Grace Kelly in “Rear Window,” Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, and Reese Witherspoon in “Legally Blonde”. What do these ladies have to with each other? Aside from their stunning acting skills, all three of them rocked the little black dress in their respective movies. The little black dress, also known as the LBD, is a wardrobe staple and fashion icon in and of itself. It comes in many forms, from the slinky silhouette Angelina Jolie wore in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” to Iman stepping out on the town with the perfect accessory (David Bowie). I noticed recently that my closet, iconic as it was, lacked this vital piece of fashion history. Although I love the leg slits and short skirts that my predecessors have rocked, I knew the Brassia Dress was the perfect pattern to fill out my closet. It needed that extra “oomph” to stand among the likes of Princess Diana’s “Revenge Dress” and Michelle Obama’s first official portrait as the first lady, so I attached (and detached) a flounce sleeve! This flounce is special because it is detachable, so I can have a whole closet dedicated to flounces for my LBD. Lace, diamond encrusted, fur, the world is my oyster… Oh, pearl-encrusted flounce sleeve!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 3 yards of Black Stretch Nylon-Rayon Ponte Roma
- MDF094 – The Brassia Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
For full pattern instructions, please visit the original post here! All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
The simple silhouette of the Brassia Dress is one of its selling points, but I really like having pieces in my closet that stand out. So, I added a very simple flounce detailing to the sleeves for the perfect accent.
I used the circle skirt calculator to figure out the proper measurements. I selected the full circle skirt and mini skirt buttons and cut the flounces to the proper length. I selected 10″ for the flounce, for my arm circumference, but you can adjust accordingly. I also made a set of flounces utilizing this beautiful scalloped lace. Instead of using the circle skirt calculator for the lace, I cut it straight and then gathered the top using a basting stitch.
I used twill snap tape and hand stitched it to the outside of the top of the flounce. Then, after hemming the sleeves of the dress, I slip stitched the twill tape to the inside of the sleeves. I made sure to keep it about a 1/2″ or so above the hem so that when the flounce is snapped in, you won’t see the tape.
I love how the flounce came out, and I love that I can make a bunch of different flounces and completely change the outfit. Using the simple black fabric, My flounces are sleek yet fun, while a lace insert will look more Victorian and dainty.
What alterations will you make to your Brassia Dress? Let me know in the comments!
This is indeed a lovely dress to fill my closet with creations. Thanks for sharing
Lovely ideas and lovey necklace. May I please ask where did you get it from? Thanks!!!
Thank you, I’m glad you like the dress! The necklace is actually from Mood! It’s sold out right now, but you can sign up to get an email when they’re back in, which I would definitely recommend. Not only are they super cute, but they’re also fully functional and I use them all the time while working on my embroideries.
Thank you so much … FIESTA 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed!!
I made this dress with printer scuba fabric. I was amazed how it turn out.Thank you very much for free pattern and great website
I’m glad you liked it! A printed scuba sounds awesome for the Brassia Dress!
I love the fact dress accommodates full figure so nicely.
Yes, I love this dress for the same reason! Honestly, I feel that way about all of Mood’s patterns that I’ve modeled so far. I’m always nervous I’ll look bad or lumpy and then I make the pattern and find they actually really look good on curvy, thick, plus size, whatever you want to call it, women!
The flounce idea is genius! I need to do this to some of my outfits.
Thank you! All of my garments have gotten the flounce, thank Swatch for snap tape!
Looks like an amazing pattern!! How important is stretch in this pattern??.. I have some lovely stiff material that I think would look amazing 😀
Hi Eve! Since this pattern still has darts worked into it, you could definitely substitute a non-stretch fabric fairly easily – you’d just need to add a side or back zipper so you could still slip it on. You may want to test it with some muslin and make sure the sizing will still work the same with a woven, but knowing this pattern you should be good!
I am building a wardrobe for my daughter and me. I can’t wait to sew this for her!
Is this a good dress for a beginner to try and create?
Hi, Lu – yes, this is a pretty beginner-friendly pattern! 🙂