On the 24th day of Me-Made-May I wore my new Colette Hazel dress. I used an *African cotton fabric I found in the remnants bin at Rolls and Rem. I was drawn to the colors instantly. I debated buying it, not finding it too much of a bargain at £3 a meter (Remnants can average £1.50 a meter at Rolls and Rems). I walked around the store with it and decided I couldn’t do without it. The colors and patterns were much too good to pass up.
Initially I thought I would use it for another gathered skirt. But after discovering I had enough for a Hazel dress I went for it.
This dress, surprisingly didn’t need many adjustments. Because the skirt is gathered I didn’t have to worry about waist size. The only changes I did were to the front and back side bodice pieces. I graded half an inch to each piece to get the waist measurement needed. And that’s it. Viola! That’s my kind of adjustment. I’m not going to lie. Sewing as a…uh…curvy woman can be such a big pain in the ass. Eighty percent of my patterns are suited for women smaller than myself so I am always having to change patterns to fit me. So it was such a nice relief not to do much to the Hazel pattern.
The dress came together very easily. I lined the skirt just because I’d love to wear it on cooler days with tights. I love how comfortable the dress is and that it has pockets. Bonus!
I cannot wait to get back from my trip to the States so I can whip up a yellow version. This is the type of pattern that can be made in various colors and prints and never look like the same dress. So why not make multiples? I am all about making more than one of things I enjoy wearing (hello, Ginger skirt!).
*Check out Roisin’s gorgeous African cotton Hazel dress.
OMG…Mela, this is awesome. I love that fabric. This is by far my fave of all your makes. You should make more dresses from this pattern. On a side note, I am eating that milk cake as I type this comment.
Thanks Dibs! I am definitely going to make more from this pattern. It’s such a comfy dress.
Glad you’re enjoying the cake. I think I may need some soon
I love the dress on you, the style and colours really suit you.
Thank you!
That looks awesome! You were right to fall for that fabric- love it!
Thank you! I’m glad I didn’t leave it behind.
Gorgeous! That fabric is absolutely lovely – it looks so good as a dress. Where is this Rolls and Rems you’re talking about? Never heard about it before.
Rolls and Rems is located in Holloway and Lewisham in London. I LOVE their remnants bin. I have found such great bargains there.
Totally gorgeous in every way! You have a great eye for matching fabrics to patterns!
Thank you! I can say the same about you
Very nice. I think I might try this pattern as well.
I need a go-to that looks this fabulous! Nicely done, ma’am!
Too cute – great fabric!
OMG, OMG, OMG! This is one hell of a gorgeous dress Mela and you look adorable in it. You know, Hazel hadn’t tempted me until this very moment. It’s just lovely on you, but I think that’s got a lot to do with your awesome fabric choice…the print and colours are divine! Can I ask what fabric you lined it with please?
Thanks Marie! I used a silver acetate. I wore it on a super warm day and my legs didn’t feel too warm at all.
Thank you ;o)
No problem! I was originally going to use muslin but the one I ordered online looked like gauze. So strange
Gorgeous fabric. It’s worth spending a little more if you are going to wear it more!
The pattern is perfect for showing off the fabric. Very nice!
Thank you. I’m glad I bought it after a bit of hesitation.
The print and the simplicity of the dress and the pattern of the fabric really works!! Looks like Hazel may be a TNT pattern for you which is awesome!!!
Thank you. I’d love to see what you do with the Hazel pattern.
Mela, this is too gorgeous! Hurrah for African cotton! I must get myself to Rolls and Rems the next time I am in London – I really want to sew with African cotton again
Thank you.
It really is a great cotton to work with. It didn’t misbehave at all. Love it!
LOVE IT!!! you great in it. I wasn’t too keen on the pattern when it came out but you are making it look like something i need!
It’s a really flattering dress and easy to manipulate. I recommend it for sure.
Mela… I LOVE THIS! It’s so, so gorgeous! You look great in it, it’s a perfect fit, perfect fabric, perfect colors! Great job!
Thank you very much!
This dress is gorgeous! I love everything about it, the fit, fabric etc. you look beautiful in it
Thank you so much. That means a lot form you. You make the prettiest dresses!
Sometimes fabric and patterns match up perfectly, which is the case here!! I would have been suckered by that fabric, too, it’s lovely and the dress looks amazing on you!
That’s a striking summer dress & so great you didn’t have to make many pattern alterations.
Yes, I was so relieved. There’s nothing better than a quick make from tracing to hemming.
Great dress – the print is gorgeous and it looks great on you!
It is so pretty! African prints are so vibrant!
They really are. I need to invest in more. Not that I need any more fabric
So. Cute.
thats beautiful dress. Im a fan of pockets on sun dresses so i can have some pocket money for ice cream !
))
I like the way you think Rachel!
Oh, I love it. And, yes, I’m all about making the same pattern up over and over. After all that work of getting the right fit. Plus, I can’t help wanting to make every version I’ve dreamed up.
Exactly! Once you get a pattern fit right, why not do it again and again
? You also get more bang for your buck, as well.
Just stunning! I’ve been on the fence about the pattern but it looks seriously amazing on you! The fabric is stunning too and £3 p/m sounds like a good deal when you work the cost per wear out!!! (making time doesn’t count in my world cos I’m a slow seamster)
Thank you, Vicki. It definitely was a great deal. I can see myself wearing this dress quite a bit. I’ve already packed it for my trip tomorrow
I LOVE it! Such a fabulous fabric and it suits the Hazel pattern perfectly! Well done and in time for the nice weather! Have fun in the States!
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to it.
It is very, very cute! I keep debating buying the pattern… I really think I should concoct some reason that I “deserve” it!
Can I ask a slightly nosy question? How well do the straps hide bra straps? I’m always worry that because my bra straps are supportively/old-ladishly wide, they’ll show with this kind of dress. What did you find?
The straps hid my bra very well. Angie mentioned how the straps worked well for her too.
I bet you can add a half an inch to the pattern piece if needed.
Awesome! Thanks! (Now I have no excuses not to make one!
Mela this is perfect! The fit, the pattern, the way the fabric works ….what a winner. And what about the timing too. Nice one
Wahou !! This dress and the colors are really great on you !
Love that you used an african fabric ! I have some in my stash and you make me want to sew it right now !
Faaaaaaaaaaabulous.
How positively lovely! I would not have been able to pass up that fabric either – it works perfectly as a Hazel dress! Very well done!
That’s an amazing dress! I’m going to have to hunt down that pattern. I hate all those pesky adjustments too!
Just so lovely…great fabric and amazing fit. You look gorgeous in it.
You look gorgeous in this outfit. I’d be making more of them…gotta go check out the pattern
Thank you. I really recommend it!
Seriously, your Hazel dress is one of my favorites. I love the fabric and it looks so flattering on you. Great job!
Thank you so much. It might be my favorite make so far
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Lovely dress and great fabric. Can’t wait to see your yellow version
Hello again
I made the yellow version and it’s quite bright and cheerful. Helps lighten me up on a dreary grey day.
What a cute dress! I love African fabrics. Glad I found your blog!
Thank you. African fabrics are so colorful and pretty. I was instantly attracted to the bold colors. Off to read your blog
Ohhh i love this little dress!!! you are “Sublime”
Sorry for my poor english.
Now worries! Thank you!
So cute!! It fits you beautifully and I’m dying over that fabric. Love your shoes, too.
Thank you! Those are the first pair of flats that I found uber comfortable in a long while. They are from Asos, if you’re curious
This is just gorgeous. Suits you so well. (A post on my blog deserves a post on yours!)
Thank you