I finished my first Michelle My Belle Dress from Liberty Love. I love it sooo much!

The pattern is so well written, that it came together without any issue. Well almost- I had a little trouble with the invisible zipper, but I found some help from an Oliver + S pattern on that part. Same instructions, just written a little differently. That said, there’s not a thing off about the pattern in the book.

I think Alexia Abegg is a genius for giving us this classic dress! I can’t wait to make a Liberty version!

The fabric is Innocent Crush voile from Anna Maria Horner. Its buttery soft, and so light! I fully lined it with a solid voile from Free Spirit, and I don’t think it added too much weight to the skirt at all! I’m so glad I did that rather than adding a slip.

I used french seams for the skirt so I wouldn’t have to use my overlock stitch which seems to be moody. I sewed the bodice and skirt linings together with a blindstitch, and I did the same when attaching the lining to the zipper tape. That makes for such a clean finish, I think.

When I made a muslin of this dress, I found that the skirt was too full for my liking. I cut down several inches on the skirt width so there is less gathering, but I think on my next one I’ll cut it down even more.

I love this dress so much! I wore it to church today and it felt so luxurious! I can’t wait to make my next one, which I’m thinking will be in Bloomsbury Gardens. Then, I may just be making the third in the Liberty tana lawn which has been on display in my studio, tempting me with every glance I get of it.

Now go and get the book! It is awesome

! Definitely in my top three for sewing books! I’ve made it easy for you and included it in my Amazon sidebar. And Emilee, thank you for taking pictures for me!

-Meredith