SEWING CLUB PODCAST EP 16 | ETHER DRESS
We're back with Episode # 16 of Sewing Club Podcast! Think of this episode as our breakaway from sewing sensible basics as we delve into this dreamy one-of-a-kind pattern by fellow Aussie and indie pattern brand, Pattern Fantastique.
Pattern: Ether Dress by Pattern Fantastique
Size: 6
Fabric: mystery vintage fabric - from the stash - with a narrow 110cm width!
There's so many beautiful garments in the Pattern Fantastique collection - however because we're living in Queensland, we opted for the flowy and airy Ether Dress - a pattern that Nita-Jane designed whilst living in Vietnam, with a very similar climate to us!
The pattern comes with two versions; one without sleeves and one with sleeves. I chose the sleeves because it offered more coverage but in the end I found they made it more difficult to get the garment to sit right, since they're very voluminous and have lots of gathering. Both Gem and I came to the conclusion that we can't wear bras with it; which is fine since the intention of the dress is as something you could just throw on maybe over a swimsuit; hence the name 'Ether' dress.
The sewing of the dress went together as planned! I followed the instructions to a tee, no hiccups there. The channels for the rope are a separate piece from the bodice unlike a facing or a folded self-channel. It was time consuming but definitely worth it; when you thread the rope through it looks really nice and gathers softly and was an interesting construction technique.
This mystery polyester-twill type fabric actually worked really well since it had some body and made the sleeves 'float' over my shoulders. Gem used a more drapy fabric for her Ether and found that it sits flatter again the body, which gives a different look. If you want sleeves that are going to be puffy then best to choose a fabric with more structure.
If I was going to make this again, I would start by choosing a really nice rope and then choose a fabric that would look good with the rope (a slubby linen or something with texture - helpful for dresses where you can't wear a bra underneath). I would make the sleeveless maxi dress version because I find the sleeves a bit too fussy for everyday wear.
I've previously made several of Nita-Jane's patterns, including the much-loved Aeolian tee and the Lucent Visor, both of which are wonderfully drafted and thought out! If the Ether, with it's whole backless-and-no-bra thing isn't for you, the Vali Dress Pattern offers similar vibes with more coverage.
You can listen to Sewing Club Episode #16 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Audible (insert other favourite poddy platform). Here you'll find all the show notes and we'll reveal the pattern for Episode #17 so do join with us in sewing along at home!
Be sure to check out Gem's darling teal Tier Dress over at Sewing Gem
Want to sew your very own Ether Dress? Enjoy a discount off the pattern with code: SEWINGCLUBPODCAST
Please contact Nita-Jane for all discount / code related enquiries.
