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NEW PATTERN RELEASE - The Jade Wrap Dress

Wednesday, September 28, 2022







The Jade Wrap Dress is a fit'n'flare, apron-style back wrap dress.




Based on the classic apron styles of the 50s, Jade is a multi-tasking workhorse, able to be worn by itself out for summer-time ice cream, as well as working fabulously well layered with knit top tees (the Gable Top is a favourite of mine), or long sleeved blouses for cooler weather.


The Jade Wrap Dress is available in both the Original and Curve sizes, with A to F cups included, in sizes ranging from an NZ size 6 to 34.







The Details


Jade features a fully lined sleeveless bodice with princess seam front shaping and darted back shaping, finished with a V neckline.


A wide A-line skirt includes side seam pockets and falls to below the knee. The back skirt overlaps almost side seam to side seam (it's stepped back just a smidge so you can't see the edge of the skirt when looking from the front), meaning you have plenty of coverage across the back, even in windy weather.


Layer with a short or long sleeved Gable Top underneath for extra coverage, or try the blouson style of the Luna Lounge Set blouse or Aisling Blouse for some extra whimsy.






 Multiple cup Sizes - A to F


The Jade Wrap Dress includes both the Original and Curve sizes, spanning from a 6A cup (but side 75cm or 29 1/2") all the way up to a 34F cup (156.5cm or 61 5/8").


Included in the instructions are a detailed set of Finished Garment Measurements, meaning you're able to compare these to a similar garment that you currently like the fit of, or know you want to adjust. This takes much of the guess work out of making Jade, before you've even cut anything out.


Annabel wears a Curve 24C cup, graded to a size 26 waist. Jen wears a 10C cup - you can read more about us on the pattern listing page here.



Skill Level


Jade is suitable for intermediate seamstresses or for confident beginners looking to expand their skillset with a little challenge.


While Jade has no additional fastenings - making it a relatively quick sew - taking your time over constructing the bodice is my top tip. Paying particular attention to the back bodice angle (this can be easily stretched).


Techniques such as fully lining a bodice, set-in side seam pockets and being patient while your skirt hangs overnight, are all skills that will be built upon during your Jade Wrap Dress construction.


Princess seams and dart shaping are also techniques that are included, as well as optional top-stitching.





Fabric Suggestions


Jade is suitable for mid-weight woven fabrics with some drape.


Linen, chambray and denim are lovely and easy to work with. Broiderie anglaise, seersucker, jacquard, tencel and sateen also work very well for summer Jade dresses.


Mid-weight wool, suiting, flannels and pinwale cord also make an excellent heavier weight garment for cooler climes.


Choose lightweight linings such as lawn and voile, or use the same fabric as the main garment if using a lighter weight cloth. Synthetic linings can also be used.


Annabel's Jade Dress is made from a mid-weight linen with a loose weave, making is swing and drape beautifully. Jen's Jade Dress is made from a light-weight denim with plenty of drape, and is also shown paired with a Gable Top.



Jade pairs really well layered over a Gable Top.
Gable is available in both the Original & Curve Sizes, A to F cups.





Purchase the Jade Wrap Dress Sewing Pattern here.




Do you follow me on Instagram?


I've popped up some recent Reels on choosing your JLH Cup Size and the importance of choosing the right High Bust size for a great fit in the upper bodice. Check them out if you're unsure what size to go for OR send me an email with your measurements and I'll happily point you in the right direction (I LOVE helping with sizing).


And while you're at it, when sharing your makes to the 'gram, tag me or use the hashtags #JLHJade, #JLHCurve or #SewJLH so I can see and share them too.



Digital Release Only

You can choose to purchase your pattern either as an individual size range (Original or Curve), OR in an economical bundle if you'd like to have both ranges on hand. Your pattern will be delivered instantly to your inbox after you check out, and from there, you can choose my easy-to-assemble print at home file or send the A0 file to a print shop and have them print it for you.

The Layers Function is included in all pattern files, so you can turn on and off any number/combination of sizes your heart desires.



How to adjust the height of a Princess Seam

Thursday, September 15, 2022


Sometimes you might need to raise or lower the shaping of a princess seam over the bust - it might seem slightly more difficult than adjusting the height of a darted bodice, but it's really straight forward once you know how to do it.


I'm showing you this adjustment on the Georgie Pinafore, but you can use this method on any pattern that contains princess seam shaping. Make sure you remove seam allowances before making any pattern adjustments, and to make sure you're adjusting by the right amount, always make a toile (this will show you any other adjustments you need to make to your pattern as well!).



Steps:


1. Line up your centre front and side front bodice pieces. Grab a scrap piece of paper and draw a box around the full bust curve on the pattern.



2. Make note of the full bust curve and notches within the box you drew in step 1 on your scrap paper (marked in red below) .


3. Raise or lower the shaping inside the box by however much you determined needed adjusting on your toile.


4. Re-draw (true-up) your seam lines - shown in blue below - add seam allowances back on and continue your garment construction.


How quick was that? 


I'd love to know if you use this method to adjust the height on any of your patterns that contain princess seams - why not tag me on Instagram?


xx

Jen



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