My cousin recently passed away and I realized that I no longer own a proper funeral dress. My lifestyle is so casual now and most funerals during Covid either happened via Zoom or YouTube so I didn't need to be "dressed" to attend a funeral. And if you don't know, a Black funeral is a celebration of life. So not only is the funeral a celebration of the person but people of my generation tend to dress our best.
So I needed a dress. I did have enough time to rush order some black linen from Fabric Mart because spring has sprung here on the East Coast. My pattern of choice was the Style Arc Hope Dress using the extension pack. Buttons and black bias binding came from my notions stash.
Construction was easy and didn't take long, 8-9 hours over the weekend, that was cut out to finished dress.
- I did add 8" at the lengthen/shorten line and another 1" to the hemline of the skirt pattern piece to maximize the dress. Probably why the Hope Dress is so popular.
- The other construction item was I used a 5/8" seam allowance to sew the bodice to the skirt instead of the 3/8" the pattern recommends. This was to cover the 2 rows of basting stitches.
- I added my label to the facing.
- Then used bias binding to clean finish the facing because I wanted some pretty in the dress, even if I was the only one to see it.
- The black & white buttons were from my notions stash and gave the dress a pop...cause seriously all black.
I made this one in a size 22. The last time I made this dress, I chose a size 26, why? That one the fit was too loose, this one fits way better.
I know extension packs can seem like they're not worth the money. But this extension pack is GOLD! I have plans to make several more dresses using this button front version and the bias bound neckline. There are some rayons lounging in the fabric collection that would do this pattern with the extension pack justice.
The photos below are how I wore it to the funeral. These were taken right as I got home...
As I stated, I will be making more of these for spring/summer! BTW, I will be off the week after Easter. A short trip with my grands and then a little sewing. Since the weather is changing, maybe some pictures too...
However, I do have a question, do you have a dress or suit for funerals?
...as always more later!