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Kim Embraces the Colors of Summer in this Verano Dress

This is an image of a woman wearing a colorful. flower covered dress standing next to a white picket fence and rose bush

 

@diddlysquash_
Pattern Name and Designer: Christine Haynes Verano (view C)
Size: 3X
Materials used (fabric, notions, kits, etc.): Lady McElroy Orange Blossom Linen/Viscose, Dyed River Shell 15mm buttons in Apricot, Pellon SF101

Modifications: Full bust adjustment from drafted c cup to d cup, 1.5" added to bodice length, shoulder slope adjustment, graded down to a 2X at the waist, raised the armpit by 1"

 

This is an image of a woman wearing a flower covered dress standing next to flowers and a white picket fence.

I love a nice, flowy, summer dress, so as soon as I saw the Verano pattern I knew I wanted to take a crack at making one, and once we got this gorgeous fabric in, I knew it was meant for this dress! This linen and viscose blend has the most lovely drape to it, and the colors are so saturated and fun – perfect for a simple canvas like the Verano. Add in a few colorful buttons, and you've got the ideal summer garment.

The Verano is the first pattern from Christine Haynes I've made, but the instructions were so clear and well written, the size range so inclusive, and the dress so simple and fun to sew, that I am positive it won't be my last. It's a pretty simple make, but I'd not done a button placket in ages and having the clear illustrations was much appreciated. I also really enjoyed the vast amount of possibilities this pattern presents.

This is an up close image of the pleated waste of a dress covered in flowers. The woman wearing the dress has one hand in a pocket and is holding a bouquet of flowers in the other hand

The Verano seems to be endlessly customizable, with four different views and three mix and match pocket options, perfect for people like me who like to remake patterns a lot. I did view C, but switched the patch pockets for the side seam pockets of view D. I'm already looking forward to making other combinations!

This is an image of a woman wearing a flower covered dress walking away down a side walk next to flowers and a white picket fence.

That said, I did run into some challenges with the fit of this pattern. I was between sizes, so initially decided to do a muslin in the 4X. But there was way too much ease for my taste, and the armpits were massive! I ended up going with a 3X and doing a full bust adjustment, as well as bringing up the armpit (that was still too deep for my taste), and grading down to the 2X for the waist. I definitely recommend double checking the finished garment measurements for this pattern. Despite that, I still very much loved making this dress, and I think the finished result was well worth it. The adjustments I made were easy ones to do, and I think any adventurous beginner should be able to handle this pattern just fine.

This is an image of a woman wearing a flower covered dress standing next to flowers and a white picket fence.

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