The halfmoon STRAND dress + top pattern has been a long time coming, and I'm so excited to be able to offer it to you in my shop! This pattern made its premier in the no.9 / SIMPLE issue of Making Magazine. It was a true dream come true to be approached by Making to create the sewing pattern for this issue. When they started explaining what they had in mind - something beachy, a bit flowy, and simple to wear - I knew I already had the perfect design! I love how it was modeled in the magazine, on these gorgeous, smiling women!
(image by Making Magazine | fabrics L on dress and R)
In fact, the continuous back-yoke-to-curved-strap design is from one of my sketchbooks from 2017, right next to "reach 1000 Instagram followers" in my list of goals and intentions (which I find so endearing now that I have upwards of 10K).
The strap width and square neckline with gathered bodice was originally inspired, yet again, by what Julie Delpy wore in Before Sunset. This dress/top design is decidedly summer, but I think it's still fun to take a look at different ways you can style it!
(top: 1, 2, 3, 4 | center: 1, 2, 3 | bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
This design has some gorgeous lines. I'm particularly a fan of the intersection of the bodice, front yoke and strap curve. If you want the focus to remain on the lines, a simpler fabric will be your best choice. I think this striped fabric would be especially fun to use and to play with directions!
+ Nani Iro Organic Cotton Double Gauze | Maker Mountain Fabrics | ships from USA
+ European Laundered Linen | Isee Fabrics | 5.5 oz | ships from USA
+ Hendrix 100% Cotton | Retrosaria Rosa Pomar | 94 gsm | ships from Portugal
+ Japanese Crinkle Cotton | Blackbird Fabrics | 81 gsm | ships from Canada
I recently made a top using quite a busy print (the fabric is no longer in stock, unfortunately), and it turned out even better than I'd imagined! The somewhat vintage vibe of this design would pair really well with a gorgeous floral. Or you can just go with ALL the colors and make a bold statement dress!
+ Nani Iro Double Gauze | Five Arrows Fabrics | ships from PEI, Canada
+ Night Orchid Organic Cotton Lawn | Siebenblau | 70 gsm | ships from Germany
+ Floral Rayon Cotton Voile Blend | Bolt Fabric Boutique | ships from USA
+ 100% Cotton Lawn | Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics | 2.8 oz. | ships from USA
What fabric will you choose? I absolutely love seeing your beautiful garments and works in progress. Please be sure to use the #halfmoonstranddress or #halfmoonstrandtop hashtag and tag me @halfmoonatelier when you share on Instagram!
Grab your halfmoon STRAND dress + top pattern here!