Welcome to my favorite dress ever! Ha! I love this dress. And by this dress, I mean the Colette Patterns Parfait dress. I like it so much I’ve made 4 of them. There are only 3 pictured here because I have something planned for the 4th. It’s a little unusual and a little patch work…More on that later.

The dress features button straps, a gathered underbust and fitted midriff with an A-Line gored skirt and small, puffed rounded pockets.

The first version, I made from a lovely Pendleton Space dyed Linen (Portland Collection) and I kept the button front straps. Before sewing up, I did do a quick tissue fitting to make sure the dress would fit. It DID need some fit adjustments in the bodice. This is a struggle with Colette Patterns, but I knew that going in. The adjustments were minimal, however, so I proceeded to sew it up as is.

The overall fit was great, but it was definitely a little shorter than I wear my skirts. So, for the next two versions, I added 6” to the length. Additionally, I also shortened the straps 3/4” and combined the front strap with the button extension so that I would not need to button the straps. While it’s a cute detail, the buttons tend to make the straps move around too much and they became very fussy, overall. I also omitted the buttons on the pockets, because I just like to use my pockets more often and the buttons got in the way.

I do recommend this pattern. It’s a tried and true classic and looks very retro, which appeals to me. It’s also very comfortable and easy to wear.

Here are the details -

• Pattern - Colette Patterns Parfait

• Fabric - Other than the Pendleton Linen, the other two fabrics (yarn/dyed blue & white check and brown & white print) were both given to me (lucky me!)

• White shoes in photo at top - Vogue - Remix Vintage Shoes.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

Jennifer