This dress is the latest release from Eryn at Style Sew Me Patterns. She's called the "Anna Dress". Eryn reached out to me to help launch this amazing new pattern which is available today:

My fabric is Telio Mojito Slub Linen Look Dotted Print Red from Fabric.com. Note: This pattern is drafted to use 60" wide fabric. Based on the Style Sew Me Patterns size chart, I cut the size L (14-16). I have a large waist to hip ratio, so I ended up taking a few inches out of the waist area. 

With any pattern that I sew, I have to make changes, alterations and modifications so that the pattern will best suit me. The neckline on the pattern was too high for me. I look best in deep v-necks and scoop necks. I like visible clavicles and I give good décolletage. 

So, I opened up the neckline by lowering the center front by 3 inches. When lowering a neckline, always draw the line slightly curved so that it will contour to your chest and not gape. And if you have a facing, don't forget to re-draft your facing as well.

This pattern is drafted with an interfaced sleeve facing. I opted to omit that. After I tried on the dress, I decided that I wanted to go with a softer sleeve finish by simply hemming it.

A good shirt dress is a classic wardrobe staple. And based on how many shirt dresses I've sewn over the years and a couple are still in my current wardrobe, they're a favorite of mine. 

I wanted something this time that put a different spin on the classic dress. This one is McCall's 7351, view C. And my fabric is Jet Black Stretch Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com. I prewashed my fabric and pulled it straight from the dryer and smoothed it out with the iron prior to cutting. The fabric cuts, sews and presses beautifully.

This is one of those great patterns that has cup sizing -- meaning no FBA for me. I cut a straight size 14, with the D cup.

I lengthened the bodice by an inch, which is an alteration that I make to practically every single pattern I sew. And anyone with a substantial sized bust knows the feeling of getting a great bodice fit on a button up top with no gaping and pulling. So kudos to the cup sized pattern and this amazing poplin with it's slight give. I plan to make this again in a bright white, and when I do I'll lower those pockets probably about .5"-.75" inches.

Since my fabric is lightweight, I needed a comparable interfacing. I used Black Weft Fusible Interfacing. It is the perfect weight for the front bands and the collar.

I sewed the skirt straight from the envelope. I like the length as it is. 

This poplin drapes beautifully. And just like with any bias cut, I allowed the dress to hang for 24 hours. Even though stretching can still occur in bias cuts, this handkerchief hem will hide any unevenness.

I am pretty impressed with this fabric. There was minimal wrinkling even after riding in a car.

I can tell you now, this dress will be in high rotation this season. I love the simple and quick style and the versatility. Shoe options are endless and all I have to do is add a great belt for waist-cinching style!