Ikat Summer Dress - (Olive Dress Pattern)

Jul 27

Jul 27 Ikat Summer Dress - (Olive Dress Pattern)

It has been a difficult month but I am happy to be back in my sewing space. Today, I am sharing my Ikat dress using the Megan Nielsen Olive Dress pattern with you. The pattern was gifted to me but as usual my review is 100% mine and honest.

Pattern details - The Megan Nielsen Olive dress and top pattern is described as a a relaxed silhouette top or dress with v-insert. It features a drop shoulder, multiple sleeve finishes, and optional breast patch pocket. View A is a top and View B is a dress. The pattern is available in sizes 0 to 30 (i.e. 32” to 56” in the bust and 34” to 58” in the hips). It is important to note that you can purchase size 0-20 or 14-30.

Pattern size/view made - I chose to make the dress - View B with the sleeve binding option for the sleeve, without the patch pocket. I made size 14. For reference, my body measurements are bust 40”, waist 34”, hips 45”

Fabric used - I used 100% Ikat cotton fabric from Itokri

Adjustments -

For the skirt, I cut a length of 16.5” which is shorter than the pattern skirt.
I then added a ruffle which measured at 5” in height, and twice the circumference of the skirt hem in length.
I shortened the bodice by 1” but I plan to shorten it by 2” for my next version.
I added side ties to achieve a more defined waist. To make your own side ties, you can simply make bias tape, cut into four equal desired lengths, and sew on to the seam that joins the bodice and skirt. Place the front ties below the nipple and match the back ones to the front ones.

Helpful tip - If you struggle with sewing any sort of V neck tops like me, use the sewalongs for installing the V insert (Option 1 and Option 2 sewalongs). Unfortunately, I didn’t know about it before I installed mine so it is not perfect. But I plan to do better on my next version.

Favorite thing about pattern - My favorite feature of this pattern has go to be the pockets. It is attached to both the side and top seam of the gathered skirt so it is more stable than most in-seam pockets. It is a very simple pattern overall and is very beautifully made, from the instructions right to the pattern itself. The only challenge may be the neck area so do not forget to use the resources available.