skirt straighter than the pattern as the weight of the fabric looked better as straighter skirt. I love the fit at the back and even though I didn’t use an inverted zip, and used a shorter zip than the pattern I am so happy with the result.
I did love the packaging for this pattern as it’s a wallet format so no stuffing paper patterns in an envelope. This would definitely preserve your pattern for longer.


And Sparkling Brocade Too…


I think that brocade is so beautiful and well worth investing time in. This fabric didn’t snag whilst I worked with it and prewashed on a 30 degree wash just fine. It does fray (due to the fabric weave) easier than other fabrics but the quick fix for that is to straight stitch around all the edges such at the neckline before starting to work with them.

It was fine to wear as an unlined dress and wasn’t scratchy to wear. I would change the pocket bags to cotton from the brocade. I felt the pockets were too heavy in this fabric.

All that texture and shimmer on this fabric is spot on for Christmas. It would look fabulous in a casual fitting jacket to instantly glam up jeans and a shirt. I have a little bit left due to the pattern matching and I’m going to make my 9 year old a gathered party skirt with it. Her request!

Pattern Summary

Pattern
Sew Over It Zoe Dress


Fabric
Brocade Fabric 2.5m I had a little but left over for a girls skirt.


Time to sew
3 evenings

Level
Advance Beginners because the brocade fabric and zipper.

Needle used
Standard 80

Changes to pattern
I changed the zip for a shorter zipper. Made the skirt straight, adjusted a 12 to fit. Added 2 inches to skirt.

What would I change if I stitched it again?
I would line the pockets instead of use the medium weight fabric as stated in the pattern. I would also line the bodice if I used a heavier weight fabric. I would also add a kick pleat.

I feel so dressed up and grown up in this dress. I can imagine fitting in just perfectly the ‘60s era with this dress. I have worn it around the house during lockdown as I love it so much (I really have!). It is comfortable to make the Sunday lunch in and play with my children. And I feel so glamourous doing that too!

Thank-you Minerva for such a classy outfit. A real treat to look forward wearing for Christmas 2020. Throw it on and you are ready for that party.

Samantha writes a creative craft blog www.crafternoonteas.com and hosts Crafternoon Tea Parties and Events www.crafternoonteahostess.co.uk in the Midlands and beyond.


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