I’ve been observing the Pauline Alice Xerea dresses popping up thither and yon, and I have been specially taken with Meggipeg’s versions (here and here), as well as the gorgeous chevron one on Pauline Alice’s web site. Most of the versions I’ve looked at seem to be made from a heavy knit style fabric, so when the time came for me to make mine, I selected some knit fabric. And then I read the instructions, and they call for a light to mid weight woven fabric. Back to the drawing board.
I burrowed in my stash and found this wool flannel that I bought at Astratex in Melbourne a few years ago.
It is lovely – light, but warm. I made view A, which doesn’t have the inverted pleat at the front.
One of my favourite components on this dress is that v-neck at the back, although it’s a bit draughty in the chilly weather!
I’m also partial to the princess seams and pockets, and of course, that sixties vibe!
I lengthened the sleeves to accommodate the wintry weather, and made bias binding from the fabric for the neckline. I did fiddle quite a bit to get the V to meet at the back and did a passable job. I also lengthened the dress by 6cm, and would have gone a bit more except I thought the balance of the dress might be affected, and of course, as a nod to the sixties.
I’ve worn this dress a couple of times now and have the perfect pink shoes to go with it. Here is an exceedingly dodgy photo showing pink shoes!
The verdict: A fabulous all seasons pattern, which I think will be a go-to dress as spring appears. I am looking forward to making some summer versions. The front and back yokes and side panels make this dress ideal for colour blocking or for using up largish pieces of leftover fabric. And yes, I am going to make one from knit fabric!
Lovely dress and your new hairstyle is great too 🙂
It looks great, but I agree about the neckline being chilly for winter. I raised mine on the winter version. Also, I used ponte. As long as it’s not too stretchy you’ll be fine, just take it in at the sides if it’s a bit loose. I look forward to seeing more!
Lovely fabric print, but I can see what you mean about the v-back being draught! Enjoy your dress.
Very pretty fabric and a very cute dress. I don’t think I would like the V back for the winter though. Looks great styled with your boots.
Thanks Jean. I love the back, but I can’t wear anything under it!
Love this pattern, love your version! These pockets are great, aren’t they? I made the Xerea dress in chambray for summer and it is a wonderful sleeveless dress. Yours inspires me to make one for the coming winter. As for the chilly back neckline problem, you could always use a nice scarf!
Thank you. I should have changed the neckline and would for another winter version, but a scarf would be nice anyway.
You make every pattern look so good. Wish I had your instincts!
Thank you Ebi 😀
Interesting lines on this dress and flannel would never had entered my head as an option but it has worked. Agree that the back v would be too chilly for winter but one of your gorgeous scarves would fix that.
Yes a scarf is a good idea!
Love this!!!
It would look awesome on you!
Can we be twinnsies??
As long as I get to be the evil one 😈