This is one of those patterns that I sew each year.  I think that I have sewn about five of these now.

This time I decided to sew it in a more transitional fabric that could be layered under or over for the cold. Generally I sew this as a summer dress in light to mid weight stretch fabrics. When I stumbled across this crochet printed double knit (pretty much a soft light-weight ponte) at The Cloth Shop recently I absolutely couldn’t resist it.

With a fabric as boldly patterned as this one you really need a simple shape. The You Sew Girl Draped T-Dress is highly reminiscent of lots of those patterns you see in Japanese sewing pattern books, but in my opinion there is that little bit of extra drafting in this pattern that means the neckline stays where is should and the cut on sleeves also maintain their position on the body.

All construction was on the overlocker. I added a neckband to bring in the neckline a fraction and make it more appropriate for colder weather. You can use whatever neckline finish you prefer on this dress – I think I’ve done turn and stitch, binding or neckbands in the past, cutting neckbands to whatever width I prefer. I used the twin needle on the sewing machine to secure the neckband and the hems.

What I do still need to acquire is a lead fishing sinker to weigh down the drape on the inside. I often do this with cowls or drapes that need to fall nicely. At the moment the side drape, in this fabric that is heavier in weight to the knits I’ve used for this dress in the past, is a little more like a folded inwards pocket.

I strongly suspect that I will continue to sew this pattern on a yearly basis. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that it works just as well as a layering piece as it it does in a cooler summer weight knit. Yesterday I wore it layered over a wool knit (purchased) top with thick stockings and boots, then I added a Tesssuti Sydney jacket and a scarf. Cosy!

Thanks for all the lovely feedback on my work wardrobe in the previous post – I am pleased that a number of you felt inspired or informed by it.