Kaylee's Floral Raglan Dress

We recently started carrying a few of the London-based company, The Avid Seamstress’s adult and children dress patterns. These simple, wardrobe building dresses work great with big, bold prints or subtle, textured solids and easily transition from spring to summer to fall. Versatile and elegant, these patterns are sure to become part of your reliable stable of patterns.

Pattern: The Raglan Dress/Top by The Avid Seamstress
Materials: 3 yards Japanese Cotton/Linen Canvas Wonder Forest in Navy, 22" invisible zipper
Size: 6 on the top, graded out to 7 on the bottom
Modifications: None

When I first saw these new dress patterns, I knew I wanted to make one. I really liked the simple style of all the different patterns but opted to start out with the Raglan Dress because of its super simple construction and easy fit. I figured it would look good in pretty much any fabric and I loved the idea of the subtle floral design in this gorgeous Japanese cotton/linen canvas. The fabric is definitely on the heavier side, but I think the loose fit of the dress and short sleeves will allow me to wear it though out the summer without overheating. It is perfect for the weather in Colorado right now with a jean jacket and tights.

One of my favorite features of the pattern is the dart on the raglan shoulder. It is a super simple addition and means that even this heavier fabric has a beautiful fit around the neckline!

The pattern was basically as simple as I expected, but the directions don’t really include seam finishing suggestions so I’m not sure I would recommend it for a brand new seamstress. Since I have been sewing for a while now, I found it liberating to use my preferred seam finishes without feeling like I should follow what the directions call for. In the end, I decided to use a bias binding on the back seam (with the invisible zipper) and I just stitched and serged all other seams.

I really loved making this dress and can’t wait to wear it. I know it will become a regular part of my wardrobe rotation. Next up, The Avid Seamstress Day Dress!