Tracy’s Show Stopping Dress Made From Liberty’s Theatrical SS25 Print
Our fabulous sewing friend Tracy is back with another incredible make, and this one is as bold and fun as she is! Tracy is all about vibrant prints and using The Liberty Stage from Liberty’s SS25 150th Retold Collection, she’s created a truly show stopping dress that brings this theatrical print to life. Perfect inspiration for womens occasion dresses with a bold, confident edge. Here’s what Tracy had to say about her latest sewing adventure:
“When I first set eyes on the new Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, Retold, I instantly fell in love with the Floral Muse fabric. The hand drawn flowers just took my breath away and really caught my attention, as I am an avid gardener and artist and love all flowers and fauna.”
“I decided that the Liberty Natasha dress pattern would be a perfect match to showcase the beauty of this print. I made a size 14 view B, with the frilled 3/4 sleeve. I lowered the neckline by and inch, as I prefer a lower neckline, and I also added a thin spaghetti waist tie at the sides, to nip in the waist a little, so I could add a bit more shape to the dress if required. I lengthened the dress by a couple of inches as I like a little more length and added an inch to the bodice as I have a low waist. I didn’t add the pockets. I LOVE this pattern, as it is so versatile and a dream to make.”
“I used four metres of fabric, as this is a directional print, and I did have to be careful where I placed the sunflowers on the bodice! After making the dress, I just could not bear to cover the beautiful design with a cardigan if it’s chilly, and I had enough fabric to make a matching quilted gilet. I did not have a pattern, so used the top of the dress pattern as a template, adding 2 inches to the sides and shoulders and binding the edge with a navy bias binding, which I felt really complemented the colours in the fabric. As I am into recycling fabrics, I used an old lightweight quilted throw as the lining, as this meant I didn’t have to source any extra fabric. I then just used straight lines to quilt the gilet. I used a tie closure, but you could also use a hook and eye or a brooch clasp for a different look.”
“The dress can easily be lined, but I did not do this, so I made a slip from plain cotton lawn to wear under it. I have made a few versions of this dress, so it is getting a lot of wear!”
“I trace out my patterns and do all the adjustments on white paper or card, giving me a pattern that I can prep, cut and get sewing in a few hours, as I get too excited to start sewing. So this is a perfect option for me.”
“This dress will be used to celebrate my 45th wedding anniversary this year and I just know that I will get lots of opportunities to re wear it. This is my first Liberty dress make and it will not be my last, as I am now hooked on the way the fabric sews, drapes, feels to the touch and the designs are timeless. My next project will be a shirt for my husband, only there are so many beautiful designs, I am having trouble choosing just one print as I love them all!”
“I hope this inspires you to treat yourselves to a gorgeous Liberty print and enjoy the experience of creating a beautiful outfit.
With love,
Carolyn x x”
