After the entirety of July (and half of August) was mostly rain, I felt robbed of wearing all the cute summer outfits I had planned. However, the weather gods have blessed us with a seemingly beautiful end to the season and you don’t have to ask me twice to enjoy it!

In the spirit of looking ahead, I have already started planning my fall wardrobe – packing away summer pieces, putting together a new seasonal capsule wardrobe and even gathering wool fabric for my cooler weather sewing projects. But, I had some lovely antique blue viscose just waiting to become a dress, and combine that with being a bit disappointed with my sewing this summer, I knew I had to try out the Hallon dress sewing pattern I have been meaning to test for such a long time!

I wanted to share a little mini-review of it here, but I will definitely be making this again, it is so easy and such a dream to wear! But, first, here is the outcome – I have already worn it a few times, and I will pull it out next summer again for sure.

Now, a little review:

This was really fun to sew up! It was definitely easy, the instructions were really well made and the accompanying video was fantastic. I love that it comes with seam allowance for french seams, it really looks pretty on the inside as well. I was a little worried about the bias binding, but it went fine!

I love that there were shortening/lengthening lines as I ended up shortening the dress for my height. Otherwise I went one size up, to accommodate for the modifications I did, I will explain those below!

I have already had family members request I make them one as well, it has been a big hit! I have a feeling this will be a perfect make between more complicated and longer projects, as this just gives instant gratification!

I also want to make some variations on this, it is so versatile – I highly recommend it!

My modifications:

  • I made the front neckline more of a scoop neck, as I don’t love the high neck on myself. I think I lowered it about 6-7cm. I think I will play around with this a bit more to shape it, but over all I like it.
  • I made the dress in a size 6, but I cut the bias binding for the shoulder strap in a size 10, as I preferred the arm holes a bit lower. I also lowered the arm holes about 1.5 cm for that same reason.
  • Finally, the main thing I modified was that I wanted to lift the back! I cut it out 3.5 cm higher, and then I also gathered it 3 inches shorter than the pattern instructions said to. This is the reason I had to size up, as it definitely tightened the chest a little bit. But I love the end result, it makes it easier for me to wear for day-to-day and I can wear a bra with it.

Next time, I will definitely try the hacks to include a built in bra to this dress, as that would make it perfect!