We've spotted some incredible makes using the Hallon Dress pattern from Hawaii-based Paradise Patterns over on Instagram recently and the stunning gathered back detail really caught our eye! With summertime just around the corner, plus a huge range of florals and prints amongst our recent arrivals, this week felt like the perfect time to try the Hallon Dress. This is definitely a must-sew - it's an effortless shape, simple to hack and adjust, and made a dream base for the beautiful Antique Flowers Linen Cotton Blend we used. Read on for more, kindly modelled by Zosia from our HQ team.
Pattern Review
Hallon Dress by Paradise Patterns
The Hallon Dress is a flowy swing dress that is easy to throw on for a day at the beach, picnic and upcoming festive gatherings!
The pattern is available in sizes 0-16 (bust 30"-51") and has two views, View A has a relaxed fit with a wide A-line shape, a low back with gathers and a gathered hem ruffle, View B is a straighter fit with a slight A-line shape, a low back without the gathers and side splits. Although these details are easily interchangable to customise your the style of your dress! They both feature bias bound edges, french seams, armhole bust darts, a slight high-low skirt shape and are between an elegant midi and maxi length.
We made up a size 10 with a D cup for Zosia's measurements and think the fit is pretty good! This used 3.2m of our fabric, which is 115cm wide. The only adjustments we made were to add 1cm to the bust dart amount to better suit the fit for Zosia, we also gathered the back in a further 6cm so it would fit a little closer and higher on Zosia's back. Checking the fit of the back piece is a helpful tip suggested in the instructions, which we'd recommend doing before sewing the bias binding on!
We love how this turned out in our Antique Flowers Linen Cotton Blend, it's cute gathered hem and chic high neck detail make a dreamy combination with the vintage-esque look of this fabric! This fabric has now sold out online, but we've got loads of other cotton prints that would work perfectly.
Paradise Patterns recommend this project for Confident Beginner level sewists and we agree, it's a super fun and quick make if you're confident sewing bias binding and gathering, we'd highly recommend adding this stunner of a dress to your #MeMade collection!
Fabric Recommendations
Ochre Shadow - Antique Flowers Linen Cotton
Paradise Patterns recommend light to medium weight woven fabrics such as silk, rayon twill, challis or Tencel. If you'd like to accentuate the billowy gathered look of the View A style, as we did - linen and cotton fabrics with a bit of body are ideal!
Check out a few easy breezy options below - from left to right, Dancing Squares Cupro / Cotton - Deep Moss, Papa Plaid Cotton Twill - Olive Mix, Cotton Boll Modal / Cotton - Sapphire, Cute Tulip Gauzy Cotton - Purple Mix, Multi Check Cotton Shirting - Peach Tree and Fine Cotton Twill - Day Blue
Did you know, the word Hallon means raspberry in Swedish which is Sanna's native tounge - how sweet!
This dress is so versatile, layer it with a tee or long sleeve merino for a more casual (and warmer!) look or without for a breezy light feel, perfect for upcoming summer occasions! Share your #HallonDress with us by tagging @wearethefabricstore or using #thefabricstore