The latest edition of Tauko magazine (No 19) has a dress and top pattern called “Laine” and it’s a perfect summer garment. It has long, flowy ties at the shoulders, and two finishing options, bias binding for the armscyes,or combined front and back facings that incorporate the armscyes. The dress is A line and has optional in seam pockets. The top is slightly cropped.

I decided to use some loosely woven linen that I bought from Mood Fabrics, New York, in 2015. It was covered with vibrant black and white birds and I loved it. However, when I pre-washed the fabric the colour ran and the white lost its brightness. I was so disappointed that I passed over it every time I shopped my stash. I decided that its time had come and made up the dress.

It turned out ok, I’m pleased to say and, although the white is a bit grey, it doesn’t really matter.

I tied the ties into bows because that’s how they are in the picture but I wonder if they should flow down the front and back, although I think they would annoy me endlessly, so I will leave them as are for now. They can be adjusted to raise and lower the neckline, but there is a knock on effect with the armscyes. Next time I will raise the armscyes, lower the neck and leave the ties as they are.

I really wanted the pockets but do have an aversion to in seam pockets as they flap around. I made the front of the pocket out of some plain white fabric so I wouldn’t get the bird pattern ghosting through, and I interfaced them to provide more body. I love them and they stay in place perfectly.

I wore the dress to the Sculptures by the Sea Exhibition at Cottesloe and took a photo in front of the sundial as I thought the black and white “numbers” went perfectly with my dress.

It was just before 9 o’clock in the morning so the sundial was perfectly accurate.

Then I took it on a trip around the neighbourhood and found black and white things to go with the dress.

And a seated shot

The wire sculpture on our local council building was created by Tania Spencer, a fellow Fibres West committee member. She is such a talented artist and all round lovely friend.

The all important back view. Looks just the same as the front!

I used my Stash Hub membership to document the dress. Such a handy app!

I thought I’d show you a video of our girl dancing with a wrap I made several years ago based on a Bina Brianca version, I did fear for her safety!. It was a much longer video but I edited it down to hide her face. I love that Pepper got in on the act too.