I am super excited to finally be able to share my Lena Horne Dress that I made using Tabitha Sewer’s new pattern! I thought the fabric I chose was perfect for this dress which makes me feel like I’m in full bloom with it’s vibrant flower pattern.
Let me back up for a second though. Did you hear me say that this is Tabitha Sewer’s pattern?! It is available on line now here and will also be carried by JOANN! This is so huge and I couldn’t be any happier for Tabitha. This pattern is so perfect with all the ruffle detail and has Tabitha written all over it.
Construction Tip
Based on my body measurements, I decided to make a size 10. I did make a muslin since this was my 1st time making this pattern and also because my waist is a 35 which is in between a size 12 and 14, but, the size 10 worked out perfectly. I also decided to go with the above the knee length skirt. The Lena Horne comes with a midi length option also.
The Lena Horne dress is pretty easy to put together and the instructions are very simple to follow and has illustrations as well. Tabitha also has a tutorial that you can follow along with here.
Now, on to the tip. I’ve only got one for you. When you are doing your ruffles, you MUST roll them up as tight as you can and pin as you go along before you encase them. I did not roll them up tight enough and got some of my ruffle caught in the seam. Don’t be like me! Had I done so, I wouldn’t have had a hard time at all pulling the ruffle through. I simply unpicked the parts that I needed to and topstitched the opening closed.
Fabric Choice
Let’s talk about this gorgeous fabric. Shari from MY DAILY THREADZ has started selling fabric boxes where she sells a selected fabric that she has outsourced from fabric wholesalers in LA. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the last fabric box which sold out very quickly. Shari was able to get more of this amazing floral cotton print and I was able to snag one.
The fabric box included 5 yards of this gorgeous fabric as well as an inspiration photo of the garment Shari made and instructions on how to recreate the inspiration look. Also included was a fabric swatch and notions shopping sheet, a croquis sketch sheet and a fabric care card. I can’t wait for the next fabric box.
What I love the most about my Lena Horne has got to be the ruffles. I love me a good ruffle! I also love that this pattern can be hacked into so many different styles. Go on Instagram and search for #LenaHorneDress and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve been thinking about my next Lena Horn and I was thinking of some sort of peplum. Haven’t decided if it will be a single or double peplum. Maybe I’ll make both!
Congratulations Tabitha on your very 1st pattern. I think it’s safe to say, you knocked it out the park. Bravo!
Til next time!
Johanna
