From the iconic mini skirt to the bold prints and patterns, the 60’s might be an era long gone but continues to still be very much in vogue. It was a time that fashion saw revolutionary changes led by liberation, creativity, and elegance. Fast forward to today, we are proud to introduce The Leah Dress, a new free sewing pattern that brings a beautiful fusion of vintage charm and contemporary design. Sewn and crafted with a stretch cotton sateen that we picked from the Metro Collection, this nostalgic shift dress receives a modern-day makeover with a mixed display of sprayed and splattered abstraction using shades of pink, orange, and black. The fashion world has a habit of revisiting the past, and we’re witnessing a retro resurgence filled with love for this era that left its print on the industry for over 60 years and counting!

As we often find ourselves looking back to draw inspiration from the past and bring it forward towards the future, this garment stands as a testament to styles that carry the innate ability to transcend time. The Leah Dress promises you ease of wear and a spotlight wherever you go. This pattern showcases a variety of sophisticated design details which include an elegant boat neck, front skirt shirring, playful ruffles at the bottom, ¾ sleeves, and an invisible zipper at the back. With the holiday season right around the corner, one seeks for an attire that stands out yet still meets style with comfort. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or a fashion-forward individual, this dress is a tribute to an era that truly never went out of style.

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 3.5 yards of Mood Exclusive Painted Aspirations Stretch Cotton Sateen
• 1pc 397 Bright Pink 24″ Invisible zipper
• 1 spool of 10 Black 1000m Gutermann Sew All Thread
• MDF349 – The Leah Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Stretch Cotton Poplin
• Satin 
• Brocade

How to sew The Leah Shift Dress:

1. Sew the two darts at the front.

2. Connect the front and the back by sewing the shoulder seams of both back pieces to the front.

3. Sew the two back neckline facings to the front neckline facing to form one piece.

4. Wrong sides together, pin and sew the neckline facing onto the dress.

5. Flip the facing towards the inside and topstitch onto the seam allowance.

6. Align the sleeves to the notches and sew onto the dress.

7. Hem the bottom of the sleeves.

8. Sew the skirt front to the top front.

9. To shirr the front skirt, use a basting stitch and pull the thread on the sides of the skirt.

10. Sew the skirt back pieces to the top back pieces.

*For the bottom ruffle, follow the instructions given to self draft the pattern piece measuring 3.5″ wide and 50″ long. This will give you a subtle ruffle effect, but for this project I doubled the length to obtain a fuller, more dramatic effect. The option is yours depending on your preference. 

11. Sew a basting stitch along the top of the ruffle to create gatherings.

12. Align with the bottom of the dress and sew 1/2″ all around.

13. Sew the hem at the bottom of the ruffle.

14. Install the zipper at center back.

15. Lastly, add the hook and eye at the top of the back.

You have now completed this project and your Leah Shift Dress is finally ready to wear!

Embrace the past, style it in the present, and inspire the future! The Leah Dress serves as an ode to a time when fashion made history, creating a timeless bridge that connects the past’s charm and the present’s sophistication. As you step into this masterpiece, know that you’re not just wearing a dress — you’re wearing a legacy.