I just checked the date of my last blog - wooooo its been a while! I have been sewing, just clearly not recording anything about it.
It was definitely worth popping up a post today though - I found this year's favourite summer sew.
Fibre Mood - Alberthe Dress and Top
Firstly - I have never made a Fibre Mood pattern to my recollection, and for some reason was a bit suspicious of them, no idea why, just a new company to try and mess about finding the fit and sizing. I'd also heard lots of things about tracing complex patterns and no seam allowances.
Turns out that's not entirely true as although Fibre Mood is a printed magazine, all the patterns are available as separate Paper and PDFs to buy on the website. Seam allowances included.
I got a bit bored of sewing the same patterns up recently and wanted something fun. This fit the bill!
I tried out the top version first to see how the sizing would be - opted for a size L -which was the 16/18 bracket - and it fit!
The pattern has a very small dart at the bust, which I remove by just pivoting it out to the hemline. The pattern also calls for a side zip.
Nah - the top goes on over my head just fine so I omitted the zip.
The fabric I used for the top is a really cute bug print cotton cambric from Rainbow Fabrics . I had no idea what cambric was but gambled because...bugs. It's lovely fabric, natural and breathable and had some drape to it whilst being easy to sew and press.
I struggled with the slight origami of the pattern on my first version. The instructions are good but there was some shuffling of right angles going on. I still have no idea if the top is crossed the right way round or not, but it works so who cares.
Now for my favourite make of 2026 so far - this little beauty!
This was a definite labour of love as the print is my own. I designed the fabric by drawing all 26 species of UK ladybird (talk about time consuming) and had it printed up (hit me up if you would like to order some or petition your local store to stock it haha.)
We were off for a fancy day at RHS Sandringham for a friend's birthday so a floral dress was definitely on the cards.
This pattern was an instant 'yes' when thinking of what to make up with the fabric. This version is viscose and works just as well. So soft and was perfect for the heat.
The cross-over front is entirely contained, it doesn't waft open or anything, you are fully covered. A clever construction once I got my noggin around it.
The back of the dress is fairly simple in shape and the wide straps were very comfortable and stayed put.
I will be quite honest, it has been difficult to dress a flat chest in summer, as everything is very darted, cupped, gathered etc and doesn't sit right. THIS however is amazing and I felt so comfortable wearing it.
I have a short trip away planned at the end of summer so perhaps one more version may get made before then....
Have you tied Fibre Mood? Any recommendations?
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