The Olympia Dress was my first make using a pattern from Love Notions Sewing Patterns & I was so impressed with the sizing, styles and methods of construction that I’ve now bought 12 different patterns from the company!

Minerva gifted this lovely Lady McElroy polyester knit fabric with a pink and black geometric print in return for modelled photos and a description of the project.  It has 40% width stretch and 10% length making it ideal for the Olympia Dress.  The fabric is so soft and easy to work with.  There is minimal rolling of the edges, and it is light to medium weight.  It washed well and dried quickly whilst maintaining its shape. There is also no fraying which is always a bonus.  There’s nothing worse than being covered in bits of fabric when it sheds whilst handling.

The Olympia Dress has a flattering integrated reverse shawl collar with v-neck giving it a classy, timeless look. The dress features five sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long as well as two skirt lengths: knee and maxi. The bodice is fitted closely at the natural waist to make the waist look its smallest. Side seam pockets are also included. The dress is meant for light to medium weight knits and the look and fit will change depending on the drape of the chosen fabric.

For my first Olympia Dress I decided to omit the pockets, mainly because I didn’t want to add any bulk to my hips and to see how the dress hung.  I made the knee length version and added two inches to the length.  I decided to lengthen the knee length version rather than use the maxi skirt as there was a difference in the finished measurements and I need the width on my hips.  The sizing was accurate, and I graded between a large to extra-large from the waist & over the hips.

The V neck is a clever and effective technique that I’ve not used before.  There is a video that explains the method for making the collar and neckline, but I found the written instructions more than adequate and I’m really pleased with how the facing lies.

I took my time with the neckline but overall, the dress comes together quickly and now I’m mastering the overlocker it’s even quicker.  In the past I would have sewn everything on the sewing machine and then neatened the seams with a zig zag stitch which works well but obviously doubles the stitching time.

To finish the hems, I folded up a 1 inch hem and stitched twice to give a twin needle effect.  Hemming is the next technique I want to master now that I’m working on the overlocker.

This dress will work beautifully in the summer with pumps or sandals but is also a great transitional piece for the spring and autumn. It would be look good with a short jacket & is comfortable with a cardigan and some boots.

Thanks to Minerva for the fabric.

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