This was a dress I made in Tonga. I think I wore it once while I was there- it wasn’t super practical. But I love it just the same. I was going for a sort of French-inspired look with the striped bow. The funny thing is that the fabric is the stuff that they use to make the little jumpers for the primary school girls uniforms, so I feel a little like a GPS student whenever I wear it. It’s a pretty sturdy cotton twill fabric.

It was all-in-all a pretty easy dress to sew up, but unfortunately I was unable to find a long enough invisible zipper in Tonga, so I improvised and had it end with a sort of “peek-a-boo” back that buttoned at the top. Hopefully it looks intentional (and better than this picture would suggest-yikes!)

Here’s the pattern I used for the dress: New Look 6910, view A, but with the cap sleeves from view B added. It was very easy to sew up and I think it’s a flattering cut on most people. And you can buy it at Walmart! What’s not to love? I think one of these days I’ll try another one with the bow belt.