After a long time in the pipeline, I am so excited to finally release the Daphne Day Dress PDF pattern. I started working on it last year but unfortunately my darling partner decided to scare us all silly with a health scare and was in hospital for a few weeks. Over this time, sewing and designing patterns was the last thing on my mind. It took a few months to get family life back to normal and things back on schedule, so releasing this pattern is kind of cathartic if that makes sense. I also named it after my late Nanny, Daphne. Like most women of her generation, she used to love wearing nail polish and makeup at all times and dressing her finest when out and about. This dress reminds me of her and the women of her time.
I created the Daphne Day Dress PDF pattern after being inspired by a few little frocks I had seen in stores and online over summer. I noticed a lot of vintage style tea dresses with cut out backs in gorgeous floral prints were trending along with feminine bustlines, pleats and exposed zippers. After testing several versions of these combined style lines I finally came up with this final pattern.
This pattern has a real wow factor. The back detail and gathered bodice really make this dress stand out in a crowd. You will need to wear a strapless bra or a bra with a strap that sits wider on the back to allow for the cutout back detail. The length is what you could call “flirty” sitting just at the mid thigh. It will look gorgeous made up in a floral, polka dot or any print but equally as nice in a solid colour. Ideally it should be made up in a light to medium weight cotton with a small amount of elastane such as Sateen. Fabric without elastane will also work however you may need to add a bit more ease to the pattern. Chambray or a lightweight denim would look very modern. This is a dress you will wear to a picnic or a lovely afternoon tea with the girls.
The Daphne Day Dress is the perfect pattern for the intermediate sewer with a button closure and exposed zipper back fastening, box pleats and side seam pockets. The skills required for this pattern include sewing pockets, inserting a zipper, gathering details and sewing a buttonhole.
I was thrilled with my testers versions of the Daphne Day Dress. All of the testers were fabulous with their constructive feedback, correcting errors, offering tips and providing me wonderful photographs to share with you. I couldn’t have finished this pattern without their wonderful input and hard work.
Check out their gorgeous Daphne Day Dresses.
Vesna “I really love the look of this dress. The cut out back is such a nice detail but my favourite part is front midriff with gathered bust – it gives the dress a nice vintage feel and I really like that. Also, I love how clean and nifty the finish is – this dress is pretty both inside and out!”
Mel “If you would like a sewing project that challenges you to learn build on your current sewing skills, then this pattern is a perfect choice. The instructions are clear with photographs to clarify the text and guide you through each step easily. I found the fit is excellent and on par with the big pattern making companies. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and I love the final garment!”
Judy “So many things to love with this dress! The fit, the style, the finish. Not a beginner pattern, but with the photos to go with the clearly written instructions, very achievable for most”
Kate “This is a really satisfying sew. It goes together quickly and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Great for an afternoon sew for an easy and wearable everyday dress.”
Denise “This dress has become one of my favorite patterns. I’m nearly done with a maxi version, and have plans to turn out a shirt hack. The fit is spot-on, and it’s just so CUTE. I’ve never worn a pleated skirt, because I thought it would make me look big, but this one is just so flattering. And I adore the back!”
Wis “The Daphne Day dress has an elegant design. If you make it in a vintage fabric it really gives you a vintage feel. (Now I have to wait for Summer to wear it!)”
Megan “I really enjoyed this pattern!”
Thankyou testers!
The Daphne Day Dress pattern is available in the pattern shop.
