A year or two ago I took part in a Jungle January fabric swap.  While I sent some of this gorgeous zebra-striped linen from Darn Cheap Fabrics to Liz, I also bought a length to keep.  You’re not really surprised, are you?

So, this is actually the first Named Patterns Inari Dress that I sewed, quite some months ago. I think it was a non-seasonal sew, which made it perfect to take up to FNQ.

I suspect that I sewed the straight size 40. I have heard that others have had difficulties with the armscye drafting of this pattern restricting movement – I haven’t experienced that as an issue at all. Maybe it just depends on your shape!  No concerns at all in wearing – but be aware that when you sit down or bend over that hemline definitely rises!

Those curved side seams and the splits at the bottom really make this dress, in my opinion. I know that the top version has been popular too, but it seems pretty “meh” and standard to me. It’s the dress shaping that really appeals.

Construction was shared between the overlocker and the sewing machine. I finished the neckline with a facing, that I topstitched down, and I also topstitched the hems to secure. I wear this one with the sleeve cuffs folded up (with my ponte Inari I leave them down).

If you like a sack dress – you all know thatI do! – and for some reason you haven’t sewn this one yet, I do recommend it. Especially in linen – the way that the fabric relaxes and moulds to your body, without clinging in any way, makes for a terrific summer garment.