Indigo and Mini Stripe Voile Bias Dresses

I don’t think I’ll ever tire of wearing indigo.  I just love this color!  I’ve made myself two more self drafted bias cut tube dresses. The first in the indigo seen here and a shorter version in a black and white mini stripe.  Designing and sewing my own patterns is so enjoyable.

Organic Cottons Plus sent me my choice of fabric for review and I went with these two organic cotton voiles I’ve had my eye on for a while.  I shop here regularly for organic and sustainable fabrics and love the transparency of this company’s sourcing. Be sure to check out their Peace Silks too- the colors are just AMAZING!

I went with the voile for this project for two reasons:

• I wanted to explore layering with the slightly sheer fabric
• I wanted a lightweight casual silhouette for the summer.

 fabrics used:

(* I received these fabrics free in exchange for an honest review)

• 2 yds. Organic Cotton Voile, Indigo 56″, 2.6 oz.
• 2 yds. Organic Cotton Voile, Black and White Mini Stripe, 2.5oz.
• Bias Binding cut from both fabrics

This fabric is just slightly sheer making it require lining or a slip.  The weave is lovely and the fabric has a great hand.  Easy to sew and work with.  I loved the selvedge edges on these fabrics so I decided to incorporate that into the design.  I lined up my pattern to the selvedge and then sewed my bias long seam with a french seam leaving the selvedge to show through.  I love how this really brings your eye around the seam.

I’m really loving this pattern.  You can see my last bias dresses here. For this version of my bias dresses I altered the patterns fit slightly and changed the neckline.  I also finished these dresses with bias binding on the neck and arm.   I cut the dresses at two different lengths, the indigo is approx. 42″ from the underarm and the shorter version is 33″.  Because of the width of my fabric (56″) and the fact that I was keeping the selvedge intact it was necessary to add an additional seam on the side. I cut that side seam to match up perfectly (under the armhole) and used a french seam. It’s hardly visible since your eye goes straight to the bias seam.  I finished both edges by serging and then doing a small hem.

Here are my fabric cutting images so you can get an idea of how the bias shape is cut out:

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For some reason the mini stripe dress came out slightly boxier then my indigo version.  It may just be the lighter color though and the shortened length.  I could only take in the seams so much without messing up the fit so I decided to make a self tie matching belt in both colors to cinch in the waist. I cut the neck and armholes slightly wider to show off the blue dress underneath.  I love how this ties the dresses together.   I made the long belt reversible so I could tie it many ways.

I really like the dresses layered together. I’m planning on making a few more to mix and match.  I just love this silhouette.  Plus these hardly wrinkle at all after ironing so they look great all day.

I think the shape is so flattering and the color of this indigo is just perfect for me.  I need more of this shade in my wardrobe!

Hope you’re all enjoying your summer!  I’ve got both kids home and we’re having a blast exploring the neighborhood parks and beaches.  This will be * fingers crossed * our last summer here before we more so we’re really taking advantage of seeing everything our town has to offer.