This is actually the second time that I have sewn the Named Inari Tee dress – but the first one hasn’t made it to the blog yet.

So, there is a little story behind this dress. When I was at Sewjourn in May my friend Kathryn sewed up a ponte version of the Inari dress in black and white stripes. Despite having different shapes, we usually sew the same size. This meant that I could try hers on and see how it looked on me in ponte. Then I spotted a massive pile of stash enhancing fabric that we had brought along with us to share out – and there it was, black and white stripes in ponte. So I copied.

I that I sewed this in size 40 – it could have been the 42 – and didn’t make any alterations. It is such a fast dress to assemble, although I made life slightly more complicated by choosing a striped fabric. Lots of pins helped with stripe matching.

I really like the way that the side seams curve around to the front, with the resulting slits at those seams. The high low hemline works for me too. Remember that I am only 158cm tall – I think that this dress could show a lot of leg on a taller person, especially when they sit down!

Copying Kathryn, I cut the sleeve bands with the stripe running across, and left the bands turned down rather than folded back as cuffs. The neckline is finished with a facing that I topstitched in place.

This is what Named say about the pattern:

• The pattern includes two variations: A loose-fitting tee dress and a cropped A-line tee
• Short sleeves with a rolled-up effect
• The dress is slightly cocoon-shaped, with an uneven hemline
• Slits at the sides of the dress
• Finish the neckline with a facing or a separate neckband
• Choose a light to medium weight fabric, non-stretch or with slight stretch. If you make the neckline with the neckband, choose a stretch material, such as firm jersey or a rib-knit, for the band piece. The samples are made of cloque.

I intended to use this as a trans-seasonal piece layered with boots/tights and other tops either under or over it. I feel that it works quite well in this role. A very satisfying fast sew – I can see why it has been such a popular pattern in the sewing internet world.