Stamp-Print Zadie


I first laid eyes on a Zadie Dress prototype months before it was launched - it was a solid red version worn by Tilly herself and I was smitten! I loved how intricate and structured it looked despite being made in a stretchy fabric...finally a stable knit dress pattern to get my teeth into!

When I finally got my grubby hands on a copy, I was unsure of how an empire line would look on my big bust, so I decided to make a wearable muslin that wouldn't break the bank. So off to Leicester Market I trotted, leaving with a novelty stamp-print spandex/lycra and teal ponte. I'm happy to say that this turned out to be a very wearable muslin indeed!



To better accommodate my shape, I added 5cm to the bodice and side panel pieces, which was a right faff, but worth it for a waist that sits at my natural waistline. As a consequence I had to hack about 8cm off the skirt length, but I'll know to shorten the pattern pieces for next time. Other than than I cut a straight size 4 and my only qualm is that the armhole feels a little tight. I'll definitely size up for that in future, especially if I make a Zadie with sleeves.

From the diagonal seams and in-seam pockets to the fitted bodice and pleated skirt, Zadie's one sophisticated lady. But she's high maintenance too. There are a fair few pattern pieces and lining up those diagonal points takes a lot of patience...and unpicking in my case. It's not exactly hard, there's just so many of them which is particularly challenging when you're a slap-dash stitcher who also happens to be a perfectionist!

Having said all this, Tilly's step-by-step instructions are spot on as usual and there's even a comprehensive sew-along on her blog.





With endless colour-blocking and print-placement fun to be had, it's no wonder that Zadie has taken the sewing community by storm. I already see a solid red one (copycat) and a telephone-print one in my future, with plenty more contenders in my stash.

What do you think to Zadie?

9 comments:

  1. I absolutely love your fabric choices - divine! Oh, and your shoes. And that little table behind you... Okay, obviously I love your taste!! Thanks for sharing!!

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  2. Looks pretty cool from over here! Jo x

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  3. Ditto on the fabric choices and the shoes. That stamp printed one is gorgeous. Xx

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  4. Love the pattern, and your fabric choices are perfect for it. Plus it's always so satisfying when a wearable muslin turns out to be just that!

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  5. Love the teal with the stamps - this would be my favourite one so far ;o)

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  6. Like it , stamps are really good with the teal, this is a great dress -what a result for a toile! look forward to seeing the solid red one.

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  7. Your neckband topstitching is wonderful! I also love the skirt gathers/pleats/tucks. Are the pockets big enough for your phone?

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  8. I know it sounds a bit silly but hey... love the pockets! ;) Very interesting pattern

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  9. I wear dresses or skirts whenever humanly possible. It's both a comfort factor and I just like how it looks!And a velvet prom dress is the best choose in the daily life.

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