Colette Laurel

As previously mentioned, I recently won three Colette patterns - yay! I've already made the Iris shorts and now, the Laurel dress.

This pattern is just my cup of tea: cute; comfortable; flattering; and versatile. It's also easy to sew.

 I made some minor alterations, which were to lower the neckline, open up the lower armhole, omit the zip and lengthen the dress with a hem band and piping to match the bias binding on the neckline and armholes.

Next time I make this I will also lower the bust darts.

The fabric looks like denim, but is actually a medium-weight upholstery fabric. It doesn't crease, which is great, but you can see that the lower edge of the hem band is stubbornly not holding its crisp fold.

I made white bias binding and folded it evenly over the front and back of the neckline and armholes to give a bit of contrast.

The 'piping' is the same bias binding just folded lengthwise and stitched in place with the hem band.

I tried to convince my BFF that she also needed a Laurel, but she prefers her bikini. However, she did put some laurel leaves in her hair as a show of support.

I love this pattern and I plan to make it in many incarnations.

These photos are taken in the historic (for Australia) port town of Fremantle, Western Australia and feature a convict jail, the Roundhouse, in the background of the second picture.