Hello, I’m Cath, I’d like to share my version of the Grainline Studio Willow Tank Dress, one of the many gorgeous patterns House of Cloth offers in their lovely printed format.

I selected this pattern as a quick post-Christmas sewing palette cleanser, something to get me back in the clothes sewing swing of things after sewing bags and dopp kits and zip pouches and all of the usual Christmas gift suspects.

The heat here in Bendigo drew me to the lush double gauze House of Cloth stocks, I wanted a throw on but look polished dress that would breath in the heat and feel soft against my skin.

As the Willow Tank Dress^* (view B) has a separate skirt pattern piece that is cleverly sewn into the top hem fold, I decided to accentuate this by using another fabric for the skirt piece. Plus, these nani IRO prints are so divine, how could I choose just one? I chose Nani Iro double gauze Formen for the top, and nani IRO for Kokka Pocho double gauze in multi colours for the skirt pieces. The finished dress almost looks like a singlet top over a skirt doesn’t it?

Note: Willow pattern now available as a PDF only from Grainline.

I usually just wing it my way when it comes to sewing procedure but this time I decided to do exactly as Jennifer Beeman (designer of Grainline Studio patterns) instructed. I even followed the sew along Grainline provide online, which I highly recommend to anyone new to sewing clothes. The tutorial on getting the bias neck facing to lay flat is one that elevates your finished garment and can be employed again and again on any bias faced neckline or armhole.

I really enjoyed the straightforward simplicity of sewing this dress and made no adjustments to the pattern. The double gauze was easy to work with, behaving well when being cut, pinned, sewed and ironed. My overlocked seams ensure there will be no unravelling or stray threads when it is washed in the future.

I love the subtle a-line swing of the dress, and in the bright colours it truly feels like a summer dress that is incredibly comfortable on hot days.

Now that the silly season is over and my first garment for 2019 is under my belt, it’s time to peruse the patterns and fabric at House of Cloth and plan my next project… See you in there!