100 Acts of Sewing - Dress No 1

Founded by Sonya Philip and based on a strong mission, 100 Acts of Sewing is based on her very thoughtful and artisanal approach to fashion and making. I encourage you to read more about it here, but my favourite insight in her beautiful statement of purpose is this, "Making clothing is a conscious choice; it is an investment of time over convenience. The creation of a functional garment, engenders self-sufficiency and happiness. Since it is perilous to compare what one makes to the immutable perfection of store-bought, in sewing for oneself it is the work itself, and the recognition of flaws and gradual achievement of better skills as part of that work, that produces satisfaction."

Dress No. 1 is an extremely wearable sleeveless dress with an A-line silhouette. The neck and armholes are finished with bias tape facing and top-stitched patch pockets add both flair and utility.

A separate instruction booklet walks you through the steps, from tracing and cutting the pattern pieces, to making and sewing bias tape. The pattern is printed on bond paper, with eight nested sizes.

Full bust measurement (your body size):

XS: 32 inches (81 cm);  S: 35 inches (89 cm)

M: 38 inches (97 cm);  L: 41 inches (104 cm)

XL: 44 inches (112 cm);  2X: 47 inches (119 cm)

3X: 50 inches (127 cm);  4X: 53 inches (135 cm)

Recommended fabric:

Cotton, linen, wool, rayon or natural fiber blend woven fabric (no jersey or knits)

Yardage requirements:

XS - S: 2 1/4 yards (2.1 m); M - L: 2 1/4 yards (2.1 m); XL - 2X: 2 3/8 yards (2.2 m); 3X - 4X: 2 1/2 yards (2.3 m)

If desired, additional 1/2 yd (0.5m) or fat quarter of contrast fabric for bias tape or pockets. Optional notion: 3/4" (18mm) bias tape maker

Garments made using 100 Acts of Sewing patterns are for personal use only and are not intended for commercial sewing.