Two summer dresses

In Issue 7 of our magazine, the 'Alfresco' fashion story is loosely influenced by the prairie trend. There are elements of nostalgia, but the clothes are styled in a modern, wearable way. Two of the dresses were created using The Tiered Blouse pattern. By simply altering the proportions, two different styles are created. The measurements given and all the samples shown are from a size 12.

In the long-sleeved grey version, the front and back pattern pieces have been folded back at 50cm from the shoulder point, to give a finished bodice length of 48cm. The tiered piece is then lengthened to 82cm creating a skirt length of 78cm allowing for seam allowance and hem.

The cuffs of the sleeve are elasticated so that the sleeve can be worn down or folded up to create a bell sleeve.

The fabric is soft cotton lawn from Atelier Brunette. It can be worn as a dress or part buttoned over trousers.

In the short-sleeved white and navy version, the sleeve ruffle has been left off to create the simple short sleeve.

Then the front and back pattern pieces have been folded back at 38cm from the shoulder point to give a finished bodice length of 36cm. The tiered piece is then lengthened to 86cm creating a skirt length of 82cm allowing for seam allowance and hem.

The fabric is printed linen from Bloomsbury Square Fabrics.