Hello friends! I’m back again with a bit of summer sewing.
This time the Derby Dress by Christine Haynes.
[source: Christine Haynes]
This was my first time using a Christine Haynes pattern and I made view B, graded up to about a size 22. This is a pullover dress with princess seams in a trapeze style, so it looks rather like a maternity dress without the sash. On another note, if one is looking for maternity patterns, this would be a good one.
This pattern is not lined, but my gauze is rather sheer, I opted to line it. I did this by cutting out the all of the pattern pieces except for the neck ruffle and the sash (and omitting the facings), sewing them up in the same manner as the dress and then sewing the two with right sides together around the neck and arm holes. I then turned it back and topstitched it all along the edges. I opted to this rather understitching as the pattern dictates. The hem on my lining is also cut slightly shorter and turned up a little bit more than the outer hem so that it doesn’t show.
The bodice sure looks askew on the back in this picture! I guess that’s what happens with non-tailored dresses — they like to move around! I assure you that the straps are the same length….
Snowball and Doc in the background 🙂
This dress is fairly easy and fast to put together as well as easy to grade up. What I don’t like about it is the looseness on the bodice. I guess I am used to more fitted dresses. I was thinking about putting a couple of darts in, but wasn’t sure how that would work with being able to pull this on and off easily.
Also, I never wear boots with my dresses, but I got a new pair last week and I was breaking them in whilst I was sewing this dress and I noticed how well they match and look good with the rural feel of the gauze and the casual simplicity of the pattern. I can also walk further out in the pasture to take photos amongst cool things like these boulders. I would never venture out there in sandals or heels for fear of snakes and with the dry grass and rough terrain, it isn’t easy to walk out in shoes that were made for pavement. I found wearing boots works rather well and I have some dresses coming up that will look good with these and others that I have, I will probably be donning them more often.
I have been looking for my go-to summer dress pattern for a few years now and still have not found it. The Derby dress, although quick and easy and comfortable is not my fave, so I’m still looking…..
For me, I feel that this pattern is good for a casual everyday dress or along the lines of a beach cover-up. It’s not exactly one that I’d wear out in the city or out shopping. I guess it’s because I’m not exactly comfortable with the gaping on the bodice or the low back. I also like dresses that I can wear a regular bra with, and this one shows the bra straps as the dress straps are thin. It is, however, very comfortable, and like I said, a good dress to wear at home and not look like you’re a doudy slob, although you can feel like you are because it’s that comfortable. 🙂
If I made this again, these are the things that I would change about it:
- Widen the straps
- Add some front and back darts
- Adjust the armscyes
- Make a thicker and longer sash
I’m still on the lookout for the perfect summer dress, which would be light, comfortable and easy to wear, quick to make, flattering, pretty and good in the heat. I’ll see if some of the other dress patterns on my sewing list fit the bill.
What are your go-to patterns for the summer?
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Christine Haynes Derby Dress in J Crew floral cotton gauze, made by me
- Boots: Justin Bent Rail
- Sunglasses: Burberry
Looks perfect in that environment – and I see what you mean about perfectly matching those fabulous boots!
Thanks for the honest review of the pattern too! x
Thanks, Nessa! 🙂
LOVE the boots! It’s funny, I never would have thought of snakes as a reason not to venture in flat shoes – the most vicious animals we have here are probably possumes, or Kea when they’re trying to eat your car!
Good luck on the Perfect Summer Dress hunt – I also like fitted dresses and that can make it hard when you don’t want things to cling!
Snakes are very prevalent here, especially since we are in a drought. There’s coyotes and mountain lions and bears, but you don’t have to worry about those much. I sure hope to find the perfect summer dress soon!
This is a beautiful fabric pattern footwear combo! It look like it would be a perfect dress for super hot days. Another winner Tanya!
Thank you! It is really good for the heat as it’s loose and that’s what works well for me!
Gorgeous! I absolutely love the fabric you chose for this dress, Tanya. It’s so vintage chic, especially with those fabulous cowboy boots. Lovely work!
Thanks, Mary! It’s a bit shabby western chic, isn’t it?
Love this outfit! Boots with dresses is my favorite, i’m sad that its getting too hot in NM and I’m going to have to retire the boots for the summer. I have seen this pattern a few times and thought “not for me!”, but it is SO cute on you that I am reconsidering. I understand not wanting to wear something so revealing out and about, but I have been making some strappy dresses to layer with cardigans for summer office wear. This pattern looks like a great candidate. The only problem with my plan is that if I get hot and want to take my cardigan off, I am out of luck because I’m not about to be showing bra straps in the office!
