Reviews
@needleandcloth UK
I’ve made a black dress and - seriously - it’s possibly one of my favourite makes ever!
It’s the Shawl Collar Dress from @themakersatelier which - very strangely - doesn’t have many mentions on Instagram even though it’s been around for a couple of years. I first saw it in a post by @laglov a few weeks back and I knew straight away I had to make it.
It’s such a flattering and classy shape, with a touch of seductiveness but still super comfortable to wear.
I made two modifications to the pattern - I added 15cm to the original length (I’m 1.74m tall) and I also added 3/4 sleeves. They’re essentially two tubes cut on bias, because I wanted them to be slim but still leave some wiggle room.
It’s a simple, easy pattern with only five pieces to put together. It would have been even better if the instructions mentioned when and where you need to overlock the edges; I had to guess and my advice is to overlock everything before you start the assembling. The instructions say you need an overlocker to finish the seams - but I don’t think you do; I think the dress would look perfectly fine with just a zig-zag finish.
The instructions also say you should snip the seams above and under the pockets, but I wouldn’t do it - I think it’s fine if you just steam iron it in place instead.
But overall it’s a great pattern and it deserves so much more posts and love. The fabric is a beautifully textured woven cotton+silk jacquard from @ianafabrics - I used the wrong side as my right side. @needleandcloth
Laurie, USA
I’ve been eyeing The Maker’s Atelier patterns for a while and I finally took the plunge with this Shawl Collar dress. I’m glad I did! It’s got the laid-back elegance that’s a hallmark of The Maker’s Atelier patterns, and it’s that magic combination of being easy to make and easy to wear. I’ve been wearing it pretty much non-stop. I made the size 12, which corresponds to my measurements, and I like the fit---generous and roomy without overwhelming me. The examples on the web site seem to have been made with flowy fabrics with much more drape than the heavy, structured linen I used, but I like the sculptural effect of my stiffer fabric. The dress came together quickly with the only fiddly part being the underarm gusset. I considered eliminating it and re-drafting the arm but I’m glad I kept it for the mobility. I especially like how to front is cut out in one piece, allowing you to adjust the pleat and the overlap to whatever depth you are comfortable wearing without the design suffering. I especially like how to front is cut out in one piece, allowing you to adjust the pleat and the overlap to whatever depth you are comfortable wearing without the design suffering. All in all, a big sewing win. I am planning my next version, and already imagining yet another in wool to wear over a turtleneck in winter. @laglov
Reviews
@needleandcloth UK
I’ve made a black dress and - seriously - it’s possibly one of my favourite makes ever!
It’s the Shawl Collar Dress from @themakersatelier which - very strangely - doesn’t have many mentions on Instagram even though it’s been around for a couple of years. I first saw it in a post by @laglov a few weeks back and I knew straight away I had to make it.
It’s such a flattering and classy shape, with a touch of seductiveness but still super comfortable to wear.
I made two modifications to the pattern - I added 15cm to the original length (I’m 1.74m tall) and I also added 3/4 sleeves. They’re essentially two tubes cut on bias, because I wanted them to be slim but still leave some wiggle room.
It’s a simple, easy pattern with only five pieces to put together. It would have been even better if the instructions mentioned when and where you need to overlock the edges; I had to guess and my advice is to overlock everything before you start the assembling. The instructions say you need an overlocker to finish the seams - but I don’t think you do; I think the dress would look perfectly fine with just a zig-zag finish.
The instructions also say you should snip the seams above and under the pockets, but I wouldn’t do it - I think it’s fine if you just steam iron it in place instead.
But overall it’s a great pattern and it deserves so much more posts and love. The fabric is a beautifully textured woven cotton+silk jacquard from @ianafabrics - I used the wrong side as my right side. @needleandcloth
Laurie, USA
I’ve been eyeing The Maker’s Atelier patterns for a while and I finally took the plunge with this Shawl Collar dress. I’m glad I did! It’s got the laid-back elegance that’s a hallmark of The Maker’s Atelier patterns, and it’s that magic combination of being easy to make and easy to wear. I’ve been wearing it pretty much non-stop. I made the size 12, which corresponds to my measurements, and I like the fit---generous and roomy without overwhelming me. The examples on the web site seem to have been made with flowy fabrics with much more drape than the heavy, structured linen I used, but I like the sculptural effect of my stiffer fabric. The dress came together quickly with the only fiddly part being the underarm gusset. I considered eliminating it and re-drafting the arm but I’m glad I kept it for the mobility. I especially like how to front is cut out in one piece, allowing you to adjust the pleat and the overlap to whatever depth you are comfortable wearing without the design suffering. I especially like how to front is cut out in one piece, allowing you to adjust the pleat and the overlap to whatever depth you are comfortable wearing without the design suffering. All in all, a big sewing win. I am planning my next version, and already imagining yet another in wool to wear over a turtleneck in winter. @laglov
Fabric and Trim Suggestions
Suitable for most dress weight fabrics.
Select viscose blends for drape, cotton or linen for a more structured look.
Digital pattern formats
Our digital patterns are immediately downloadable with PDF files for AT HOME printing on A4 or US paper sizes and COPY SHOP printing on A0 sheets. Read more in this Journal post.
Please note once purchased, you will receive two emails: your purchase receipt and the download email. Please check your junk folder if you don't receive both.
The PDF files should be opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
For security purposes the number of downloads per file are limited. Please download each file to the device you intend to save the file on, and SAVE the file before opening and printing. In this way you will be able to print as required. Multiple downloads will lock the file.
The patterns are multi-sized and all sizes print on the At Home and Copy Shop versions.
