NEW :: THE LOIS DRESS PATTERN
Meet Lois – our newest pattern and pretty much my dream dress. We’ve been saving this one for a September release because it’s everything a spring dress should be – floaty, flirty and just a little bit sexy. Lois was inspired by current trends that call on design elements from the 1940s, with a little 70s thrown in as well. And there’s some inspiration from this dress too, but without the fiddly bits like a yoke and set-in sleeve. Think elegant and easy.
Vintage-inspired, the Lois Dress features a deep v neck bodice and a floaty skirt with an A-line silhouette that falls to a flattering midi length. Finishing features include cuffed arm bands, a top-stitch detail around the neckline and waist, and an invisible side zipper that runs from the bodice side seam into a skirt dart. The skirt has side darts and the seams are positioned towards the back via a rear skirt panel.
Suitable fabrics for the Lois Dress include silk satin, crepe de chine, viscose and rayon. If it drapes, it’s perfect. We made up an early sample (below) in our viscose crepe Black Eyes on Red (now sold out) and this stunning floral version (above) is made up in our washed silk crepe de chine – Maiden Fleur. (UPDATE – this fabric is now sold out with more stock due October. Please email tessutifabrics@gmail.com to preorder)
We love wearing our Lois Dress with heels but if comfort is your thing, she looks equally gorgeous with sandals and sneakers, making her a most excellent dress up/dress down option that transitions sweetly from day to night.
The pattern comes in (Australian) sizes 6 through to 16 and is now available in both hardcopy copy and actual size copy shop/print-at-home version.
We hope you like Lois. And if you’re thinking of jumping on board, we think she’s absolutely perfect for A Sundress in September…
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LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!
So elegant.
But my only worry is, can you wear a bra? Because I am past the age when I could go without. Honestly, I never could go without.
Hi Annie. I’m happy to confirm that you can definitely wear a bra. You just need one with a lower bridge
Love it!
Really pretty, but neckline too low for me; any way to raise it?
Hi Linda T,
yes the neckline can be raised if needed, but will alter the silhouette.
Love the dress – but I have a similar query about the bustline. I am a 14DD so a bra with full scaffolding is required. Any way to raise the drop of the V neckline or possibly do a small triangle insert to minimize cleavage display.
Hi Diana,
Similar to our response to Linda T. Plus we would recommend to make a toile and do a full bust adjustment beforehand.
Thanks for another great pattern. I have a similar concern re the deep v neckline. To solve it, I’m wondering if you have an easy way to insert a triangle across the back of the v, so that we don’t wreck the silhouette of the dress. Thanks.
I was thinking of maybe inserting a triangle of lace in the back of the V…
I’m confused, you’re releasing it in September because it’s everything a Spring dress should be. Isn’t September fall?
We’re based in Australia so we’re in spring here
This is gorgeous, and I am tempted even though we’re about starting to east towards autumn in Malta :). Is the skirt cut on the bias?
Hi Francesca,
I’m sure it will still get lots of wear in Malta, you could wear it with a cropped light cardigan if it gets cooler 🙂
No the skirt is not cut on the bias. It does appear that way as the front skirt has no side seams and moves all the way to the join the back skirt panel, as explained in blog post above.
I really loved this dress, I already purchased and I am going to do a muslin tonight, but do you think you could do a tutorial on how to raise the neckline? Thanks a lot!
Um, GORGEOUS! Definitely on my must-make list. <3
I am following the instructions to attach the bias tape on the neckline, but I think I am missing something… Do I have to cut/trim the bias on the wrong size before turning and edgestitching from the right side? (The last step…) On your pictures I see the larger remaining bias on the wrong size, then on the next picture is smaller, like it was trimmed, but I am not sure how to proceed… Thanks!
Hi Tatiana. There shouldn’t be any excess but if there is, it’s OK to just trim the exposed section away.
I love the look of this dress but am not sure it will suit me. I wear a 12DD bra (worried about the low neckline, same as some others) and am very short waisted (hence wondering if the sleeve ‘armpit’ will be too close to my waistline). Any thoughts, anyone?
Regarding changing the neckline – I just tried this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kymTM9rdH5g
from SewToFit – however I cut the new shape on the fold -I raised the neckline by 3 inches. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hi Miss Fi. Im also short waisted and a 10dd. I just made the dress and posted on instagram if that helps – funkbunny
Hi there! Do you plan on offering this pattern in plus sizes at any point? Thank you!
Hi Erica. Thanks for your query. At this stage, there are no plans to release Lois in extended sizes.
Hi! Are there any hacks/tips for making the Lois with a lining? Thank you!
Hi Andrea, Sorry no hack/tips available for lining our Lois Dress. It’s best to make this in the recommended fabrics that doesn’t require lining.