Meet the Ophelia Dress!
Introducing our very first pattern of the new year – the Ophelia Dress! We think it’s summer in a garment – lightweight, loose, cool and very, very comfortable.
Ophelia has been designed to be fitted (but not too fitted) above the bust with bust darts and wide, comfortable shoulder straps and neckband. It features subtle shaping at the waist which gently flares into a midi-length hemline. Topstitching highlights the button through front; stitched down, inseam pockets; centre back seam and wide hem.
With it’s easy, effortless silhouette, Ophelia promises to be one of those classic sundress styles that will never, ever date. In fact, the inspiration for this design came from an always loved/never forgotten sundress Colette wore in the 1980s, made by Silva, which had buttons all the way down the side.
Ophelia’s standout feature is undoubtedly those eighteen buttons. Choose a contrast button to make them really pop but if you prefer a more understated style, buttons of the same or similar fabric colour offer a more subtle look. The other beauty of all those buttons – do up high or low, allowing for a fully adjustable split feature. Also important to mention is that you only need to undo a few (2-3) top buttons to get in and out of this dress.
Are there pockets? Of course there are! Ophelia has stitched-down side pockets that sit flat and are edgestitched to the front of the dress. This means no loose, flapping internal pocket bags.
Ophelia has been deliberately designed with wide straps and a higher back to allow it to be worn comfortably with the right style of bra.
All three samples here are made using our Bedford Washed Linens. Colette’s is in Port, Monique’s (above) in String and Zoe (below) is wearing White. Our Newford, Loren and Linda linens would all work perfectly too.
We haven’t made one yet but we love the idea of a winter Ophelia, in wool, layered over a turtleneck.
Recommended fabrics for the Ophelia Dress include mid-weight linens, linen blends and lightweight wools such as wool crepe.
The pattern come in (Australian) size ranges 6-18 and 18-22 and is now available in both hardcopy and PDF copy shop/print-at-home versions. UK/EU customers can purchase this dress pattern from our Tessuti Pattern UK website.
We can’t wait to see your makes and if you’re sharing with us on Instagram, don’t forget to use the #OpheliaDress #TessutiPatterns #SewTessuti hashtags!
Colette and Lisa collaborate to bring you this here Tessuti blog. Follow us to keep your finger on the pulse of new pattern releases, reviews, tips, techniques and a healthy dose of love and appreciation for all things fabric and sewing!
Just had to say I love your patterns. I bought one at the Stitch & Knit Show at Alexander Palace in October . It was the Torino Vest. I’ve recently taken up sewing again after making clothes when I was younger. Your patterns are so easy to follow as you have proper pictures too. I’ll never use the main stream patterns again (basically they make my head hurt 😊 and I’m more experienced than some ). Since then I’ve purchased 3 more. You’ve made sewing a joy again not a chore like the others. Oh and the quality of the paper is superb, not this flimsy tissue.
Kindest Regards
Ally.
Thanks so much Ally! We really appreciate your comment and love that you have found so much joy in our patterns!
Oh I love this even though it’s winter in Malta! Would an fba be difficult on this style? I’m a sewing D cup….
We love the idea of a layered winter Ophelia!
After returning to sewing following a break of some 40 years, I discovered Tessuti patterns.
The lines are so simple and chic. Clear instructions, and the actual pattern paper itself, much heavier than tissue paper, I find reassuring.
Every time I put on one of my Tessuti design dress, I feel special.
You have given me another outlet for my creativity, so thank you.
Thanks SO much Robyn – that means a lot
Absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for my pear-shape figure, have just bought it and can’t wait to make it x
Happy sewing Tracey! Would love to see a photo once it’s finished.
I’m an adventurous intermediate level sewist, and I’ve gotta say that this Ophelia pattern is so well written and comprehensive (with color photographs of all the steps!) that I feel like I can’t go wrong! Thanks for a fun sew!
Fun sews are the best sews! Thanks for your lovely comment Carol.
Love this dress, is this suitable for shortening to above the knees? Would love to make a short version as well
Hi Yachee. A shortened version would be SUPER cute!