Introducing the Lena Dress a wonderful sheath dress by Style Arc that will bring a chic versatile look to your wardrobe. Lena is a mid-length sleeveless dress that features a boat neck with large inseam pockets and a hem facing; both featuring twin needle topstitching.
Seen here in a summer version using a printed cotton poplin from Minerva Fabrics; Lena can be made in a variety of woven fabric options. Linens, cottons or crepe will all look wonderful, giving the boat neck a crisp clean finish. I think that a heavier fabric like a corduroy worn over a thin long sleeve underpinning would easily make the Lena a great sleeveless option for cooler months.
For my dress, I chose this summery miniature floral Rose & Hubble cotton poplin. It is one of those lovely cotton's that is crisp and cool. A perfect choice for the Lena as is has enough structure to accentuate the A-line shape of the dress.
This dress is a fun project to sew. You will begin by sewing the side seam pockets which are designed as a pocket bag attached to the front bodice. The pockets are attached with a twin needle topstitching that adds subtle stitching details. The dress has a front and back facing with interfacing. The neckline is sewn first, creating a crisp boat neck. Once the neckline is sewn together the bodice is attached to the interfacing. This is a bit tricky to sew. For a sewing tutorial with photos showing all of the details head to the sewing tutorial section on the Style Arc website here. Once you have completed the facing the rest of the dress sews up really quickly.
The Lena Dress is a fun dress to sew and to style. You can easily dress it up with a pair of cute sandals and a necklace, or slip on a pair of sneakers and wear it to run errands on a summer’s day…. Or both! You will find that the Lena Dress will become a go-to pattern that you use creatively with a variety of woven fabrics. I have styled it here with some of my favourite vintage accessory finds. Vintage bangles and a shell and satin purse only add to the fun of wearing such a stylish dress.
There are so many creative ways that this dress can be sewn up using a wide variety of fabrics. I will be making another version of the Lena in a silk taffeta to wear to a wedding in late September. Have fun with the choices and even more fun wearing the dresses.
After all… There is Sew Much To Design
Happy Summer Dress Sewing,
Lou Sheffer