When SewLiberated released the Hinterland dress, I was immediately in love with this versatile pattern. So many options for plackets, sleeve lengths, and skirt lengths! It’s like a million dresses in one!
I was really hesitant to try the pattern because I was not seeing many samples on curvier shapes like mine. So of course I tried a sketch of the pattern on my custom croquis from MyBodyModel! It is my go-to option for testing a pattern before I purchase!
I did not find the beautiful raspberry color I dreamed of (maybe next time?), but I had some Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer linen in my stash that I decided would make a lovely spring dress. I also used some Rifle Paper Company for Cotton + Steel cotton for my contrast facing and pockets. Working with these bright colors was just what I needed as I am just yearning for spring to come to Maine!
I opted for the sleeveless version of the dress with a partial placket. I found the pattern simple to cut out. In general, the instructions were very simple to follow and I was able to create my first button placket on a dress with minimal seam ripping!
I definitely embraced “slow sewing” for this, taking the pattern a step or two at a time when I knew I could devote time to it. SewLiberated has been sharing some ideas about this concept that I have been enjoying – I have never taken so much time to make the inside of a garment as pretty as the outside! But I think it is all worth it because I made such strong seams by finding a french seam tutorial and carefully cutting contrast bias binding. It just makes me happy!
I went with the size 18 bodice and size 20 skirt. The dart placement was great and I love the ease in the gathered skirt. I think next time I might size down on each – the fit is a bit generous and I will probably make alterations to better fit my high waist.
Overall, I am really happy with the look of this spring dress. Now I have to figure out how to style it for the continued frigid-ness of March in Maine!
This is the second of my 2019 Make Nine. Stay tuned for more fun!