I have no idea why it has taken me so long to make my first By Hand London Anna dress. This pattern was released in 2013 but it is such a unique style that I don’t think it has aged at all.
I bought the pattern a while ago, after trying on one of Vicky from SewVee’s Anna dresses and falling in love with the style.
Anna has stunning grown on sleeves and a choice of necklines and skirt variations. As I only had a metre and a half of my stunning jade green Japanese cotton lawn from Guthrie Ghani, I opted for the midi length skirt with the high neck. I just about managed to squeeze it out of the fabric that I had, with a few scraps to spare.
I was very careful with the pattern placement of the birds, and was keen to avoid them right on the boob!
I cut the size 6 and was very pleased to find that it fit me perfectly with no adjustment at all! Yay to By Hand London for making patterns that fit us smaller ladies!
I did have to wait a while until I found a green zip – I really struggled to find one, but eventually found one in a near enough shade from Minerva Crafts.
The cotton lawn was lovely to work with, pressed well and hangs nicely.
The instructions were really straightforward to use. I think that maybe real beginners might struggle slightly, but if you have sewn a garment before, you should be fine.
I love this dress – I am so glad I decided to use the fabric for a dress rather than a shirt, as it is far more special. I have a wedding to go to in a couple of weeks so I hope to wear it then for it’s first spin!
I can’t wait to make a maxi version of the Anna with a side split for some drama! I just need to find the perfect fabric.
Your Anna Dress is so lovely and feminine. Well done!
Oh my god I am dying. I love absolutely EVERYTHING about this. That color looks ah-mazing on you! And I’m such a sucker for a Japanese print (my family is japanese and I think that really influences my design sensibilities). Now I want this exact thing in my size!!
Really suits you both the style and colour ?What gorgeous fabric ?
Beautiful fabric and the dress is a great fit on you. Perfect to wear for a wedding! X
Why wait for a wedding – it’s so lovely it deserves more regular wear! Congrats on such a lovely pattern and fabric combo!
Thanks Beck – yeah, I might wear it to work one day soon, although it is getting colder! x
This dress is simply stunning! I love the fabric, it looks perfect made up in an Anna dress.
Love it! It looks fantastic on you, the shape is great. The fabric definitely gives it an oriental look and I love the colour. I think the fabric also comes in mustard and I’ve had my eye on it, but now I’ve seen the jade I like both.
Thanks so much Maggie! x
Love it?What a perfect fit? I’ve got the pattern waiting ?Xx
thanks Lesley! x
What a beautiful rendition of the dress. You look lovely!