Introducing France, a dress that's a little uniform, a little vintage, but still practical and easy to match with your wardrobe. With its high neckline that highlights the headline, it's close to the body at the bust, and more comfortable on the skirt part. Of course, it has pockets, and a slit at the bottom of the skirt lets you frolic without restriction all day long.

And as the model lent itself well to this, we decided to give you the added bonus of being able to add sleeves! Here's how to do it, and you'll see how easy it is.

                                            
Take a lining sleeve and a fabric sleeve (on the same side) and superimpose them right sides together. Match the bottom of the sleeve and pin in place.
                                            
Using an erasable pen, trace the slit line and also the 1cm seam allowance along the curve of the sleeve bottom. Connect the seam value to the top of the slit by drawing a fine triangle.
                                            
Stitch at 1cm along the bottom of the sleeve. Then notch the slit with scissors.
                                            
Don't hesitate to notch the curves of the sleeve. Then turn right side out. You can use the tip of a pair of scissors to highlight the corners.
                                            
Iron to flatten. Then return to the short sides of the sleeve and pull the lining away from the fabric.
                                            
With right sides together, fold the sleeve in half and overlap the undersleeves, fabric to fabric and lining to lining. Pin in place. Stitch at 1cm. Press the open seam.
                                            
Put the sleeve back on as if it were finished and press well. On the top of the sleeve head, using a wide stitch and no backstitch, pass a gathering thread at 0.5cm.
                                            
Before attaching the dress bust lining, insert the sleeve into the armhole and stitch at 1cm to hold. Continue assembling the lining by following the video. here.

To sew France you'll need :
-2m10 of fabric in 1m10 width for the largest size or 1m80 of fabric in 1m40 width,
-0.70m lining in 140cm width,
-55cm invisible zip,
-if you wish to add sleeves, allow 30cm extra fabric and lining,
-6 small 15mm buttons.
For this model, we recommend a fabric that's a little supple, but with a little hold. I.e. cotton poplin with a little elastane, double crepe, jacquard, milano or leather satin. Why not try velvet for winter? For the lining, you can choose a classic satin lining, or a cotton lining for a little more hold. We recommend fusing the collar for extra hold. 

You'll find the pdf pattern for individual purchase hereand the step-by-step video here. Next month, we'll be back with the Sissi jacket pattern to welcome autumn.
Happy sewing!
September 23, 2022