Recently I sent Katie at Papercut Patterns an email because I was searching (unsuccessfully) for a copy of the Pleated Pants pattern and noticed that it was sold out online.
Katie let me know that it was indeed out of print (*sobs* she who hesitates is patternless). Then she told me she had a new trouser pattern coming out and would I be interested in trying it… well… yes!
Sway Dress
Why? It’s a very simple dress and often I’m drawn to patterns with details or unusual shapes (hello Drape Drape). However it is something that I could see myself wearing in a solid or a floral. Dressed up and dressed down. While I wear a lot of fitted sheath dresses to work, so I tend to prefer softer, loosely fitted styles when I’m not at work. I guess I just feel more relaxed in them.
Swingin’ in the Sway
I chose not to create a self-fabric belt – mainly because of the pleats in the fabric. I felt having the pleats run one way down my body and then another way across my waist would have been distracting. So I’ve used a black satin ribbon instead. This fabric does not fray at all so I let the dress hang for 24 hours and then re-cut the hem so it was straight (it did drop all over the place). Yes you read that right – no hem on this LBD.
I don’t like these photos. I’m just so tired at the moment. Everything feels a little blah and I had horrid hair after a morning at the beach – seaspray is not my hair’s friend. That’s life though – and we are here for the dress not me LOL. If I don’t blog now – who knows when I’ll do some more photos!
Sway Dress – back neckline. Not a great picture but this is just to show the shape of the back neck (you can wear the dress either way)
I used black tricot for the facings, interfaced with a light tricot interfacing. Yes I said facings… and like my Top with Epaulettes I think this is a superior way to finish this particular dress rather than bias binding.
As the dress is sleeveless, the facing is attached using one of those Houdini methods… you know those type of sewing steps when if you haven’t done it before, you read the instructions, google, re-read the instructions… take a deep breath and then sew. If you have sewn a button-up shirt using the yoke burrito method (as seen here on the Grainline blog)… then I think you will master this technique easily. While the yoke is different, you do rolled the dress over to one side and then wrap the shoulder around the dress – I know, sounds weird but works perfectly. While I could demonstrate this on my blog, there are plenty of bloggers who have already done so – so check out Poppykettle for starters. My lovely friend Marjorie in Brisbane also emailed me a tutorial as well – so this was easy – just needed a little sewing faith.
BELT LOOPS…
Rather than making self-fabric belt loops I created thread loops. I had not made these before… however thread loops are SERIOUSLY the simplest thing to create. I cut six lengths of Gutermann thread (just my normal thread) I tied a knot at one end. Then I set my machine to a zig-zag stitch with the width at 3 and length at 1. I held the threads behind and in front of my machine foot with a light tension and away I went. Yes, it’s that easy.
my first self-made thread loops
THOUGHTS…
It’s such a simple dress, four pattern pieces. Sometimes that’s just what I love to wear the most – very simple clothes that fit (loosely) and flatter – that’s enough more days than not. This is one of those dresses where you can let the fabric sing. Now I want one in a floral (of course). You can bet there will be exactly that in my summer wardrobe this year.
An amazingly quick and gratifying make. I love the neckline and you can wear it either way. I love the V-neck, it’s not too deep or too wide.
This dress has a front and back centre seam. I did think about eliminating them – however with this fabric you can’t see the seams so I chose to leave them.
I love Papercut Patterns. I’ve actually got quite a collection, I just haven’t had a chance to sew them all, except the Saiph Tunic and the Bellatrix Blazer.
The patterns come in a sturdy cardboard package, the pattern photo can be removed from the package… where you will discover all the measurements and fabric requirements. These really do look and feel like excellent value for money – the sort of pattern you keep and display on your shelf. Check them out here.
The patterns are easy to trace and the instructions are thorough without being too wordy. You can cut up the pattern and cerate a booklet from the instruction section of the sheet – however I can’t bear to cut these lovely patterns up.
STILL TO COME…
The Guise Pants (traced). I was initially a little hesitant about these – the back waist is elastic however I’ve seen some great reviews (Gingermakes and Jolies Bobines – and I am going to try them. In basic black. I’ve also cut out the Flutter Tunic .
GIVEAWAY TO COME…
Katie has offered a Papercut pattern as a giveaway – I’m a little tired this week so let’s do it with my next Papercut make! Watch this space.
Pattern: Sway Dress by Papercut Patterns, I made XXS cut to the longer hemline.
Fabric: Mystery woven from Spotlight (bargain table)
Shoes: Urban Soul (I do love these crazy shows but they have a history so I’m not overly fond of them… #itscomplicated – chosen by Miss 10 for these photos). I really need a pair of classic black patent heels… I got distracted last shoe shopping trip… it happens #squirrel
Note: Papercut Patterns provided this pattern for preview purposes. All opinions my own. No affiliate links in this post.
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Sew Busy Lizzy 
Are you still looking for the Pleated Pants pattern? They didn’t quite work on me, so if you want, you can have my copy. Just let me know!
