The Melba Dress is the latest pattern from Leila and I through Muna and Broad. To celebrate, M&B email newsletter subscribers have 15% off during launch week. Sign up and the discount code will automatically be emailed to you.
We wanted to make a very beginner friendly pattern which riffed on the Torrens Box Top but brought some extra details! There’s shaping through the side seams to give some extra room, rather than a straight up-and-down boxy dress. The Melba has our classic sleeve-band application but pairs it with a soft v neck and pockets which are designed to sit forward and not flap around.
The mitred hem of the Melba is totally laid out for you, so they’re super straightforward to sew but you still feel great watching them come together (and looking at how tidy they make the insides).
I made a straight-size F with no modifications, as that corresponds to my hip measurement. For future versions I will lengthen the dress a few inches as it hits right at the knee on me because of my long legs.
Yes, the show stopper here is the fabric! This 200gsm Hot Pink linen from A+R Fabrics is buttery soft and has incredible drape in spite of its heavyweight status. This was a delight to sew with (stable, not fraying, played well with the iron) and I ordered more so that I could fill my wardrobe with it. It might be the most delicious thing I’ve made in quite a while.
I love the simple look of this dress- it’s ripe for casual wear but also elevating for outings. I can see myself making a beach version to throw over my togs come summer, but also slinking about in a sandwashed silk.
