Pattern hack alert: meet Cynthia from @sewcasuallychic and her #Rozan dress
Creating unique pieces to share on your blog or Instagram account to inspire others – the sew & social media combo is all the rage. And since the number of sewist-bloggers around the world is on the rise, Fibre Mood regularly presents a Sewist(a) who has taken a Fibre Mood pattern and come up with a unique pattern hack. We present Cynthia from @sewcasuallychic and her #Rozan pattern hack. Find out more about her beautiful creation here!
Hello Sewistas! I’m Cynthia Hendrickson, aka @sewcasuallychic on IG, and also on my sewing blog. I’ve been sewing for about 7 years and have been pattern testing for almost as long. In the past year I’ve also taken on the roles of fabric Ambassador and strikeoff sewist, assignments that have pushed my creative boundaries to places I never imagined. Sewing is just tremendously exciting, don’t you think? I primarily sew for myself and my family but sometimes for friends. And now that you know a little about me I have a confession for you, as well. This is my first ever Fibre Mood project! Can you believe it? But I’ve already begun making up for lost sewing time and have purchased a stash of patterns with two on my short list: fabric is on the way for Lola and Paulette and I’m so excited!
But the business for today is my hacked version of the beautiful Rozan. Rozan caught my attention with its beautiful deep V-neckline, drool-worthy gathered bodice and statement sleeves. There's a lot to this design and yet it still manages to be simple. I had to get it and I just happened to receive a beautiful 4 yard cut of lace for promotion that same week. I immediately knew that these two belonged together.
A guide to my Rozan pattern hack
Lace
First, some basics I had to consider regarding the lace: The neckline facing would be visible through the lace fabric. So my only option for facing would be to use the lace, itself. Instead of fusible interfacing to stabilize it I again used the lace itself as interfacing which means the facing is basically two layers of lace with the raw edges serged together. Tip: use wash-away wonder tape to hold them together while working. Another consideration is thread. I'm not always super careful about matching thread on my projects. I usually try to stay fairly close but threads that don't show are sometimes "close enough" in color. For this project, though, I made a special trip to the store with a scrap of lace in hand to buy the serger cones and spools. Finally, lining - I chose to not line the dress but rather, wear a silk camisole and shorties set underneath. This allows for some freedom of expression. I can wear this combination for a photo shoot to allow for a more sheer look. Notice how you can see my legs through the fabric in the water photos? It's intentional and helps set the mood. Or I can wear a slip dress underneath for more coverage.
Modifications
- Cut Piece 3 on the Fold instead of cutting 2 pieces. This will remove the center front seam/buttons. In addition, omit the front placket (piece 7).
- As mentioned earlier, I used the lace itself for the facing and instead of interfacing I cut additional pieces of lace for the Facing (pieces 8 & 9).
- For the two dress tiers Cut a piece 1.5x as wide as the bottom edge of the piece above and 15" tall. (Note: I am 63” tall so you may need more or less length based on your height). Use your preferred method to gather and attach. I stitched the tier into a circle, stitched two rows of basting stitches along the top edge, gathered, and attached with a serger.
I had so much fun taking these photos. I envisioned this dress and photos as an Ethereal Woodland Queen look so my daughter and I went out to the woods and really went for it. I am so pleased with the results. The Rozan pattern was a delight and now to make one as per the pattern for a more everyday look. But I really hope you enjoyed my lace version.
Interested in making your own Rozan? Buy the pattern here!
