The Sorrel Dress



The minute I spotted this dreamy viscose from Fabric Godmother a few months ago, I knew I had to have it and I knew it needed to become The Sorrel Dress by Jennifer Lauren Handmade. I'm very much an impulse buyer when it comes to fabric, so buying with a purpose was a revelation. I might try to do it more often...haha!


Something about the vintage-inspired print paired with the classic shape of the pattern just screamed 1940s perfection to me and I wasn't disappointed. This dress came out exactly how I pictured it in my head and I couldn't be happier about it. It's a shame I finished it just in time for colder weather, but it might get some winter wear with a cropped cardigan and tights. 




I love the foldout collar, open-ended darts and grown-on sleeves which give this pattern a casual vintage twist. The fact that it's drafted in different cup sizes is the cherry on top. I made a straight size 12 in a C or D cup (I can't remember, annoyingly) and it fits so nicely. 

The only change I made was to shorten the bodice by 4cm, which turned out to be too much despite carefully measuring the flat pattern pieces like I always do. Bizarrely, the front is fine but the waistline is raised at the back and slightly pulls. You can't really see it in the pictures, but it's there and it bugs me, but it won't stop me from wearing it as it's cute otherwise.

My only criticism relates to the skirt. I was drawn to this pattern because of the simple A-line skirt, but it's almost like it could do with a tiny bit more volume. Making it in a floaty viscose probably hasn't helped matters and something with a bit more body might work better. Either way, it would be easy enough to fiddle with the shape if I wanted to do so for future versions.


Originally, I had my heart set on red buttons, but I didn't have quite the right shade of red. These pearly beauties worked a treat though and I love how they blend in perfectly to let the print do the talking. Of course I had to finish it off with a lovely Crafty Pinup label.



Have you made The Sorrel Dress? What do you think of it?

4 comments:

  1. I haven't made the Sorrel dress but seeing your version is tempting me to buy the pattern. The fabric you chose looks great and I quite like the way the skirt hangs.

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  2. Your dress is so lovely on you! I love the vintage feel of the print, it's perfect for this dress. I think you made the right choice with the buttons, too. They let the print stand out on its own and make it a little more dressy than red buttons would have been. I'm not planning on making the Sorrel dress. It is already getting cooler here, we have a freeze warning. the next few nights, already so my next few projects are going to be winter wear. I just don't wear dresses much in colder weather. I save them for summer.

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  3. That pattern is right up my street, what a fab collar. It looks beautiful on you. Jo x

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  4. It looks great on you! I agree that it can transition into fall with tights!

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