Sewing-related emails announcing new pattern releases are always my favourite; who doesn’t love envisioning their own creation of a pattern? Often, though, my enthusiasm for new patterns can minimise my admiration for the patterns I already own.

When I started thinking about a summer dress project, I decided to re-visit my stash and settled on the Nina Lee Kew Dress. It’s been a few years since I created this, and it’s nice to revisit it again, feeling more confident in my skills.

Sizing and style options

The Kew dress feels synonymous with summer style; it has a timeless quality, thanks to its nod to vintage design. You have three options to choose from: two dress styles and a skirt. I chose version 1 – a midi-button-front dress, featuring gathered sleeves, a high-low skirt, and front and back darts to create a flattering silhouette.

My measurements aligned with a size 8 bodice and a size 10 waist and hip, so I graded between sizes.

Fabric options

The instructions suggest sewing this version in light to medium-weight fabric with some drape. I recently purchased the Meet MILK Two-Tone Check Tencel Lyocell Twill Fabric in Powder Pink, which worked well. The subtle check design is just gorgeous, and the fabric feels soft next to the skin.  

Sewing the dress

I think this pattern is a great one for beginners to develop their skills, as it features facings, darts, gathers, and buttonholes. I’ve learned that patience with sewing means a lower chance of making errors, so I always try to read instructions thoroughly before starting any project, which helps me understand the overall construction.

I finished most of the seams with my overlocker, but next time I would be tempted to sew French seams throughout to give a neater finish. I also added hemming tape to the skirt and bodice facings; these are under-stitched, but the tape helps to keep the facings in place. I also lengthened the skirt and made the hem a uniform length.

The pattern requires you to sew a lot of buttons, so take your time with this step and use the button markings on the pattern sheet to mark the button placements before sewing. 

Styling

Button-front dresses are a great piece to make for summer. I plan to wear my Kew dress with Superga pumps, or espadrille wedges for a more dressed-up look. The dress is incredibly versatile and suitable for a variety of occasions.

If you like the Kew dress style, some similar patterns include the Tilly and the Buttons Nell Blouse and Dress, the Maison Fauve Rosalie Dress, the True Bias Shelby Dress and Romper, the Named Taika Blouse Dress, and the Friday Pattern Company Hughes Dress. 

Extra info:

• Sewn on a Janome DKS100 machine, stitch length 2.6mm, width 3mm
• Thread: Gutermann polyester thread in colour 659 and a thicker cotton thread by Aurifil for the buttons
• Hemming tape for facings