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Article: Ivie Dress and Two-Piece Set Release

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Ivie Dress and Two-Piece Set Release

THE IVIE SEWING PATTERN IS HERE!

We're excited to introduce you to a fun summer sew. Meet the Ivie Dress or Two-Piece Set! If you like a pattern with loads of options, that's comfortable to wear, and doesn't require fussy closures, the Ivie is for you. There's so much to share with you, including view options, style lines, fabric recommendations, and fitting advice, so let's get into it!

The Ivie Pattern will be on SALE through
Wednesday, June 12th
No coupon code is needed!

Ivie Two-Piece Set with 3/4 Sleeves

Fabric Source || Soft Washed Linen in Rose from Style Makers Fabrics

Ivie Tank Dress with Ruffle Sleeves

Fabric Source || Cotton Block Print in Cornflower/Dusty Rose from Blackbird Fabrics

Ivie Dress with Cap Sleeves

Fabric Source || Soft Washed Linen in Spice from Style Makers Fabrics

Ivie Dress with 3/4 Sleeves

Fabric Source || Soft Washed Linen Gingham in Granita from Blackbird Fabrics

Ivie Two-Piece Set with Ruffle Sleeves

Fabric Source || Cotton Block Print in Ivory/Blush from Blackbird Fabrics

PATTERN DETAILS

The Ivie is a woven dress or two-piece set in a maxi length. The three sleeve options are a tank ruffle, a cap sleeve and a 3/4 length sleeve.

The neckline, sleeve cuff and waistline are adjustable with drawstrings or elastic. The waistline is designed to sit high at the natural waist. The top is a cropped length while the skirt includes inseam pockets, a large hem ruffle and a drawstring elastic waist. We hope the Ivie separates can also pair well with other garments in your closet.

The pattern is listed as an ADVANCED BEGINNER sewing level. The Ivie is a perfect beginning pattern because the fit is forgiving, and there are no zippers or buttonholes to sew. There is a good amount of bias finishing, so if you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a stable fabric for your bias pieces. There are detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions to guide you along the way, and if you'd like more help, the Chalk and Notch Patterns Facebook Group is a great place to get support. Many of our testers are members there, so you have great resources if you ever need them.

We will also have a photo sew-along soon. Whether this is your first pattern or you're a seasoned professional, we want to provide you with all the resources you need.

Ivie Dress with 3/4 Sleeves

Fabric Source || Hibiscus Floral Cotton Twill from Pigeon Wishes

Ivie Size Chart: 0 - 30, With 2 Bust Cup Options

Use the high bust and full bust measurements to determine your size when sewing the dress, tank or top. Use the hip measurement to determine your size when sewing the skirt. The neckline, waist, and sleeve are adjustable based on the drawstrings and elastic. It is always recommended to sew a test garment to confirm fit. 

This pattern includes two bust cup options, and the cup size is determined by calculating the difference between the high and full bust. 

If the difference between your high bust and full bust is between 0” and 2” (5 cm) use the A/B cup. If the difference is between 2” (5 cm) and 4” (10 cm) use the C/D cup. If you have more than a 4” (10 cm) difference, you may need a full bust adjustment. More details are in the custom fitting section of the tutorial.

A size chart for the Ivie Dress and Set sewing pattern

Ivie Two-Piece Set with Cap Sleeves

Fabric Source || Soft Washed Jumbo Linen Gingham in Candy Floss from Blackbird Fabrics

Garment Ease & Finished Length

This style is designed to have 4” (10 cm) of ease through the bust. If you are between sizes in the bust, size up. There is 12” (30.5 cm) of ease through the waist without elastic and 8” (20 cm) of ease through the hips. When sewing the C/D cup, there will be 2” (5 cm) of additional ease through the waist and hips in the front bodice. 

The finished length of the dress bodice ends high at the natural waist. The finished length of the tank or top bodice is cropped and 3” (7.5 cm) longer than the dress bodice. The additional length on the tank or top allows for a blouse effect. The finished center back measurements are listed below. Review them to see if you would like to add length to the bodice. The finished length of the skirt is a maxi and ends above the ankle. Review the finished garment measurements to determine if you would like to adjust the length.

Finished garment measurements are shown for the Ivie Dress and Set sewing pattern.

CUSTOM-FITTING ADJUSTMENTS

All our patterns include basic custom fitting adjustments, but you can find more detailed adjustments and fitting advice in our fitting post here. As always, we recommend sewing a muslin or test garment in non-precious fabric first to check the fit before sewing your final version. If you need additional help or have questions, please feel free to email me or join the Chalk and Notch Patterns Facebook Group - I'm always happy to hear from you!

Line drawings show each view of the Ivie Dress and Set sewing pattern.

FABRIC & NOTIONS

Main Fabric

We will review the fabric and notion requirements, but if you are looking for specific fabric recommendations and inspiration, you can find more in our fabric post here.

This style is designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics. Choosing a stable fabric will make sewing the bias casings easier. 

Recommended Main Fabrics

We have used stable wovens for most of our photo samples, mainly Linen, Cotton Block Prints, and a lightweight Twill. Other stable fabrics include Cotton Lawn, Cotton Voile, and Chambray. Rayon Challis and Rayon Voile will give a beautiful drape but are just more shifty when sewing.

More info on fabric recommendations can be found on our Ivie Pinterest Board here.

Fabric Chart

The minimum fabric required is listed. If you think you will need more for shrinkage, directional print, pattern matching or print repeat, please purchase accordingly.

Required yardage amounts are shown in this fabric chart for the Ivie sewing pattern.

Notions

I love a pattern that requires minimum notions, and the Ivie is just that! Hopefully, you have the elastic and matching thread in your stash.

  • 1 1/2 YDS of 1/4” Elastic for the sleeve hems
  • 1 1/2 YDS of 1/2” Elastic, I prefer non-roll elastic for the waistband
  • Coordinating Thread

Optional Notions

  • A small piece of Fusible Interfacing for stabilizing the skirt pockets.
  • Tailor’s Chalk for marking notches.
  • Safety Pins for threading the drawstring and elastic through casings.
  • A Hem Gauge to measure hems and seam allowances.
  • If you are not using main fabrics, use 2 yards (2 m) of ribbon for ties. Look for something around 3/8" (1 cm) wide.

TESTER PHOTOS

Getting to work with talented sewists is always a highlight of testing and our whole Ivie group was a joy. While styled photos are never a required part of testing, we love sharing any photos that are submitted. Seeing a pattern on a variety of people and in different fabrics can be a valuable tool. Check out the tester post here.

I'd love to see what you come up with, so if you share your makes, please tag @chalkandnotch and use the hashtags #cnivie and #chalkandnotchpatterns so I can see your creations.

Thanks for learning more about the Ivie Pattern!

XO, Gabriela

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