The Skye pattern is the new summer dress release from Tilly and the Buttons. I was one of the pattern testers for this dress so I got an early version of it!

I’ve been trying to veer away from doing too many pattern tests and brand projects but every now and then there’s one I can’t resist! I liked the simple idea and shape behind the dress and I never feel like I can have too many summer dresses!

Skye has a empire waist bodice with soft pleats instead of darts on the front and a gathered skirt which you can have in multiple lengths. There’s also optional pockets and decorative ties for the shoulder if you were so inclined.

I opted to make the “knee length” version without the ties. I’ve put that in inverted commas as I could see immediately from the pattern that it would end up midi length on me!

The pattern is a simple one – no closures and a loose-ish fit means there’s few tricky steps or fitting techniques. The neckline and armholes are finished with a bias binding.

Personally, I’m not a fan of using so much binding in the finishing of a garment. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely has its place and I love using it as a super tidy finish on rounded and wrap necklines. But in areas with quite an acute angle like the corners of the neckline and under the arms I find it hard to get the binding to sit as nicely as I’d like!

I used a really soft and smooth rayon that I got from Simply Fabrics last summer. I had all the intentions of making a summer dress with it at the time but never settled on a pattern. This was a great choice for a dress like this though as it has that lovely swishy quality that I love for a dress!

The pockets in this tester version came out super low on me. I think they’ve corrected this in the final release though!

I’m probably going to just sew up the pockets instead of moving them. It’s the easy option!