PATTERN REVIEW: Loren Dress in Black Linen
LOREN Dress made with FS BLACK Signature Finish Midweight Black Linen
Since I left New York City and moved to the French countryside a year ago, it felt like I’ve lived in boots and jeans for months now, renovating my beautiful old house and taking care of the garden, going on long walks in the woods and exploring my new region. So I was very excited to make something more feminine and elegant to wear this summer, namely the Fabrics-store’s LOREN dress, which I fell in love with the moment I saw it! It was hard to choose between all the versions the pattern offers, but I went for a short sleeveless dress in size 6. I decided to use one of my favorite FS linens – FS BLACK Signature Finish Midweight Linen.
With its hot-washed soft texture, beautiful drape and the perfect opacity, I knew it would be ideal for the kind of dress I wanted – something comfortable and easy, but also chic and elegant at the same time. A dress that could take me from morning to night, from chilling in my garden to an outdoor party or a glass of wine in a local bistrot. I’m sure I’ll be wearing my Loren a lot this summer!
LOREN Dress made with FS BLACK Signature Finish Midweight Black Linen
The pattern was so easy to work with. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated and the construction is pretty clever. The only modification that I did is to shorten the bodice by ¾” so that it suits my petite stature. I also decided not to make the belt as I knew that I would never wear it. The waist is actually already fitted with two pleats on each side of the center front creating a flattering silhouette. But what I love most about Lauren is the perfect illusion of a full button-up front. The buttons are purely decorative as the two fronts are simply overlapped and stitched together along the center creating a faux button closure. I found this detail so interesting and clever, it totally transforms this simple slip-on dress into a sophisticated and tailored piece of clothing.
Loren was a quick and easy project and I will definitely be remaking this dress in a more casual linen to wear in summer with the shorter hemline.
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4 Comments
Carolyn Wallace
I’ve made it and like it, too! I made the belt so I can bring in the fullness a bit, not too much, just to give the illusion of a waist. I haven’t put buttons on it and likely won’t because I like to mix up accessories — scarves, necklaces and the occasional pin. Unless I’d use black buttons, which don’t appeal to me, a decision about buttons just seems too complex!
Brenda Braun
I love this so much but I really wish they would offer them as a paid download as well, especially since I’m in between a size 8 and a size 10. I normally use the free patterns and print off both those sizes to combine together.
Deni Sindel
Brenda, I find these patterns easier to combine sizes as they’re printed on one sheet. I do it all the time, it takes the guesswork out of where to modify sizing.
Mariann Fessenden
Rima, thank you for the review. I have this pattern but have not yet made; keep putting off because of button-holes. With your comment, no reason to put off any more. Into the queue it goes!