FINISHED: Mint Gingham Emery

There's nothing like 50+ likes on Instagram to make a relatively introverted, normal gal feel like a rock star. This dress, my mint gingham Emery (sans sleeves) garnered 53 likes when I debuted it on Sunday, June 29. Wow. 

I bought four yards of this 1" mint gingham from Denver Fabrics. It's a poly/cotton blend which usually I don't like, but I loved the color and just had to have it. I underlined the entire garment in white cotton muslin.

After my Peony bodice fitting conundrum, I took the same logic and applied it to the Emery bodice, and it worked 100%. I did a small FBA on the size in between my high bust and low bust (so size 12) and it fit beautifully. I did lower the darts a bit but otherwise no other adjustments were made. 

After taking an Instagram vote, I went with sleeveless plus bow, although I can't wear a belt. I thought about some way to make it removable but decided just to tack it down.

I left off the sleeves (more practical in the heat) and finished the neckline and armholes with gingham bias binding.

For the hem, I zig-zagged 1/2" from the edge, turned the hem 2" and stitched, then pinked just for added anti-fraying.

I'm really pleased with my first ever Hong Kong seam finish! This is the center back seam below the zipper. Those zig-zags are from attaching the underlining (I think). Really pretty!

AND it wouldn't be a handmade garment if I didn't encounter a glaring flaw in my construction! Here it is. I'm going to blame the multiple layers of fabric on this one, but in reality there was a moment where I thought to myself that I should take the time to redo my pins, but then I went ahead. Next time I'll listen.

I wore this this past Sunday as well. Despite making sure that waist had enough "singing" ease, I still felt like this was a bit snug, maybe from the underlining. I also went back after making this and removed 3/4" from the bodice length which will help with the waist ease a bit.

This is a fabulous pattern for a beginner! Even though this version doesn't have sleeves, my muslins did and I have to say they are the easiest sleeves to ease EVER. There's practically zero ease in the sleeve cap so the entire process from gathering to stitching is so easy. 

I also added some additional notches just to keep my skirt back pieces straight - not necessary but helpful. Overall, a beautifully flattering pattern and super simple to sew up!

Pattern: Christine Haynes Emery

Size: size 12 bodice/14 waist, 3/4" FBA, lowered both bodice front darts, removed 3/4" length on bodice, size 14 skirt, size 12 sleeve.

Fabric: poly/cotton 1" mint gingham + white cotton muslin for underlining

Notions: Organ 80/12 needle; Gutermann Mara 100; regular zip; Wonder Tape for zipper; fusible knit tricot for zip seam allowance.