PATTERN REVIEW: Nico Dress In Midweight Linen
FS Nico Dress in Midweight Willow Linen, Analog Photography by Sophie Nawratil
I have one big big big problem with clothes: every time I see something in the store or online I like I think ‘Definitely not gonna buy that – I can do that myself’ – in reality- I rarely do so. So when I started packing for my short trip to Croatia I found myself with thousands of never-realized-projects and nothing to wear. And with ‘nothing to wear’ I mean clothes to walk on the beach in for example, not dressy going out gear but garms you love to wear because they make you feel relaxed. Something that smells like sunscreen and saltwater, even after you washed it ten times. THESE are my kind of holiday clothes. Which I quickly realised I didn’t have.
FS Nico Dress in Midweight Willow Linen, Analog Photography by Sophie Nawratil
FS Nico Dress in Midweight Willow Linen, Analog Photography by Sophie Nawratil
So when I got asked if I would like to write a review of the Nico dress I was all in. To be honest, it was such an easy and fast make – I loved it. Everything is so well explained and illustrated – all you need is some fabric, thread, needles, your sewing machine and – I have to confess – some bias tape – because I’m the laziest of the lazy. And I’m not sorry at all…
I think the only challenging part is the one where you hide the raw edges by double folding them or folding one over the other to be more specific. You could probably also finish the edges by using your overlock, but to be honest – the folded edges give this simple and clean dress a very neat and professional finish. Also don’t we all need a little fun-challenge from time to time? (I definitely do.)
But – two things I want to say about the pattern – first, really check your size, as it has quite a loose fit and I (for myself) would size down next time. Secondly – one more reason why to consider bias tape – when I first cut the binding for the armholes and neckline – I cut too short- what I would recommend is to finish your dress and in the last steps cut the bias tape according to your finished garment and sew it on. That should be a safe way without wasting any material.
FS Nico Dress in Midweight Willow Linen, Analog Photography by Sophie Nawratil
For the fabric, I wanted something really light and bright. Bright so the color doesn’t soak up too much heat and light – who am I kidding – with me there is always a bit of a sunburn involved on the beach. And sunburn and heavy clothes is a big no no for me (- the only alternative is to be naked in a dark room marinating in AfterSun lotion or Aloe Vera). So I went with the midweight linen in WILLOW – which is a soft and light minty green.
And – as the Nico Dress is such a fast make – I even finished it in time to take it with me to Croatia – and it did a great job.
FS Nico Dress in Midweight Willow Linen, Analog Photography by Sophie Nawratil
Don’t forget your sunscreen and enjoy your loose dresses!
Bussis
Sophie
About Author
Sophie Frank
Sophie is a self-taught sewist living in Vienna, Austria. If she's not sewing or taking analog photos, she's probably running after her son. Instagram: @bitte.mach.dasLeave a comment
Related posts
Sol Pattern: One Step Closer to Find the Perfect Trouser
How often do I talk about my “perfect trouser” mission? Hopefully not too much because the journey continues. The perfect trouser is one that is balanced and hits all “the boxes” (you can read about the start of my journey here)…and guess what? The pants view of the Sol Pattern is one step closer. The…
My Seven Favourite Patterns for Linen
Linen is my favorite fabric to sew with—no surprise here, since you’ve probably read my other articles, 90% of which focus on linen patterns. There are a handful of patterns I always reach for when sewing with linen, so here’s a quick roundup of those that have recently moved to the top of my list….
Anatomy of the Paola Workwear Jacket Sewing Pattern
Besides the love of sewing itself, there’s another thing that sewists the world over have in common: the excitement we share for free sewing patterns. It’s not just about the zero cost, although that’s certainly a perk—it’s about the thrill of finding new designs, the joy of sharing those patterns with fellow sewists, and the…
Tea is Medicine
Tea is Medicine. Which feelings do these words evoke in you? Do you agree? Do you have doubts that this is true? After all, most people drink tea casually and perhaps on autopilot almost daily – often in front of TV, or while scrolling social media. Mostly, teabags are used because they are fast and…
Unraveling the Mystery: Bias Cut Fabric + Seven Sewing Patterns
Whatever stage you’re at in your journey of creating a handmade wardrobe, there are a few basic concepts that should become second nature in your sewing practice. For example, having separate pairs of scissors—one for paper and one for fabric—and understanding the grainline your pattern pieces require, whether they should be cut on the straight…
SEW THIS LOOK
Latest Posts
6 Comments
Lori Boone
[Wow for ‘Willow!’] – wonderfully subtle, the color makes a naturally cool dress. Having plentiful yardage of F/S linen to choose, I wonder about, and ponder over making my “Nico” in the `White’ Waffle-weave – just retrieved 1/2 & 4/4 – bl (white)`Bockens Lingarn’ threads from my mailbox, all the way from France (only my thread travels). Croatia is a neighbor to our son’s home in Bulgaria 🙂 Ready to pull my “Nico” pattern from the tube; it looks easy, considering the only other garment I have sewn [thus far] has gusset’s and ruffles (plus stitch embellishments), and turned out beautifully in those 3 yards of IL019. Thanks for your review. 🙂
marybeth chapman
I forgot to mention about the bias binding: I always use the instructions provided by The Thread called “How to Bind a Neckline With a Bias Band Tutorial. ”
The band you cut is 1.2 inches, much easier to deal with. There are pictures, instructions, and it’s really easy.I didn’t use the Nico pattern pieces.
Don’t be put off by bias binding!
marybeth chapman
Hello fellow sewists- I have made this pattern twice. I am 5’3′ so I had to shorten it which was tricky but I got help from The Thread. The arm holes are very loose and I had to bring them in a couple of inches. Better to do before finishing side seam.I also had to bring up shoulder seams a bit. I made one dress out of black linen and one out of polyester/satin for a nightgown. I can’t believe how divine the nightgown feels with the bias cut.
The darts are kind of weird in both placement and construction but on dark fabric it’s not as obvious.
**I wish this pattern was offered in PETITE**
Maria Davila
I’m currently making this dress as well, and noticed the loose fit. I was able to tailor it a little tighter, especially the underarms. I also made modifications for low bust, as I’m not wearing any shaping anything underneath! I’m looking forward to wearing it soon!! I have made the top from this pattern without the bias tape, just rolling in the edges, and I use it as pajamas with shorts.
Patricia Saab
Lovely color and drape on you, Sophie! I appreciate your review as I have this pattern waiting in queue!
Michelle Thane
Hi Sophie! first of all-I LOVE Croatia, especially the Old Town of Dubrovnik! Thank you for your post which reminded me that i already I have the pattern and haven’t tried to make anything as of yet. I’m feeling a bit hesitant as i haven’t sewn clothes in a long time. I just did a purple cabbage dye which gave my linen the softest lavender. i will use my pattern to make a simple top which is exactly what this pattern will do for me.
Peace and joy to you!