By Hand London Shirred Dress in Rayon Crepe

The seasons are changing. But not in my area of the US. The summer heat will hold on strong through Thanksgiving. I always feel like I miss the autumn. By the time it’s cool it’s Christmas!

This year I’m using all my fall toned fabrics to make sundresses. This autumn toned rayon crepe needed to be something flowy and romantic.

I saw the Instagram tuvtorial in the stories feed of By Hand London for a shirred dress. (Now shirring gives me flash backs to the “styles” I wore in middle school… And they aren’t good flash backs. Also shirring just seems like a lazy way to fit. ). But the shirred dresses everyone was making and tagging #bhlshirreddress changed my mind.

I didn’t have any other plans for this fabric so I ordered some elastic thread from Wawak and went for it.

I followed the By Hand London tutorial with only a couple exceptions. First my fabric was not wide enough for a single bodice piece (1.5 times my bust width). So I cut a front and back piece, together equaling 2 times my bust width. I did this because I knew I wouldn’t have enough fabric for a lower tier and I still wanted enough ease for beautiful movement. I also extended the shirring an additional inch to allow for bust room.

Sleeveless, I liked that it was so open and the fabric didn’t over take me. But I strongly dislike the overall look of a Shirred tube top.

I added the sleeves as per tutorial

They look nice pulled up or left to fall down.

Thanks for following along and go check out By Hand London for the full tutorial. ❤️

THE NITTY-GRITTY:

Pattern Description: By Hand London Shirred Dress/Top Tutorial
Pattern sizing: NA
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern when you were finished sewing?Yes
Were the instructions complete and easy to follow? Yes
Fabric used: Rayon Crepe
Did you use the recommended fabrics in the pattern: NA
Did you alter the pattern in any way? yes, I cut a front and back bodice and my width was 2times by bust measurement (tutorial suggested 1.5 times bust measurement)
Was there anything you disliked or would change? No
Would you sew it again? Yes
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced? Beginner
Seam allowance used in the pattern? NA