Yes, it’s a bit hot to wear them here, too, unless I need to wear them. I did try this dress on with a cardi and it looked fine. It sweetens it up a bit as it already has that frilly collar going on.
You look so fresh! I love the pairing of fabric and dress. It has a little Virgin suicide vibe going on (that’s a good thing!), plus the boots make it look bad-ass! That’s some fine work!
Like you, i’ve been looking for the perfect summer dress. I too want something “light, comfortable and easy to wear, quick to make, flattering, pretty and good in the heat.” What else do you want in your ideal summer frock? Is there a shape or a detail you’d prefer? Something flowy or structured?
Thanks, Rox! The pairing was just by accident though!
For the heat, I like a more structured bodice and loose skirt. My favorite hot weather dresses are those with a sweetheart neckline, thicker straps, and an open back. I like a-line, circle and gathered skirts paired with that. View C of Simplicity 1798 is along the lines I’m looking for. I made that pattern in alternate version already, but bought it for the sundress and it’s on my list to make it. I have RTW dresses in that silhouette, but one just fell apart and the other has holes in it….. time for some new ones!! 🙂
I just checked that pattern but can’t find view C. Am I missing something?
Except for the open back, I think the Cambie dress from Sewaholic might fit the bill! Plus, it is SO easy to put together. Gotta love those adjustable straps and that sweetheart neckline. That red paisley number you made looked fab!
It’s Simplicity 2886! Not sure why I said 1798! lol! I love the Cambie, but I like a looser dress than that one. If I graded up the bodice more on that design, it probably wouldn’t look right.
Cute! I love the little ruffle in the front. I still haven’t made any of her patterns but I think I need to! By the way, it was great meeting you in person on Saturday and I hope you guys enjoyed the rest of your trip!
I think you’d really like the Emery dress. I haven’t tried it yet, but its on my list. It was great meeting and chatting with you, too! We had a great trip. Next time will be a longer one!
This dress looks amazing! I love the style of it, but keep talking myself out of the pattern. Between the straps and the silhouette I suspect I like it in theory more than practice. Your dress is really great, though, I love the country vibe. You live in a neat place, too 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! I wasn’t certain how it would be when I made it as I didn’t like the low back and thought I could bring it up with the straps, which I did. Still a little low, so if I make it again, I will try some modifications.
I really really like this look! I think there’s a slinkiness to this dress especially in the lovely light fabric you’ve chosen, and so it doesn’t hide your body in spite of it not being fitted. Your version makes me want to sew one up a lot! I love the boots with it, and feel like you should be at a lovely outdoor concert in this outfit. I hear you with the strap notes, I often want to wear a slip dress, and then realize that I just don’t have a bra I’m okay with straps showing etc. But the breezy look of this is really, really appealing to me.
Thank you! I think I will make another with my modifications and see how it turns out. I have another gauze that would work for this.
Love your outfit … you look like you should be releasing your new Country album! Amazing boots by the way.
Haha! It is very country, but that’s where I live! 🙂 I’ve been wanting these boots for several months now and finally found them on sale!
This is such a great example of a terrific fabric/pattern combination! Just like your very cute dress at the meet up this weekend! I love your boots!!!! I think you should make it again with your mods…you are into something here!
Thanks, Pam! I think you’re right! I still need to take some pics of the dress I wore on Saturday. I would have taken them in LA, but I wasn’t really in a photo taking mood that day. Lol
Great boots! And they do match the dress really well. I think it looks great on you. The belt tie is cute and the floral pattern distracts from noticing any fit issues you talked about.
Thanks, Debbie! The busy pattern does hide a lot, including the gores!
I love this on you…and the boots make it totally awesome. As ever, you and your sewing and your commentaries are excellent and inspirational. I’m always excited to see what you do next.
Thank you, Cara! Yes, when I was trying it on with the boots, I saw how well they go together. I’m always excited to see what I make next, too! lol! 🙂
What’s the tattoo peaking out through your hair in back? It kind of looks like a cross but I’m not sure. I agree with your thoughts on the dress. I love the look of this style of dress on some other women, but whenever I’ve made one for myself, it just isn’t flattering. I think you look lovely in the dress, very feminine and your boots are AWESOME.
Thanks, Cindy! It’s a Celtic cross on the center of my back. Right now, I’m wearing this dress without the sash and it looks like a nightgown… lol
Cutest dress ever! I love it with the boots. I’ve seen this pattern before and never gave it a second thought until I seen yours!
Thanks, Shannon! I think this pattern would look lovely on you!
Love the dress and boots together! Your sewing is so lovely that I can’t wait to see what your favorite dress will be.
Thank you so much, Jan!