Sewing for special occasions – Bridgetown Backless Dress

This month I have loads of weddings to attend so my April project Sew My Style needed to be suitable for special occasions, and ideally something that I can wear afterwards too.

This Sew House Seven pattern is a pretty good match for my sewing plan, and also happens to be the sew my style project for April- perfect timing! It is the Bridgetown Backless Dress. I like that from the front it looks quite modest, and all the excitement is in the back. This is only the second Sew House Seven pattern that I have used- the first being my Toaster Sweater from January, but I found the instructions and pattern drafting spot on.

The fabric is a viscose challis called freesia from Fabric Godmother. I spotted this fabric on Instagram and loved it right away. I have never used challis before, but I love the weight and drape. I wasn’t sure if it was ok to wear black to a wedding, but I think the spring flowers on this make sure that it doesn’t look too sombre.

It is the shiftiest thing that I have sewed so far! I cut most pieces on a single layer which helped, and had a new blade for my rotary cutter. The skirt pieces were cut on the fold and have ended up slightly off grain, but not so much you would notice! I sewed up a size 4 in this pattern. There is quite a bit of ease designed into the pattern to help it drape properly at the back. The waist is brought in with elastic so it can fit perfectly.

For the sewing, I used a new size 60 needle to help it pierce the fabric, but otherwise it behaved fairly well. This fabric does catch and cause little runs, so I had to watch my pins carefully! Like Emily from Self Assembly Required, I found the facing pieces to be too long, but it was very easy to trim them down to size. I finished all the seams that needed it with a three thread overlock to keep things neat and tidy.

The sizing has turned out well- the back drapes beautifully but without being too low cut. (I can still wear my usual bra). I do love being all dressed up for spring weddings! This one was held in these fantastic gardens and by a lake, so it was too difficult to decide which pictures to include and which to leave out… I just couldn’t resist including a whole heap!