Marimekko dress

There are a few things that I'd love to have happen in my life. I'd love to visit Antarctica, and feel like I was standing at the edge of the world. I'd also love to live in New York, and be snapped by Scott Schuman as I nonchalantly exited my brownstone abode wearing one of my lovingly made frocks. And speaking of frocks, I've always wanted to have a dress made out of Marimekko fabric.

Now, current budget constraints are putting the kibosh on both an Antarctica trip and the chance to reside in the Big Apple for the time being, but as soon as I saw this incredible fabric from Yulki's Home Décor I knew that I could make my Marimekko dress dreams come true!

This was the last dress that I made in 2015, and I got it finished just in time for Christmas - yay! I used my trusty Vogue 8184, and the fabric was perfect for the job. I wanted to make a structured version of the dress, so needed a fabric that was strong enough to provide the structure required, but wasn't too thick or heavy to sew with. To be honest, I couldn't have picked a better fabric for the job - by using it to line the bodice section I have the strength I desired without needing boning for reinforcement (and that also means I can breath in it, too!).

The pattern on this fabric is classic Marimekko - big, bold and colourful, so I did some strategic fussy cutting to make the most of the pattern and to ensure that the colours on the print flowed nicely into each other from each piece of the dress pattern. I am so happy with how it has turned out - I really wanted a fun dress that married the quirky nature of a Marimekko print with an elegant sophistication that reflects the vintage vibe of the dress design, and I think I've nailed it!

The only modification I have made to the pattern was to alter the shoulder straps so they came from the centre of the neckline - I love the look of this, and find it nice and comfortable to wear, as you never have to worry about your shoulder straps slipping off!

And who knows - maybe next time The Sartorialist comes to Australia he'll snap me in this dress!

Project Details
Pattern - Vogue 8184, made in size 8
Fabric - 1.2 m of Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha fabric from Yulki's Home Décor - Marimekko Fabric Australia
Notions - 35 cm invisible zipper