Hi Guys! Happy Sunday. I’m closing out Black History Month in my Allison Tent Dress designed by my IG sewing friend Jasmine Desiree. I couldn’t be any prouder and I was so happy I was selected to help test this pattern for her 1st pattern release! Even more exciting is that Jasmine was able to release this pattern on the last day of Black History Month adding her name to an amazing list of talented Black Designers! Congratulations Jasmine! Alright, let’s talk about the Allison Tent Dress.
The Allison Tent Dress
As I mentioned above, this is Jasmine’s 1st pattern and I know I’ll be making more. You can purchase this pattern at J. Desirée Studio Pattern Company in Jasmine’s Etsy shop. The Allison Tent Dress is a fun and flirty V-neck dress that features pin-tuck pleats at the shoulder and it has ruffles at the sleeves and dress hem. Besides the fact that this dress has pockets, the ruffles are the best part for me. I LOVE RUFFLES!!!!
Sizing and Fabric Choice
I decided that I would going to shop my stash for this make because, well, I just have so much fabric. I made my Allison Dress using this red floral print challis fabric that I believe I purchased in the LA Fashion District a few years ago. This fabric is light and soft and has the right drape for this pattern. You can also use Chambray, Linen, Neoprene, Brocade, Sateen, Satin, Denim, Crepe to make your dress. I chose to make a size Medium for my dress based on the measurement chart. Make sure you review the finished measurements chart as this dress has a lot of ease. In the size chart I’m a Large, but once I reviewed the finished measurement chart, I decided to make a Medium and I’m very glad I did.
Pattern Hacking Possibilities
As I’m writing this I’m thinking about all the different options this dress has! I can see a few pattern hacks in my future. You can make this dress longer or shorter if you like. My dress is actually about 2 inches shorter than it should be. You see, while I was serging the ruffle to the hem, I got part of the actual dress caught up and I cut a hole in my dress. Yes, I was almost done. I ended up cutting it right where I made the hole and reattached the ruffle to the hem and ever so carefully, serged it again. You can choose to not attach the ruffles to the hem or sleeve or both. I’m also thinking you cannot attach the sleeve and attach the ruffle instead! Sew many options!! I also see this as a beach cover up this summer. OK, you get it.
In conclusion, I simply love this dress. The Allison Tent Dress checks off so many things on my sewing wish list. You can make it in one afternoon, the dress has pockets and it has RUFFLES! Nuff said. Congrats again Jasmine! Make sure you pick up your pattern HERE and follow Jasmine on IG @sewmuchjazz and her new pattern company page @jdesireestudio.
#BHMPatternDesigners Challenge
My Allison Tent Dress is my 3rd and final submission for the #BHMPatternDesigners Challenge hosted by @islandsewcialist and @sewnaturaldane over on Instagram. This challenge was designed to highlight black pattern designers during Black History Month. This challenge was a lot of fun and I can’t believe I made 3 things to enter this year. As I stated my Allison Tent Dress is my 3rd submission.
My 1st submission is this gorgeous ball gown skirt designed by Jayda from @ellissewingco. The Perfect Dress Sewing Pattern as the name suggests, is not just a skirt pattern. This pattern includes 2 different sleeves, 3 bodices and 3 skirts! I chose to make the ball gown skirt, but you best believe I’ll be utilizing all the other views included in this pattern.
My second submission is this super cute mini purse called the Carrie by Robyn from @stylesinseams. This baby will get her own blog post soon, but I needed to share this beauty with you all. I made this bag using leather from a coat I picked up at my local thrift store. I love upcycling and when I saw the Carrie, I knew it would be the perfect upcycle project. The leather is so buttery soft and I have an amazing new mini leather bag! It looks so lux, doesn’t it? You can pick up the Carrie Purse pattern HERE.
I’ll leave you with some more photos of my Allison Tent Dress. Participating in the #BHMPatternDesigners Challenge this year was a lot of fun. Make sure you follow the hash tag on Instagram and support Black businesses, and not just during Black History Month. Next week I’ll be sharing some of the Black businesses I’ve been supporting.
Until Next time!
Johanna