Only if you’re sure! I’ve sent you an email 🙂
Perfect timing! I’m just working on this pattern in a black silk. Yours looks lovely and is giving me an extra push to get back to sewing!
I was thinking it would be divine in a silk! At least it’s not an onerous dress to make, I found the hem most time consuming.
NOOO! They’re OOP? I’ve been holding off on buying them. Now I’m depressed.
I know, it’s disappointing when that happens. You may find a copy at one of The Fabric Stores, they are the only place that stocks them I think. Perhaps it will be released as a PDF one day.
It’s so simple, I just can’t justify it… but I keep going back to this pattern! I love it! The pleated fabric is wonderful, this is really one of those patterns that makes fabric shine. I guess I’m going back to the site for further pondering…
I know. I thought that too – and I kept going back to it. I think the simple flared shape & neckline make it a winner. If it becomes a TNT then consider it an investment – and Papercut does produce such beautifully packaged & printed patterns. Just saying 😉
Your LBD is lovely – – I love how the cut is made even more perfect by the way that cool fabric drapes. I agree – sometimes it’s the simple dresses/patterns that end up being the best! I’ve never tried a paper cut pattern – you are inspiring me….
The three patterns I’ve made have all been great. This collection is quite interesting as they all mix & match together – Katie deliberately designed it that way.
I hesitated the first time I purchased a Papercut pattern. It seemed expensive but when postage is part of the deal & the quality is there it doesn’t seem like too much after all.
Love the dress on you!
Thank you!
Tired or not, this dress looks lovely! Another one to add to my never ending sewing list. Enabler! 🙂
Lol you will love this one. So gratifying to make – and perfect for a hot summer day I think!
I really loved your dress, and went to look at the pattern. I would have never bought it based on the version on the model.
It does look a bit flat in the photos but great or interesting fabric lifts even the most basic pattern out of the ordinary.
This is fabulous! I love it.
Thank you! I felt a little fabulous when I put it on!
Gorgeous dress. Even tired you still look lovely.
Thanks Cari, I got smart & started seeing a naturopath. She’s been great, then days when I get tired I recover faster & feel a bit less like I’ve been hit by a truck. Should have done it years ago.
Shut the front door with that thread loop technique! I am so trying that. Brilliant.
Lol that comment made me laugh. You must try it – it’s easy & produces a great thread loop!
I could really do with a LBD, keep getting distracted by colours and stuff though (maybe I’m a bit squirrelly like that!). I have some fabric, so I’ll have to follow your example…
Pleased to be of service!
Fabulous little dress – I can see it being a real staple in your wardrobe and worn with other belts as well. I have my papercut patterns out in display too!
Thanks Sue 🙂 I’m glad I’m not the only one with curated patterns on display!
Love it! I already wanted to make the Guise Pants, and now I fancy trying the Sway dress too.
I highly recommend it for a gratifyingly fast yet sophisticated make. While it’s very simple, sometimes that makes for the best classic clothing.
This pleated fabric is so interesting and looks lovely to wear. And thanks for the tip about making thread loops – I can’t believe it’s that easy! I’ve never sewn with a Papercut pattern (they’re so expensive!) but really like some of the designs.
The fabric is really nice to wear – bit of a surprise purchase.
Papercut Patterns aren’t cheap but they are great quality. In Australia, the Big 4 patterns are expensive and we don’t have sales quite as often as the US.
When I buy paper indie patterns, once I pay for postage the price is comparable to Papercut – whose price includes postage.
I guess it just depends on how much you want a pattern and whether you can find something similar for less. I’m a bit of a sewing collector & I’m happy to pay for certain things.
I love how simple and elegant this is! Gorgeous dress.
Thank you Lisa 🙂 finding the fabric seemed like it was ‘meant to be’
Stunning!
Not sure if have dared to sew with the pleated fabric – looks a bit tricky to say the least! Well done 😃
I think because they are ‘micro’ pleats and quite random that it didn’t worry me too much so I just winged it. The added texture is quite friendly in that the seams are not very obvious.
I remember making thread loops by hand using an embroidery stitch. It never dawned on me to use a machine. Brilliant.
You remain as adorable as ever.
I thought about making the loops by hand as my mother always does… and thought… ‘There must be another way”
Good for your for figuring that out.
Gorgeous with a capital G! oh my gosh I love this dress. Well done.
I can really imagine you in a Sway Dress – a gorgeous vibrant one, maybe a floral!
How pretty! I like the black texture and the simple shape. You could use any color ribbon belt to mix things up. I’ll have to check out Papercut Patterns.
I didn’t think about using a different belt but you are absolutely right.
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Great look! I could also imagine this with a lovely gold belt. I love the papercut patterns even if they at a little ex-y
It’s true they are a bit $$$ but at least the packaging, pattern paper is sturdy and it includes postage.
And I do have some gold shoes…
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