I bought some blue washed linen from The Drapery a few weeks ago - with the idea of making the Tessuti Eva dress. Just for a change I made up the fabric in the intended pattern.
I had the pattern printed out at Officeworks (much easier than taping the pages together) and cut out a 16. Most Tessuti patterns that I've tried (the stretch Anita pants and Gabby dress) seem to be quite roomy. This turned out to be the case - too roomy around the armholes in fact! I didn't do a muslin so had to put darts into the sleeve. I think next time (and there will be a next time) I'll cut out a size 14 graded to 16 top - and do it in a muslin first. I'm not wasting anymore good fabric! Not that this has been wasted - it's a very wearable dress and good for the hot weather we're having in Adelaide right now. I added a few (I think 8) centimetres to the length - I love longer dresses so long as the material is right for a longer length.
I used some scraps of Liberty fabric around the neck and arms and turned over a hem. I like to hand sew hems. It's a soothing way to finish off a project!
I have since made a Liberty version which I absolutely love wearing - it will be my go-to dress for this summer. I didn't put pockets in either dress but will probably put them in the next one (I can see at least two more - perhaps one with the Pia neckline). I must say that linens and Liberty are my favourite fabrics to sew with. I often buy Liberty from Shaukat in England - even with postage and our poor exchange rate it works out cheaper than anywhere else I can find!
