Sewtogetherforsummer

My #sewtogetherforsummer Wrap Dress: the Appleton by Cashmerette

Posted on by Sew Sarah Smith

Sewtogetherforsummer

Hi!

So I’ve sewn the first of my #sewtogetherforsummer wrap dresses; the Appleton by Cashmerette. I’m kicking myself for not trying this pattern sooner as it’s such a simple and quick sew yet is brilliantly drafted to ensure a really great fit.

I’ve sewn a few wrap dresses in my time (see McCalls 7119 here and here,  New Look 6301 and McCalls 6884 for example). I think one of the key reasons for wanting to make this years’ #sewtogetherforsummer challenge about the wrap dress stems from the fact that I’ve really struggled to find a traditional wrap dress pattern that does a passable job of fitting and flattering my bust line straight out of the envelope.

I can safely say that search is over.

Appleton Wrap Dress.jpg

To get the right fit, the Appleton requires a light to medium weight jersey with 50% crossways stretch. I fell upon this viscose and spandex blend fabric from Sew Essential; it’s on the lighter side of medium, has lovely drape and movement and handles beautifully. It’s black, with a grey and mushroom coloured floral motif – teeny but not too ditzy – that I thought would transition well day-to-evening depending on what footwear I was wearing! (I also love that you can purchase the fabric in increments of 1/2 a metre!)

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Sew Essential also stock a paper copy of the pattern too, in case you don’t fancy tracing out the PDF!

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The Appleton is your classic wrap dress with a low cut V wrap neckline; built-in waist ties and sleeve length options. It comes with different cup sizes – Yey! I cut a size 12 and the C/D cup. There is no seperate bodice piece; it’s simply front, back, bands and sleeve.

The amount of negative ease built into this dress at the bust means a lot of redrafting issues become moot; for example a 40” bust size has a finished measurement under 33” – the stretch in the fabric aiding the fit, together with the neck/front band and built in waist ties you’re ensured a snap finish at the bust…it really is secure!

In fact the only thing I did was to take a little out of the length and cut the sleeve so it fit just above my elbow.

Appleton Sewtogetherforsummer Wrap Dress.jpg

Dissolvable wash away wonder tape

 

You can get quite a different look with the dress depending on where you wrap the ties, at Empire height or at your natural waist. My only gripe really is I find that the hole to feed the ties through sits a tad high on me so that the ties start to wrap most naturally under the chest. Next time I’d contemplate moving the hole down a smidge. Oh and I like to use dissolvable double sided Wonder Tape to hold those seams nicely in place when it comes to finishing that hole at the side seam where the tie threads through!

 

There’s not much else I can say; it really is that easy to put together!

So that’s the traditional wrap dress made … I now find myself obsessing about the By Hand London ‘Orsola’ which wraps at the back and can be made in a woven. If you’re quick, we’ve still got a discount running on that pattern, plus others!

And did you see the dresses my #sewtogetherforsummer co-hosts have made? It was Monika’s ‘Orsola’ that got me craving the pattern…

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg3_1-Ah5-k/?taken-by=rocco.sienna

And Suzy has made a gorgeous Sew Over It ‘Eve’ Dress…

I’ll be back very soon with our Burda and Big Four Wrap Dress Pattern Picks to inspire you; you can also read Helen of Helen’s Closet pick of the best Indie wrap dress patterns here.

Until next time, happpy Sewing!

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Sewcialise with me on Instagram here xx

22 thoughts on “My #sewtogetherforsummer Wrap Dress: the Appleton by Cashmerette”

  4. Great review! I loved your comments about no peaking in the front wrap.
    I am definitely size 14-16 but only a B cup, do you think the pattern would still fit me? I am planing to use a cotton jersey, so not too much drape.
    Appreciate your feedback.

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  10. Haha plan away Sue!!!! You’re right though, it rolls down to nothing…I’m away at the minute so I’ve already roadtested and can vouch your right about it’s packing qualities hehe! Oh I know, I was amazed at how many were new to me too; the sheer variety of styles is kind of mind boggling isn’t it. Something for everyone wink wink xxxxx

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  17. Lovely dress Sarah! I can totally see this dress styled both dressy and casual! And…I imagine it would pack really well in a suitcase too. LOL…next thing you know, I’ll be planning your trips.

    Unfortunately, I think I’m under in the size range for Cashmerette. That being said, there are so many wrap dress options out there….many I wasn’t aware of until your summer sewalong and Helen’s blog post list.

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  19. It looks fantastic Sarah! I have the Appleton pattern but have not yet had a crack at it for fear of failure so your post is the inspiration I needed, thanks lovely! X

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  21. Your Appleton is beautiful Sarah! Love the fabric 🙂 I’m a huge fan of Cashmerette – I think I have almost all her patterns. Her Harrison shirt is amazing 🙂 I have to make a lot more of those!

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