I read somewhere on Instagram that Paradise patterns does one hit dress release per summer. Hallon dress is the hit of 2021 but I feel it is a timeless pattern. Simple clean front, low gathered neckline in the back are chef’s kiss and a recipe for a perfect summer dress. There are two views included in the pattern: a straighter fit, with no back gathers and the relaxed fit with a lovely ruffled hem. I made the latter and I was in love from the first time I put it on.

Pattern Name: Hallon dress, view A

Pattern company: Paradise patterns

Size: 0

Personal highlights: Low gathered back, ruffle

The construction was simple and straightforward. Paradise patterns in my experience has great instructions and holds you hand all the way. I made two of her patterns and both are great experiences with great results. When dress got released it was all over the internet and I was debating weather I would wear a dress with open back like this. But I knew I had to try it and went with this fabric from my stash that I loved but never knew what exactly to use it for.  It all came to life when I decided to make this dress. I think the subdued yellow with black flowers works perfectly with this pattern and the flowy viscose is the right choice. It is fluid and light and I feel great wearing it.

The straps are basically made of “bias tape” from the same fabric. I saw some versions of the pattern where different fabric was used for the straps and the contrasting fabric here can be a great choice for a bit of color pop and contrast. I decided to go with the same fabric since I think it works better for this particular fabric choice and I had enough of it on hand to fit it in.

Before the straps get sewn in though the back needs to be gathered. The pattern says how much to gather and that is what I followed with my dress. You can see that left a bit of gaping in the back and it does not sit snug. Next time I would probably gather it a bit more to achieve that. Pattern instructions do give clear guidance on that so you can play around with it. I wanted to try and see how I feel with the original I guess. One thing to note is that additional gathering would make the back sit somewhat higher since it reduces the back seam length but I think that would still be low enough to have the wow effect as intended. The gaping does not bather me enough to go back and adjust it.

The dress is long with the ruffle at the bottom. I think it adds that je ne sais quoi to this dress to makes it the perfect final product it is. It is THE summer dress. I saw on Instagram that many women sewed in a knit bra for added security. I did not need it as this viscose is on the thicker side and I can get away without a bra.

Overall a great and easy make and I would recommend it 10/10 for a summer holiday in style with guaranteed comfort and breeze on your back as the added bonus.

Thank you for reading and happy sewing!

Ana