I just can’t resist a good blue and white print!  When Organic Cottons Plus contacted me about doing another affiliate post I knew exactly what I wanted to try out. This Zinnia Hemp/Cotton Muslin is beautiful!  I fell in love with the indigo block print and decided to pair it with one of my new patterns in my ever-growing stash, Very Easy Vogue 9251. The simple lines of this woven wrap dress combined with a statement sleeve and the curved front hem is so romantic.

I was so happy when I received this fabric to discover it has such a nice sturdy weight. Since it’s labeled as a muslin I was a bit apprehensive about how thin/translucent the fabric might be so I ordered a lining for the bodice as well.  Not needed at all. The fabric is perfectly opaque and heavier than a typical cotton print would be.  I love how it holds all the darts and shapes the skirt.

I used indigo dyed ribbon for the waist ties which adds a nice contrast. My self-made waist ties seem to wear out much faster since the get more rough wear so using a ribbon seemed like it would be sturdier and longer lasting.  Organic Cottons Plus has some really lovely naturally dyed trims and ribbons that I can’t wait to try!  They have some gorgeous crochet trims too.

I received the fabrics and notions for this project in exchange for review and publishing on their blog, La Organica.  I love being an affiliate for companies I already use and love. I just received another order today for some navy voile to make some wrap pants! I’ve been shopping there since I first found them years ago.  They’re my one stop shop for organic and sustainable fabrics, notions, yarn and dyes.  You can see my earlier reviews here, here , here and here.

All the Details:

*Please note this post contains an affiliate link.  I’m a preferred blogger for Organic Cottons Plus and received the fabrics and notions for this project at no cost in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fabric & Notions-

all provided courtesy of * Organic Cottons Plus for review         * Affiliate Link

Hemp/Cotton blend printed Muslin 56″- Zinnia –  4 yards

Width: 56 inches  Weight: 7.1 oz.  Color: Zinnia blue print on natural background  Content: 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton

Beautiful opaque indigo block print in a very sturdy hemp blend with a nice hand and drape.   Easy to sew and launders well.

Vegetable Dyed Ribbon-Indigo, 2 cards

Content: 100% Organic Cotton Width: 15mm Wide  (Sold by 5m card)

from the website:

Reviving historical practices, with contemporary environmental thinking and current scientific advances, trimmings are dyed by BioDye in India, with a closed loop system. BioDye uses dyes and mordants that are environmentally safe. Dyestuffs are obtained from sustainable sources such as leaves, fruits, and regenerative stems. Waste materials are biodegradable, with compost and irrigation water used to grow dye, medicinal plants and food crops for in-house consumption. Through a collaboration with village women’s groups, dye plants and firewood are collected from renewable plantations and used in fuel-efficient stoves in the dye house. BioDye also work with local farmers to support the re-introduction of indigo in agriculturally depleted regions, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihoods.

Thread-Natural, 3 Spools 

Lightened with GOTS approved Hydrogen Peroxide and dyed natural for a uniform color

• GOTS certified
• 100% organic cotton
• Long staple length, strong thread
• Multi-purpose
• 30/2, Tex 30
• Soy coating for a smoother thread
• Sold by 300-yard spool
• Made in Holland

Pattern-

Vogue V9251      View A Size 12.

Fitted dress has side ties, sleeve and length variations and uneven hemline, wrong side of fabric will show.

Re-released as:

V1734

Misses’ Wrap Dresses with Ties, Sleeve and Length Variations

Construction:

If you’re looking for an easy to sew Vogue pattern this one’s a winner!   I cut my usual size 12 and lengthened my pattern at the waist extension lines by 3/4″ based off my sloper comparison. I also took a wedge out of the upper back/shoulder area as I have a narrow upper back.  The only change I made following the instructions was instead of folded over edge hemming I added bias to all my edges, sleeves, neckline and skirt.  I love how this looks!  It took a ton of bias but it looks gorgeous inside and out.

I serged all my edges prior to construction and used a French seam on the back of the skirt as that shows because of the higher front.  I left the side skirt seams just serged because of the inset pockets. I also used wider bias to cover my waist seam as well as the sleeve seams to keep the interior clean and comfortable. The only error in the pattern that I noted was that it had you attach the interior and exterior waist ties on both sides which is not needed. I chose to tie mine on my left for the outside and the interior right side. I love the length and curved hem. It hits low enough that it’s easy to walk in with no fear of showing too much skin. The front sits well and the bias helps to keep it flat.

My favorite part is the dramatic flutter sleeve.  My husband thought they were a bit much but I just love them.  They strike me as so 30’s and when I checked my Pinterest icon board I found one of my favorite Katherine Hepburn pics with a similar dramatic sleeve.  It’s a bit bolder in this sturdy fabric but I imagine it would look lovely in a drapey rayon or silk too.  I did cut out the straight sleeve to save in case I  get bored with this look.  I think that’s one of the best things about sewing for yourself.  You can so easily alter something to suit your changing taste.

Ami came out with me while I was taking pictures after dinner and had to get in a pic too! She’s such a cutie! We’re having such a wonderful summer. I’m so glad I took off to be home with the kids-we’re having a blast.  I’m thrilled with how this dress turned out!  Perfect summer dress for when I want to get a bit dressed up but still be super comfortable.

Hope you’re all enjoying the summer!  Happy Sewing!