When the sun is shining and the temperatures are high, all you want is a light, cooling dress that is comfortable wear.
My latest make, The Cielo Dress from Closet Core, fits this brief perfectly. It’s a cross between a shift dress and a boxy T-shirt. Paired with the gorgeous Shibori Echoes linen-look cotton from Minerva’s Exclusive print-on-demand collection, it’s a definite winner.
I was fortunate to receive this beautiful fabric as my Ambassador selection this month. I have to say, I’m so impressed with this fabric; it’s beautifully soft and really does have the appearance of linen. The tie-dye effect pattern looks particularly effective on this base cloth, and the cotton content means it’s very cooling and breathable. It’s just the right weight too— neither too thick nor too heavy for a summer dress, and with good opacity.
Sewing the fabric was a pleasure; it cuts easily, holds a press well, and remains stable under the sewing machine.
I pre-washed my fabric (as I always do) just to ensure that there wouldn’t be any shrinkage later on.
I opted for a PDF version of the pattern, and the printing and assembly were the most challenging aspects of this project. Once this was done, everything else was relatively straightforward.
My Hubby very kindly cut the pieces out for me using a rotary cutter, and I used a universal needle in my machine, finishing my seams using the overlocker. I chose to use binding on the neckline rather than the facing option as I fancied a change from my usual construction method. I really liked this, and will probably use this method again.
All views have a slightly dropped shoulder, angled shoulder yoke, and roomy fit, so this creates a slouchy T-shirt feel when you’re wearing it, but with that little injection of style that elevates it to something that can also be dressed up to wear out.
I opted to make the option without pockets as I was running short on fabric.
I’ll definitely be reaching for this pattern again, and next time, fancy making the gathered long-sleeve version, possibly in a drapey viscose challis.
Wheelchair Considerations:
1. Comfort and Fit: The fit is relaxed and comfortable to wear with a good high neckline.
2. Skirt Length: The skirt’s length made me conscious of my leg positioning. Wearing chub shorts underneath would alleviate this issue. My wheelchair doesn’t have a centre foot rest so sitting with my knees together can be difficult.
3. Fastenings: There are no fastenings, so it’s nice and easy to get on and off.
4. Seams: There are only side seams, so no discomfort sitting on back seams.
Image Description: (there are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne sat in her wheelchair in her garden. She is wearing a boxy T-shirt style dress made from a navy tie-dye fabric),
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