It was an absolute pleasure to be asked to create this Wilder Gown Dress using one of the new Minerva Sewing Kits.
Wilder Gown has been a favourite pattern of mine since I started sewing just over three years ago. I have made a knee length dress and the top and love wearing them bith. I knew as soon a I saw this gorgeous Serene Meadow viscose challis, one of Minerva’s exclusive fabrics, that I wanted to make the maxi dress version.
Minerva sewing kits are the perfect way to get everything you need for a fantastic outfit. When my kit arrived it came with absolutely everything I needed to create my own Wilder Gown dress. The kit includes the sewing pattern, your choice of fabric, matching Gutermann thread,sewing machine needles and the cutest coloured safety pins. Having absolutely everything you need simply arrive at your doorstep was such a treat! These kits are the perfect way to treat yourself; or send a kit to a friend as a gift and make their day!
Minerva kits are fully customizable, so you can change the quantities you want. I loved this because I was able to include more fabric to ensure that I would have enough for a full length dress. If you already own the pattern you can skip that part of your purchase.
I adore the Serene Meadow viscose challis. The colours are muted and subtle making this a versatile dress to wear to any occasion; it feels sophisticated and fun. The drape of the fabric is perfect. The multiple tiers of the Wilder Gown hang beautifully, giving the dress that perfect flow so you feel elegant and sophisticated without the dress feeling heavily. This is the second maxi dress I have made with these exclusive fabrics from Minerva. You can see my other dress, the Fibre Mood Josephine, made with the Herbal Halo viscose callis here.
The Wilder Gown is a fun pattern to sew. It is very well designed and is suited to beginning sewers comfortable with tiered gathers, or expert sewers who want to create a dress that sews together beautifully without taking too long to sew. There are two sleeve length options to choose from. I made the ¾ length sleeve to balance the length of the dress. You could very easily lengthen the sleeve and even gather the cuff. If you don’t feel like creating all of the tiered layers with the gathers you can opt for the top version. Simply lengthen the bodice pattern piece to extend it to your chosen length for the top.
The raglan style sleeves of the Wilder Gown give it a polished, but relaxed fit. They pair beautifully with the statement gathered neckline and pussy bow. This is by far my favourite part for this pattern. The dress can be worn on its own styled with sneakers, ballet flats or sandals or layered with a cropped jacket and boots for fall and winter.
You will love your Wilder Gown dress and what better way to completely enjoy sewing it up then to get everything you need using the sewing kit. I can’t wait to see what you make with your sewing kit selections! After all… There is Sew Much To Design.
Happy Wilder Gown Sewing,
Lou Sheffer