In October we celebrated Frocktober over on The Monthly Stitch. I made two dresses and here is the first, a Sewaholic Lonsdale.
I was super excited about summer this year (I’m super excited for summer EVERY year) so I decided that my Lonsdale would be very summery and required birds so I pulled this gorgeous Joel Dewberry Sparrows print from my stash. I bought it a while ago with no particular pattern in mind and I could see it as the most fabulous Lonsdale…except that according to the envelope back I did not have enough.
Challenge accepted!
The cutting layout was useless to me anyway, being drawn up for fabric with no direction I put it aside and set to work. A few test layouts later (with furry help) I discovered I could fit my Lonsdale on by cutting the internal lining upside down and piecing the straps.
Another option if you want a Lonsdale from a shorter length of fabric is to cut the bodice lining from a contrast fabric. If you wanted your straps to be the same as the self fabric then just piece them on.
So, for the record, you can get a size 12 Lonsdale variation a out of 3.2 meters (3 1/2 yards) of 112cm wide fabric.
Yeah!
I’ve wanted to make the Lonsdale for a while and now I definitely need another one. It sews up really quickly and easily and I didn’t find any pattern errors or difficult to follow instructions.
It is quite long though! I’m going to mark my preferred length on the pattern for next time so I can save on fabric.
I cut about 19cms off at the front and 16 cms off at the back.
The fit is great but I was a bit worried at first about gaping on either side of the bodice front but this went away after I tied the front tie properly. It needs to be quite snug to pull it in flat.
I needed help to get dressed the first time I put this on but after the back bow is tied I can get it off and on again just by undoing the zipper. I could stitch the knot closed next time I am in a hand-sewing mood.
I do find the knot a bit uncomfortable when sitting for long periods, it digs into my spine. I have seen variations where the straps are sewn into the bodice and I think my next version will be like that.
If you are interested in sewing up a Lonsdale Tasia has a sew along on her blog and over on The Monthly Stitch I did a little “Sew with Us” series (less technical, more fun and visual) so you can take a look some more construction photos over there.
Jenna and Kat took these photos for me on the Petone foreshore.
I envisioned a gorgeous day with sea views and Wellington but we got wind instead.
It was fun…even if I did have to delete about 20 “knicker shots” 😉
Taking photos with other sewists is the best, so I’ll leave you with a little behind the scenes action:
THE DEETS:
Pattern – Sewaholic Lonsdale, variation a, size 12
Next time I need to mark the hem length on the pattern to save fabric and I would like to try just attaching the straps to the back bodice instead of the loops and bow.
Fabric – Joel Dewberry print from the Aviary 2 collection called Sparrows
the curious kiwi 
Lovely. I have this fabric in another colourway. I usually ignore the cutting layouts; it’s amazing how often I can get away with a lot less fabric just figuring it out myself!
Ignoring the cutting layout is such a great way to save on fabric. It would be impossible to write an accurate cutting layout for every width of fabric and every size in the envelope so it’s a nice reminder to test out a different layout even if you don’t think you have enough fabric, you might just get lucky 🙂
I love the fabric and think it looks great made up in that style, I think both lengths are nice but shorter makes it look more modern, longer it has a more vintage feel to me.
That’s a nice way to think about the lengths – the longer version looks great on a lot of people and it is inspired by a vintage pattern. I also like that the shorter length balances out the black fabric to keep it summery. Yay for summer! xx
Gorgeous! The neckline on this suits you really well, and I love the back of the dress too 🙂
Aww thank you. I do love to get the shoulders out 😉
This is gorgeous! Makes me finally think “I wonder if I should try this pattern??”
And I love the shorter length on you. Perfect for summer, although not so perfect for the Wellington wind!
Wind is just an excuse to wear a pretty petticoat 😉 You should try this, it’s actually a really easy make and I think it would flatter your gorgeous body too.