French Navy Orla For The Win

Have you ever purchased fabric that is so delightfully beautiful that you hesitate cutting into it because you have this deeply embedded fear that you will ruin it by making a garment that will not do it justice?

I definitely felt that way about this delicious Cotton and Steel and Rifle Paper Company collaboration rayon that I bought from my local fabric store a couple of months back. I spent time pondering what I would make out of it and seesawed between visions of circle skirts and wrap dresses. The main problem that I was running into was that I had only bought 2 yards of this fabric because it was a bit pricier than what I would usually purchase. Having only 2 yards limited me in my options of dresses. This fabric is so precious and I did not want it to end up collecting dust in my stash, so I finally decided after much over thinking, to make from it the Orla Dress by French Navy Patterns.

I had come across this pattern many times on Instagram and it was mentioned more than once by Rachel from Maker Style podcast. I was attracted to the easy and comfy silhouette of this dress and thought it would also show off the gorgeous signature floral of this fabric. I went to the French Navy website to purchase this pattern and was overly delighted and surprised that it was a free download. This was a no-brainer!

The pattern was very easy to assemble and has 6 main pieces as well as the neck binding piece that you measure out based on the size of the neckline.

I decided to cut a size small based on the measurement table included with the pattern. I did not make a muslin prior because I was not overly concerned with the fit of this dress bodice knowing that it fits a bit roomy anyway.

The instructions are simple and straight forward; however, I do recommend to any beginning sewists who have no experience easing a sleeve into an armscye or inserting an invisible zipper, to practice these skills prior to trying this pattern because there are no diagrams or instructions included on completing these tasks.

There is a seam allowance included in this pattern of 1cm, so please keep this in mind while sewing the Orla because I know that most of us (including me) are used to 1.5cm being the standard.

The pattern does not include pockets; however, I did add pockets to this dress by using a self drafted pocket pattern and stitching on either side of the skirt pieces.

Overall this is a quick and easy pattern that took me just over 2 hours to complete!

Sometimes you find patterns that make you feel beautiful while still allowing you to be comfortable. This is one of those patterns.

If you guys are in search of an easy and comfy dress that is still flattering, then please go download the Orla pattern. You will not regret it!

Have a beautiful day!

French Navy Orla Dress Pattern

Cotton And Steel and Rifle Paper Co Fabrics