This is another blog courtesy of more beautiful fabric from WhiteTree Fabrics.

It is my favourite pattern: The Anna Dress -By Hand London which I keep sewing…..here , here and even here!

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So it just had to be the dress to sew for Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester!

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I did not use the pattern panels for the skirt, instead I cut the skirt slightly bigger and then added my own dart to match one of the pleats in the top.

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I also did add a 9inch invisible zip into the seam, however, as the lace has a slight stretch I can get it on and off without using the zip! I used bias binding on the sides to sew the zip onto so I had some grip. A great effort and not even needed!

The zip
The bias binding for zip

I also think perhaps it is slightly too big around the waist and is not too flattering on some of the photos.

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The lace was easy to sew, I used a 1.5cm seam with a very slight zig-zag in it. I then cut the seam to within 0.5cm and then zig-zagged it so it looks overlocked.

The seams

I used bias binding for the neck and sleeve edges. I hand stitched the bias binding once turned over so I did not damage the lace.

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I had a blue cotton slip which I can wear underneath. I had enough lace to make a pashmina as I plan to wear this dress for a September wedding.

The Dorchester
The Dorchester

Fabric: 2m of blue large flower lace and please use my code for 20%off and free P&P: SEWDEPUTY

Pattern: Anna Dress

Notions: 9inch concealed zipper, navy bias binding,

Changes: I did not add panels to the skirt. I need to make it more fitted next time for a more flattering look!

Amanda💝