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Zadie, Zadie, Pretty Lady!

I was instantly smitten when Tilly released her Zadie pattern!  I knew I needed this dress, but I didn't dive in until I found the perfect fabric - Indiesew's rayon striped ponte.

Cailtin's Tilly and the Buttons Zadie Dress

Pattern: Zadie Dress by Tilly & the Buttons
Materials: 2.5 yds Rayon Ponte in Natural Stripe, .75 yds of Soy French Terry in Black, 1.5 yds 3/8" clear elastic
Size made: 8 (US 16)
Modifications: I cut the skirt on the cross-grain so the stripes would be vertical.

Indiesew's Rayon Ponte in natural stripe

Indiesew's Rayon Ponte is a stable double knit with an amazing drape.  I like my jersey dresses to be thicker than my tees, and this was absolutely perfect!  I paired it with a solid black Soy French Terry because I wanted something in a similar weight for the side panels, sleeves, and neckband. Stripes are the perfect opportunity to play with pattern placement, so I cut my bodice stripes horizontally and skirt stripes vertically.

Neckline of Tilly and the Buttons Zadie Dress

Tilly's pattern was easy to follow and surprisingly quick! Almost every seam was sewn on a regular machine with a narrow zig zag stitch, and then she tells you which seams can be trimmed with a serger.  I'm used to serging everything when it comes to knits, but I'm glad I followed her recommendations because I think those points at the waist and hips were much easier with the sewing machine. 

Caitlin's Tilly and the Buttons Zadie Dress

I hadn't worked with ponte before, but I can't wait to use it again!  It was easy to sew and has the perfect drape for a dress!  Paired with the french terry, this dress is super comfy and feels like secret pajamas.  My only problem came with the hem. I tried to use a fresh, new double needle, which worked perfectly with the french terry but skipped a ton of stitches with the rayon ponte. I'm not quite sure why, but a simple zig zag at the bottom hem worked just as well.

Caitlin's Tilly and the Buttons Zadie Dress

The seams on this dress are like magic ~ instantly slimming with some extra interest than your standard jersey dress. I'm so glad I went with the contrasting fabrics, because the black just enhanced that magic!  I honestly think Zadie would look great in just about any jersey - solids, stripes, print, or a mix of the above. I currently have 2 more variations planned for my sewing table.

Comments on this post (3)

  • May 14, 2017

    It looks adorable on you—thanks for sharing

    — Gayle

  • May 08, 2017

    Whaaaaaat?! This dress is amazing and it looks so chic! I must have an identical dress right away! Can we then go as twins to a party and pretend like everything is normal? Heh heh… I have never sewn with rayon ponte before, so this makes me want to try. Thanks for posting!

    — Alsn

  • May 08, 2017

    Caitlin is the cutest! I would love to make this dress!!
    (and OMG is the title a Funny Girl reference?! You guys are killing me <3)

    — Allison

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