Martha Dress

The Martha dress is fitted with bust darts and gentle princess seam panels at the bodice, flowing into a flattering bias-cut panelled skirt. It features a contemporary Mandarin collar and closes with an invisible zip at the back. Choose from short sleeves or three quarter length bell sleeves, with demure knee length or flirty mini hemline.

Wear Martha to work or to play, with sunglasses and wedges in the Summer, or with knitted tights and boots in the winter.

FABRIC SUGGESTIONS – Light- to medium-weight fabrics, such as viscose (rayon), silk or polyester crêpe de chine, cotton lawn, chambray, broderie anglaise, double knit with little stretch, lighter weight wool. Avoid directional prints as the skirt is cut on the bias (at an angle). How about adding a lace trim to the bodice or piping the princess seams?

SUPPLIES

• Fabric - Mini length – 2.9m (3 1/8 yards) x 150cm (60in) wide / 3.5m (3 7/8 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide; Knee length – 3.4m (3 3/4 yards) x 150cm (60in) wide / 4.2m (4 5/8 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide (0.2m / ¼ yard less for short sleeve version)
• Matching thread
• 56cm (22in) invisible zip
• 0.25m (1/4 yard) iron-on interfacing – similar weight to your fabric
• For collar: 1 rounded or fabric-covered button + elasticated hair band or 8cm (3in) piece of narrow ribbon
• Sewing machine and basic tools, including an invisible zip foot