Do you ever have an idea for a dress and then find the exact pattern for it? It’s a rare thing but it happened!

I was channeling all the 90s vibes when I stumbled across the Shelby Dress from True Bias. It’s a dress/ romper pattern with a button front, V neck and short sleeves – it’s very 90s tea dress if you know what I mean. The pattern flares out in a way that gives you a little flippy skirt which I am all about right now.

I picked out the cutest fabric for my first iteration of this dress (because I have a feeling there are going to be many!). I got a lovely drapey viscose from Walthamstow market with a polka dot print with a twist! Every so often instead of a dot there’s a little heart!

Since it was a couple of days before Valentine’s Day that I found it, I knew it was be perfect for it if I could just make it in time!

I think this is the fastest turnaround from buying the fabric to using it that I’ve ever done! Bought Wednesday and finished on Friday – that’s impressive by my standards!

To be fair it’s a really easy pattern to sew and fit. It’s got quite a loose fit as it’s cinched in the back with waist ties. I took out 2cm from the length at the waist and waited to I finished it to check the final length. Apart from the length, I cut a straight 10 with no changes.

With a bit of pattern Tetris I also managed to get the dress out of 2 metres of 60″ wide fabric. The instructions called for 2.5m so I was quite pleased about that!

Princess seamed dresses are just a dream to sew up. A few long seams and you’re pretty much done!

Before I hemmed it I checked the length and ended up lopping off an extra 5cm. If I make it again I’d take this length out higher up in the dress so I can keep more width on my skirt.

I think for future versions I’d make the neckline just a fraction lower to be a little more flattering on me. There’s that sweet spot for V necks that I’m always on the search for!

I’d like to try the romper version of this pattern at some point and maybe make the maxi dress version too!