My Romy Top to Dress

November 22, 2018

Thanks for yesterday’s amazing response to our latest Romy Top pattern. For those of you who’ve already purchased the pattern, we’re super excited to see your versions out and about. And if you have, or are thinking about it, here’s a simple modification that you might like to consider.

In the weeks preceding the pattern release, we received some incredible Italian linens and, true to my linen-loving form, fell pretty hard for a few of them. Specifically the Vivien Blue Small and Large checks. Straightaway, I knew I wanted to combine both fabrics in one garment and so decided on a super simple dress style that’s been floating around in my head for a while now.

I used the Romy Top for the bodice, cropping 22cm/9″ from the full pattern length so it finishes just below my natural waist. The attached gathered skirt has a finished length of 76cm/30″ and was measured at double the circumference of the bodice hem. I’m 160cm tall, and the full finished length of the dress (from front neckline) is 112cm/44″.

The linen is quite sheer so I had to add a full lining. To do this, I used a black cotton voile, extending the facing and attaching a knee-length, less-gathered skirt.

Because any option to avoid a loop turner is always my preferred option , I subbed Romy’s shoestring straps for black 15mm grosgrain. Grosgrain straps are ace and can you tell I really love them? I also added pockets but on that day, my arms were clearly much longer than they really are because my eye-balling instinct was well, well off. They’re sitting about 15cm lower than they should be so I’ve added that to the list of Things I Need To Fix But Probably Never Will. Or the list of Things That Might Sh*t Me, Might Not. We’ll see…

And that’s it. I’ve already worn this dress on the few hot days that Melbourne has graced us with and I really love it. It’s all the lovely, loose and light that a good summer frock should be.