Get ready for Emerald!
Update: Emerald is now available as a standalone pattern HERE!
We're finally putting the finishing touches on Emerald as a standalone pattern and it's almost ready to launch! In this post, I will show you the latest version I’ve made for myself to re-introduce you to this pattern.
We had such a great response to this pattern after it debuted as a dress project in the Desert issue of Making Magazine two years ago. The new standalone PDF pattern will be available in our expanded size range with both a dress and top view, and an optional sash. We are also adding layers to the pattern pieces.
In this post you can see my latest Emerald: It’s a cross-seasonal dress made out of Merchant and Mills linen/cotton blend - purchased at the Gather Here online shop. I was inspired after discovering the color was called Emerald — I think it’s kinda fun to make versions of my patterns that match the colors associated with the names (like pink Rose pants, red Ruby dresses…).
I love the simplicity of this pattern: it’s made up of four main bias-cut panels finished with wide facings at the neck, arms, and hems, with inseam pockets for the dress version.
One of the reasons I wanted to try this fabric is that it’s a mid-weight cotton linen blend, which is less flowy and light than some of the other versions I’ve sewn (like the yellow one featured in Making — you can see pics of that one on the Emerald Page).
I love that with this heavier fabric, you get a nicely defined front and back seam (I topstitched on both sides of the seam for emphasis), and the dramatic curved hem has a chance to shine.
Here’s a look at the cropped top version (you can see more details on these tops on this post):
And a few more dress versions from the Making launch (see more at this post); these photos courtesy of Making Magazine:
These photos (also from Making Magazine) of Emily of Endearing Everyday / @endearingeveryday feature a version made in Brussels Washer, which is a linen-rayon blend by Robert Kaufman fabrics:
MORE INSPIRATION & PICS
For those hoping to see more pics with a variety of sizes, look for a post featuring tester photos and some other favorite versions of Emerald soon. You can also visit the #mbrEmerald tag on Instagram for tester and other makes. For even more more inspiration and ideas for this pattern, check out my Emerald Inspiration board.
GET READY
If you want to get ready to sew your own Emerald, you can find the yardage and size charts below (they’re also always available on the Emerald Page). In addition to fabric, you’ll also need a half yard (or half meter of lightweight fusible interfacing, and coordinating thread.
You can also sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when this pattern is ready!
We recommend selecting size from the body measurement chart using your upper bust circumference (don’t worry if your other measurements don’t put you in the same size — the size chart is just a starting point!); bust and hip finished measurements are provided so you can check how much ease (extra room) you’ll have in each size.
RECOMMENDED FABRICS
I recommend light- and mid- weight fabrics with drape or a looser weave such as linen or linen blends, tencel twill, silk noil, cotton double gauze, or chambray to take advantage of the bias cut.
Fabrics in this post: Merchant and Mills linen/cotton blend (green dress), cotton double gauze (green top), slub viscose linen noil - also known as Mora slub (both yellow versions), and Brussels washer rayon/linen blend (aqua/mint version).
I hope you are as excited as I for this pattern! Stay tuned for a launch post, soon!!