Molly's Sketchbook: Lisette Traveler Dress
Ever since Liesl Gibson started her adorable line of children's patterns called Oliver + S I have been hoping she would design some adult sized patterns as well. It was actually usually one of the first things I would ask her whenever I saw her! I know I wasn't the only one asking because she's just launched a beautiful line of women's patterns with Simplicity called Lisette. As soon as I saw the patterns I knew I had to make one.
I have sewn several of Liesl's Oliver + S patterns and they have taught me so much each time. Her patterns are so well explained that I always come away confident in a new skill, whether it be attaching a collar or ruffling a skirt. The new Lisette patterns follow in this teaching tradition by giving precise step by step directions for everything.
I chose to sew the Traveler Dress for my first Lisette pattern because I love its classic shape, plus it seemed like something I could wear all the time. Since I knew it was going to be a very special dress I wanted to pick a very special fabric so (of course!) I turned to our all time favorite, Liberty of London Tana Lawn. Liberty's latest batch of Seasonal Lawns is so spectacular it was hard to pick just one. Page, Joelle, Whitney, Laura and I all stood in the shop holding up each bolt and changing our minds over and over. Eventually we decided on the Pink Asami Sayo. We love its fresh and cheerful colors and cool scalloped print. This fabric is so silky and smooth, it's an utter joy to sew with.
Sewing this project was a very educational experience for me. It was hard to believe that with my home sewing machine, a folded up pattern, and some fabric I was going to be able to sew such a professional looking garment, but I did! This would be a great project for you if you've sewn children's garments from patterns before, but are looking to get started in the world of adult sized garmet sewing patterns. If you'd like to give it a try you can pick up your supplies at these links:
You can find our entire collection of Lisette Patterns right here!
Happy Sewing!-- Molly
June 16, 2011 | Email Share Print | Liberty of London, Lisette Patterns, Molly's Sketchbook, Oliver + S, Sewing | 33 Comments
Reader Comments (33)
Great question! I let them fall where they may, but I did make sure that the pattern was running the correct direction. Thank you-
Molly
Thanks for your comment. This pattern comes in several sizes fitting from a 30-inch chest to a 44-inch chest. If those measurements won't fit you might want to post a question on how to size the patterns up on the Lisette forum here:
https://www.sewlisette.com/forums/
- Sarah
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This pattern in the larger range goes up to a pattern size 22 ( with a 44-inch bust) which I think translates to a regualr size 18-20. Additionally there is a lot of ease built into the pattern. so it's my feeling that it could fit an even larger bust size. Here is a link to the pattern, the larger version is on the right:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8150-Simplicity-Lisette-Traveler-Dresses-Pattern-2246
You would need 2 3/4 yards for the pattern size 10 ( a 32 1/2-inch bust) and 2 1/4-yards for a size 12 (a 34-inch bust)
The Liberty Tana Lawn is actually lighter than quilting weight, making it an excellent choice for a summer garment.
Please let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks!
Thanks
This dress has darts around the bust. Thanks for the great question!
This dress is not lined. Thank you for your question!
Would you classify this as doable for an intermediate sewist? It looks rather advanced, but you mentioned how detailed it is; so I'm thinkin' I may be able to pull it off it's written *really* well! Thanks
If you've never made a more complicated garment from a pattern (like a shirt or a dress as opposed to a skirt ) I would maybe make a child's pattern first. Liesl Gibson has a wonderful line of Children's Pattern called Oliver and S that you can see here;
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/85-sewing-patchwork-patterns?company=274
If you've sewn from patterns before it should be totally do-able since the instructions are so great.
Thanks for your question!- Molly
If you've never sewn:
patch pockets;
a collar (that I assume has interfacing);
a placket;
a belt;
buttonholes on a home sewing machine (I go to a shop in NYC to have them done);
this pattern might be challenging. Molly's suggestion isn't bad, but what if you don't have kids to sew for?
You should make a muslin first. Get help with the fitting. Then, try making the dress in muslin, or in a cheaper fabric than Liberty of London to practice all the techniques. Even if you were to sew it perfectly the first time, there might still be surprises having nothing to do with your execution.
I personally would underline Tana Lawn with silk organza or cotton batiste.
The fabric is not matched at the shoulders. Nor are the patch pockets matched to the skirt. Given the cost of Liberty of London fabric, this is not surprising. As far as the wave pattern, that appears to be the way the print flows
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