My teal Charm Patterns Jane Set Dress

18:40
February 28, 2023

Gifted fabric from Minerva as part of their Brand Ambassador Program.

At the start of each year I make a list of patterns and ideas I want to make in the coming year. For 2023 I was quite stern with myself, as I have a tendency to get distracted by “shiny projects” and decided to focus on making garments that I can wear a lot and in colours that might suit me. I did some research on what colours might suit my complexion and hair and teal was a recurring colour that kept popping up. I’ve never really worn teal much before but it made it on to the list and when I chose this fabric for my Minerva Brand Ambassador pick it was time to try it out. The Jane Set is also a pattern I’ve never used before which was also on the list so this became a two-in-one.

The Jane Set is a pretty straightforward project which also features a “built-in-bra” that also acts as a facing for the front part of the bodice. This pattern really is made for a fabric with stretch in it, however I decided to try it with this non-stretch fabric as Charm Patterns also say you can use non-stretch if you do a shirred back section, so I figured it might be okay with a zip or in worst case scenario I would just do shirring as well. I cut the pieces with some extra space in the back so I could take it in to the appropriate measure. The only other thing I change is that I took in the shoulder straps quite a bit and also narrowed the edge of the cups a bit as it left a bit of extra fabric here. I don’t think that would be the case with a stretch fabric and would love to try a stretchy version soon as well. I also skipped the boning of the bodice to make it slightly more comfortable and so far it still hold its shape well. I would perhaps consider making a fully lined bodice next time to make things easy for myself rather than fold over the edges for the bodice in the back, but it’s not really a big thing.

My favourite skirt pattern is the Cottagecore Skirt from Tayler Dressmaker and I realised recently that I can make a double skirt from it which means I keep the lovely ankle length but get a bit more volume. So that is the version I used here. Instead of hemming the skirt I used a tea light and burned the edges (this only works on synthetic fabrics) which gives an almost lettuce effect on the edges.

I’m really happy with how it turned out and will definitely wear it a lot this summer!