Self Assembly Required

DIY dressmaking + crafts with Emily

The Solina dress from Breaking the Pattern // Named Clothing

It’s what we’ve all been waiting for since they announced it – it’s the new sewing pattern book from Named Breaking the Pattern: a modern way to sew!

When Minerva Crafts got in touch to see if I’d be interested in trying out a pattern from the new book with their fabric, I jumped at the chance!

The Finnish sisters Saara and Laura have spent the year working on and creating their first book. It’s full of gorgeous patterns taking you from the simplest of projects up to the more advanced. If you’re familiar with their style – think classic with a twist – you won’t be disappointed with what they’ve come up with!

I decided that my first (of what will probably many makes) from the book would be the Solina dress. I’ve got a real penchant for long dresses at the moment and this one really tickled my fancy!

The Solina pattern comes in three variations – a maxi length dress, top and a jumpsuit. I chose to make the maxi length dress. The pattern features a mandarin collar, long sleeves and a centre front leg split. It also has an interesting tie detail inserted into a pleat in the front of the dress and around the cuffs.

The instructions are laid out in a very similar way to the individual Named patterns with extra little tutorials inserted here and there which target specific skills. This particular project teaches skills like setting in sleeves and collars with a highlight on invisible zips.

I chose a gorgeous John Kaldor mustard yellow crepe with has a large-ish scale floral design over it for this project. The pattern ideally needs something with a bit of drape to it and this one was perfect for it.

The pattern is beautifully drafted and went together easily. I made one adjustment to the pattern and that was to shorten the bodice length by an inch. Apart from that I sewed it exactly as instructed!

It needs a bit of a press. I hadn’t realised how wrinkled it was until I’d photographed it! Serves me right for being too eager to wear it!!

It’s an interesting design, right? Simple, with elements that you’ve seen before, but never in this combination. I love how the waist ties draw the eye in to my narrowest part. I think the fun yellow print keeps the dress light and fun despite the fact it’s quite covered up.

I have a feeling you’re going to see a lot of these dresses around in the next few months!

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7 Comments

  1. I really love this dress but I have to tell you there’s one thing that distracts me from what a beautiful dress it is ,those shoes. It would have looked better if you were barefoot. All I can focus on is those sneakers. Just my opinion.
    I look forward to reading your blog. You are an amazing Seamstress. So keep in sewing and have a beautiful holiday season.

  2. Beautiful fabric choice. I have the book, but am in the middle of ginger jeans, so I’m not even peeking until they’re finished.
    And, I love it with trainers…my go to footwear. 💛💛💛

  3. Love this dress! It’s such a nice balance of a simple silhouette with dramatic details like the high neckline and the tied sleeves. Just lovely.

    1. Honestly unless you’re planning to make shorter than the original I don’t you could. The pattern pieces are super long AND wide and really do take up a lot of fabric! X

    1. It’s meant for non stretch wovens but a little bit of stretch will always add a bit more comfort! Anything with a bit of drape would look work!

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