New Pattern: Celeste Dress
I am still in the mood for some more summer-appropriate designs. Besides wearing a bathing suit or birthday suit, a woven, relaxed-fitting dress is the way to stay cool in this heat. That’s why you need the new Itch to Stitch pattern, the Celeste Dress.
For one week (through July 28, 2020), the Celeste Dress sewing pattern is 20% off. The volume discount still applies—get 15% off your entire cart if your purchase is $20 or more, or 20% off your entire cart if your purchase is $30 or more!
Usually, I think about a design before looking for appropriate fabric, but this time, I really wanted to make something out of linen, and then I decided on this design. It doesn’t mean you have to use linen (I get it, not everyone can make friends with fabric that is determined to wrinkle). You can certainly use other types of non-stretch, woven fabric. I would choose something soft and comfortable against the skin for the summer, but not transparent (you don’t want to have to wear a slip). Keep in mind though that if you use a 100% rayon (viscose), it will drape and will be a bit big. Maybe you will like a linen/rayon blend; a chambray Celeste will look very pretty too.
Celeste Dress Features:
- Options for A, B, C, D and DD cups
- Front and back princess seams
- High-waisted center-front gathers
- Slanted front pockets
- Invisible side zipper
- Cool short sleeves
What I like about the Celeste Dress is the beautiful design lines in the front. Even though the dress is relaxed, the design lines give an illusion of a defined waist. I really like the gathers below the bust for some interestingness. But if you are concerned how the gathers would look on you, I recommend that you use a soft and lightweight fabric, so the gathers don’t puff out.
Even though I put an invisible zipper on the side, actually, I am able to get in/out of my dress without opening the zipper. However, I am reluctant to skip it altogether because some people might have difficulty doing the same. But I think that if you have relatively narrow shoulders, the chance is that you too can get in and out of the dress without the side zipper. And you could skip it. If worse comes to worst, you can always put the zipper in after the fact; it’s possible to do that. During the test, the zipper was optional if my testers could get in and out of the dress without it; it turned out that only one tester needed the side zipper.
Enough of my babbling on and on, let’s take a look at all the beautiful Celeste Dresses that my lovely testers made!
Thank you, my amazing testers!
- Andrea
- Anemone
- Anita
- Annick
- Bernice
- Brooke
- Chiara
- Debbie
- Diane
- Elsa
- Ilse
- Indu
- Jan
- Jolien
- Jordan
- Kadri
- Karina
- Kayla
- Boon Kuan
- Margaret
- Nicole
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Suzi
- Tiina
- Whitney
Be sure to get your Celeste Dress pattern while it’s 20% off (only through July 8, 2020)!
I made a Celeste dress today. Printing the pattern and putting it together was easy, as was choosing my size. I did add 7.5cm to the length as I am 173cm tall. I followed the descriptive instructions and didn’t have any trouble at all. I love this dress. It fits well and I feel confident when I wear it. My husband says it doesn’t look home sewn. It’s a win for me. Thank you Kennis, it’s such a lovely dress. I recommend this pattern if you are after an easy to wear dress.
I have just made the Celeste Dress and I love the pattern, the fit is almost perfect, just a couple of tweaks and your instructions are very good. I was just wondering if there is any reason why you couldn’t cut the front bodice on the fold.
Thank you
Dale
Hi Dale, you can choose to cut the front on the fold if you want to. Sometimes a seam is for shaping, sometimes for esthetic, sometimes for easy fitting, and a combination of these reasons. After you understand how it works, you can make decision on modifying it to make it your own. I think that having a center seam creates a sense of balance. But you can choose to not use it.
Since this dress is lined will a light weight sheer work
Hi Joan, the dress is not lined. Only the front yoke has two layers (inner and outer yokes). You could certainly try to line it yourself if you want to use sheer fabric, or you could wear a slip.
Just curious – would it be possible to fold out the front gathers and make the dress with a flat front panel? The dress is very pretty, but I am not one who likes gathers. Let me know if you think this would destroy the breezy look, or make it too tight.
Hi Paula, yes, you can remove the gathers in the front and use a flat front instead.
I’d love to make this dress, how much fabric do I need please? RTW size 14. Thanks
The size should be chosen based on your body measurements. You can see what size you should use in the Size Chart tab (scroll down and you can see the instructions on choosing a size) and then look at the Material tab to see the amount of fabric you need (both on this page): https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/celeste-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/
Is it possible to sew dress with smaller with fabrics? I am thinking of a 48” wide fabric. I assume it is not as economical?
Hi Kate, yes, it’s possible to use 48″ wide fabric. You have to prepare the pattern first, then lay the pieces on your fabric (or a proxy of the fabric with the same width) to determine the amount of fabric you need.
Hi Kennis, Is it possible to lengthen the sleeves?
Hi Laurie, yes, you can lengthen the sleeve at the hem. I would taper in a little as you extend the sleeve.
Thank you for the prompt reply. I have minimal bust (size A), but muscular biceps, so I like to cover them. Also, do most print shops carry the larger paper if I don’t want to tape?
You can use the A0 large format file that’s included in every purchase. This will give you some idea of what to expect and how to print it: https://itch-to-stitch.com/how-to-buy-download-print-assemble-pdf-patterns-part-6-print-at-print-shop/
Try PDF Plotting for printing A0 size full sheet pattern. They do a great job and are prompt. They ship 3 day UPS select. Only delay I have had is this week with the storm.
11 pages plus shipping for BW cost $26. Cheapest I have found!
Dear Kennis,
i would love to sew a linen dress for myself this summer. Just one question: is it possible to omit the pockets on either sides?
Have a wonderful day
Hi! Yes, it’s possible to omit it. You overlap two pieces of the side and cut as one piece.
This is a lovely pattern. The models are gorgeous–thanks, ladies!
Question–is the side zipper absolutely necessary? I’m wondering because the neckline looks roomy enough to have this as a slip-over/pop-on dress. Thanks!
Have a beautiful day!
Hi! No, the zipper is not necessary if you can get in and out of it. The instructions talk about it too.
Thank you! This is good news to me. Have a lovely afternoon, Kennis.