Guest Post: Leanne Makes a Shortened Hughes Dress

This guest post was written by Leanne of @threadyforit

You can shop the Hughes Dress here. 

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Hi y'all! 

I'm Leanne from @threadyforit a 30 something sewist living in Phoenix, AZ.

As a plus sized sewist, I always get excited when indie pattern companies expand their sizes for existing patterns, and the Hughes Dress from Friday Pattern Company is no exception. Our community has been making such strides to be more size inclusive and it's amazing to see how far it's come in the past three years. Every month more and more patterns are more readily available in a larger size range and, speaking just from my POV, it's such a good feeling to feel seen and heard by a community that you love so much.

Now onto the goodies! When you look at the Hughes dress, it seems like a lot of work went into the make, and while it did, it sews together so seamlessly (heh heh). This maaaay have been my first time making a garment that had a tie up option on it, and it's amazing how it turned out to be a lot less complicated than I was convinced it would be. In fact...this may be a big claim, but I think that my Hughes might be my favorite make to date, and I've made a lot of things the past few years.

I made the Hughes dress in a size 5X, and my measurements are: Bust: 54", Waist: 50", hips 58", and I'm 5'9.

I made my tester version using a plaid woven in the original length, and loved the sewing process and final look so much that I immediately turned around and made another version...this time cutting it at knee length. Altering the length of a pattern to fit what style you're going for is such an easy way to change it up without having to do too many adjustments to the original pattern.

For my length, I just measured about 7.5" down from the last buttonhole placement on the pattern and ended up hemming it 2" and it hits just above my knees. I love it a ridiculous amount. It feels like that perfect 90's dress I always wanted growing up but never had, and I love that it's back in style again because this pattern will probably be in heavy rotation in my sewing room.

I used a rayon fabric I got off etsy, and since Phoenix winters are mild at best, it's the perfect year round dress. If you experience actual fall and winter, this fabric would probably better be suited for a spring and summer dress as it is on the lighter side. It was a tad slippy to work with, but besides some buttonhole snafus, I didn't really have any issues with it. On cooler days I think it would go perfectly with an oversized cardigan or a jean jacket as well.

Did you pick up the newly expanded Hughes pattern? I'll likely be scrolling Instagram looking for inspiration for a 3rd one and would love to see yours!

Happy sewing y'all,

Leanne