If I were to get married all over again, I think this would be my wedding dress. When we received this in our shipment of Merchant and Mills fabrics from the UK, I immediately thought of this type of garment to make. Billowy, sheer and dressy without being fussy. Simply perfection.

The thing about this fabric is how very hard it is to display both online but even in store. Its stripe is subtle and really pops when it's out in the world. I think I was finally able to capture the effect in these dress pictures :)

Orchards Dress Pattern Review:

For this dress, I used my most made dress pattern, the Orchards Dress by Vivian Shao Chen. This is my fifth (!!) time making a version of this dress. It's a real staple in my handmade wardrobe and I can't recommend the pattern investment enough!

Modifications:

For this dress, I always extend the bodice piece by 2 inches so that it will hit me just under my bust - not directly on top as it would do without the added length.

I used Sleeve B from the sleeve expansion pack.

I also didn't use the skirt pieces on this version, I simply cut the fabric to the length I wanted and used the selvedge to selvedge length for the front and back skirt panels. This ended up being a more gathered look than how the pattern is written, but is 100% ideal for this gorgeous, sheer fabric.

In the past, I've added the optional waist tie but for this version, not having it I think helps exaggerate and simplify the flow-y silhouette.

The Results:

Worn with my Petite Knit Agnete Sweater that I knit in 2025, I think this dress will be perfect for the shoulder seasons as well as throughout the summer.

I think the silhouette is really perfect with this fabric but even with the flowy look, I only feel comfortable with it wearing a slip, which is just fine by me! I wasn't sure what the coverage would be until I was able to properly try it on. 

I think the fabric would also make a lovely top - perhaps even a top using the Orchards pattern! 

Despite the delicate material, it wasn't difficult to sew with or slippery like some thin fabrics can be. Just another reason I love sewing garments with Merchant and Mills fabrics.