Tessuti Gabby Dress

The Tessuti Gabby dress was one of the first patterns I saw and fell in love with when I began sewing but at that time I was just too scared to try it. I was recently reminded of the dress and decided to give it a try. It's an A-line dress with no closures, darts, facings (Seriously, what was I afraid of?).

I downloaded the PDF pattern and cut out a size small which equates to an Australian 10. I cut the long version and was able to fit the pattern pieces on 1.5m (width=1.4m) fabric by inserting a centre back seam rather than cutting on the fold. I made it up in a beautifully soft Tessuti Floral Rayon I bought on a lunch and fabric shopping date with the lovely Caitlan of Indie Stitches (more on than another time!). FYI, this fabric would make a gorgeous Cascade Skirt!

I downloaded the pattern at 10 am this morning and had it cut out, fabric cut and dress sewn together by 3 o'clock. During this time I also showered, ate lunch, watched Dr Phil and other various activities. This dress was a very quick and satisfying make!

I made the dress slightly different to the instructions:  instead of using vilene I just stay stitched the neckline, I french seamed all the seams and I turned the bias binding to the outside rather than the wrong side. On trying on the dress I realised is was quite big and also a bit too long for my liking. I took the side seams in 1/4" on either side seam and cut 1" off the hem before hemming it using up another 1.5" of the fabric.

Even after taking the dress in it still feels super roomy. I wore it belted this evening out to dinner with Tim's family. I will definitely make this dress again but next time I will try the extra small and use the short length version.