This particular style of dress is a classic. Not only can you probably find it in the high street, there are already similar patterns out there. The fitted bodice and gathered skirt with the button front and straps is always a timeless look. That being said I’d kind of avoided it up till now!

I finally took the plunge with this Grasser pattern – dress 481. I liked the sweetheart neckline and the wider straps (great for hiding bra straps). Plus it seemed like a nice simple way for me to test how a fitted Grasser bodice would be like on me!

I used a reasonably weighty red linen from 1st For Fabrics for this make. I managed to squeeze the pattern out of two metres of the fabric! Linen is always a great choice for a summer dress.

As with all these Russian pattern companies I bought the single size that corresponded most closely to my own measurements and the result was that I barely did any adjustments at all. The only thing of note was that I needed to shorten the straps. I also spent some time curving and pressing my bodice darts at it came out a little pointy the first time.

The bodice is fully lined – I love the clean finish that gives you in the inside! I even hand stitched the lining down as well the hem!

I’m pretty happy with the final dress! One change I would make if I did it again would be to move the straps at the back towards the centre by a centimetre or so. I think my rounded shoulders just allow these things to fall off too easily!