November 7, 2016

Classic Fall: Striped and Plaid Washington Dress


Hey all, it’s Carrie here and we’ve entered my most favorite season in New England. I love fall; the temperature, the leaves, the activities, the plaid. Yes, I love a good plaid. Recently, while fabric shopping with Jenny, I came across this yummy Merchant and Mills plaid linen and was inspired to sew my first Washington Dress.

Pairing neutral stripes with plaid is one of my favorite combinations to add a little interest and variety to an otherwise classic fabric. This striped bamboo knit was the perfect compliment to the plaid for the skirt.

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You may notice that I used the woven of the skirt on the front yoke panel. As long as there a good stretchy ponte on the back yoke, there should be enough stretch to get the dress on, so you can get away with a woven on the front panel if you so desire. I cut the front panel on the bias for a little extra give in the fabric.

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This dress is so comfortable and I feel so put together in it! I’m pretty sure this is going to be my Thanksgiving dress this year…enough stretch for plenty of turkey!

I made a straight size 12 C/D which matches my waist and hip measurement perfectly. I measure 38″ at the full bust, so this bodice has slightly less negative ease on me than intended, but it still works quite well. Also, I shortened the bodice by 1/2″ because I am quite short waisted.

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I’ll leave you with this gem. Sometimes, the camera doesn’t want to focus on you so you have to get its attention. Remind it you’re human and all. Haha!

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What are you sewing for fall? Have any favorite fall fabrics or plans for holiday sewing?

8 thoughts on “Classic Fall: Striped and Plaid Washington Dress

  1. Claudia says:

    The dress looks great! I love your shoes, can you tell me where they are from?

    1. Carrie McGowan says:

      Thank you, Claudia! They are Sven clogs. 🙂

  2. Heather says:

    I love the bias front yoke! I’m usually not a big plaid fan but that yoke makes the dress.

  3. crab and bee says:

    I love this, Carrie! It’s such a classic look.

  4. Camila A says:

    Super cute. Love the tartan.

  5. PsychicKathleen says:

    I have this Washington in my stash along with lots of bamboo\cotton and I LOVE it with this plaid. I never would have thought to do a woven in the front and knit in the back yoke. I have some really pretty plaid wool around too 🙂 What an inspiration!

  6. ibijau says:

    I’ve made one Washington that I barely wear, and since then I’ve been wondering how to style it. I have to say, using woven for the front yoke really opens up a whole new world of possibilities! And this version is just so pretty, it really makes me look at the pattern with new eyes!

  7. Addie K says:

    Beautiful! I love the fabric combination.

Let me know what you think!