A Little Brown Wren

http://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/carolina-wren

Earlier this year Colette Patterns released the Wren dress pattern.  Although I had planned on saving this lovely for spring, (j'adore version 2,) I found some good quality tan, cotton-blend jersey that was calling me to make it into a winter version.

I sewed up version 1, adding a full ten inches to the length and using the three-quarter length sleeve variation Sarai put online, to make it suitable for chilly temperatures.

The pattern goes together beautifully and is very intuitive.  I used a size small bodice and graded to a medium at the waist and hips.  The bodice is quite form-fitting, which is nice, but I will probably sew a straight medium for my spring version.  I used clear elastic at the shoulder seams and across the front necklines, as another sewist commented online that hers was a little gapey at the bust. I didn't have this problem, whether because of the elastic, or how I fitted it, I'm not sure.

I would advise that if you sew this up for yourself, you should definitely baste the bodice to the skirt before doing any real sewing and try it on.  I adjusted the placement of the front wrap quite a bit to get a flattering fit for my figure.  The beauty of this bodice is that just like you can adjust a wrap dress to hang just right on you, you can similarly adjust this bodice before sewing.

I also raised the neckline in the back about a half inch, just for personal preference.  I sewed most of it on my serger, but double needle hemmed the sleeves and bottom hem using wonder under tape.  I am loving what a difference using this tape makes in getting a professional looking hem on a home machine.  I had no tunneling, stretch, or skipped stitches, and the brand I bought,(Dritz,) washes out and does not leave a residue on your needle.  Fabulous stuff.

This pattern makes a very wearable addition to my daily wardrobe.  I can style it vintage:

or with a more contemporary edge.

What are you up to this winter?

Xx Piper

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