Lena Horne Dress Pattern Release by Tabitha Sewer
Do you follow anyone online who has an inexplicable magnetism? Something about them is just special and you can’t help follow their every move. Tabitha Sewer is one of those people for me! She is a light in the sewing and maker community, bringing energy and color to every post. I love how Tabitha constantly shares what others are doing/making, keeping the focus not only on her own creative endeavors, but that of others as well!
Today I am OVER THE MOON excited to share the Lena Horne dress, designed by Tabitha and online at Joann’s. This is Tabitha’s first sewing pattern and there are so many fun elements (surprise surprise)! The most notable feature of the dress are the ruffle straps that crisscross in the back and come over the bust to end at the waistline. This on-trend detail makes a feminine statement and adds just the right amount of drama. :)
The Lena Horne dress also has inseam pockets and a side zip feature. Function and form…the best!
The Pattern: The Lena Horne Dress by Tabitha Sewer, soon available at Joann’s stores
The Fabric: Tropical Leaf Rayon Cotton Voile from Blackbird Fabrics
The Process: I began by pre-washing both my lining and main fabric. Tabitha has you line just the bodice of the dress, but due to the more sheer nature of the rayon cotton voile, I chose to line the skirt as well.
After cutting out the pattern, I simply followed Tabitha’s instructions and started piecing the dress together. The ruffle straps were the trickiest bit and you need to roll them into the inner-workings of the tube you create to pull them through. I’ve heard this called the ‘burrito method’. Tabitha has a video tutorial which is immensely helpful if you get stuck at any point in the process.
There isn’t mention of finishing most seams, that is something I would change for the next time I make the dress…finishing all seams before construction.
Modifications: I sewed a straight size 4. The only modification I made outside of lining the skirt was to extend the zipper all the way down to the top of the pocket (into the skirt about 2 inches). I thought this would allow me to get in/out of the dress more easily.
Styling & Versatility: This dress is a stand-alone dress that speaks for itself! I chose to style it for a beachy summer look with bright heels and a straw purse. I think it could be super cute styled with sneakers as well!
Overall Review: DARLING dress design by a DARLING lady, Tabitha! Definitely an intermediate pattern, but with the help of the video tutorial, this dress becomes immensely doable!
I’m incredibly grateful to Tabitha for reaching out and sending me her first pattern! She was a joy to communicate with and I can’t wait to see where her journey goes!
As always, thank you to my incredible photographer and friend, Jill Burrow, for taking these photos and being ever-patient with this gangly non-model trying her very best. :)
