How to Sew a Patchwork Linen Dress

It's simple modern patchwork at it's cutest. Sammie made this stunning patchwork dress using just 3 metres of fabric. Summery, light and fun are how we'd describe this dress, and our natural fabrics are perfect for all kinds of weather. Keep reading to find out about Sammie's dress pattern, and her sewing inspiration. 

We met Sammie on instagram @thesundayfrey where her bubbly and fun personality shine through in her handmade clothes. 
After sending a swatch set of all our fabrics she chose three colours of the Heirloom Grid woven linen check - Lilac Lemon, Classic Blue & Butter.

How long have you been sewing for?

I started sewing about 6yrs ago during my first pregnancy. I'd been gifted a sewing machine many years prior, but had never found the time to learn the craft whilst working full time as a physio. Deep into my third trimester when the nesting phase was in full swing, I thought I'd try to sew a few burp cloths and bibs. I knew nothing and was starting from scratch, so much so that I had to google ‘how to thread a sewing machine’.

I never anticipated future me would end up sewing most of my own clothing (swim & activewear included), but the sewing bug took hold during maternity leave and here we are. These days I think the sound of the sewing machine humming away in the background will end up being a core memory for our kids.

What’s your go to fabric style?

Ohhh hahaha anything blue/purple! Most of the things I make are colourful and bright, mainly because monotone colours are readily available RTW and I like the idea of making unique things that nobody else has. I love working with linen, cotton lawn, and poplin but also really enjoy a nice textural fabric like swiss dot, seersucker and crepe. One of my favourite things to make is winter outerwear, so I'm a sucker for a good wool coating too. 

Do you have a favourite tip to share when sewing? 

Nothing ground-breaking, but I would tell my beginner self to slow down and learn to enjoy the process! There are lessons to be learned from every error and mistakes are just part of the journey.

-  Make the damn toile

-  Do the stay stitching

-  Never skip pressing seams

-  Take the time to hand stitch finishing details where it matters.

-  Do not sew when you're hungry!

-  If you're feeling frustrated, walk away and take a break.....in my experience pressing on when I'm in a bad mood always ends in disappointment

I have learned these lessons the hard way and have a few pieces which have been condemned to the ‘naughty corner’, despite being sewn up in beautiful fabrics, because I didn’t heed the above advice.

You will always love and wear a garment that you're proud of way more than the one you have rushed to complete.

What’s your home & work life look like?

I'm currently a SAHM mum of two kids, aged 3 and 5. Daily life is a jumble of school drop offs, swimming lessons, extracurricular kids’ activities, all the lunchboxes, and book work for my husbands business.

In my free time I love to sew, play the piano, read, get to the gym, water ski and I'm also learning (mostly failing) to surf hahaha.

What do you love most about sewing?

Sewing has been my therapy through some difficult times, and I will be forever grateful to have fallen in love with a creative outlet that grounds me and quiets my mind when life feels heavy. I am certain that many creators feel equally blessed to have found such a fulfilling and calming passion.

In my experience, the sewing community is such a wholesome and genuinely supportive corner of social media, and I love the friendships and connections I have made through this craft. It genuinely still humbles and amazes me that anybody is remotely interested in what I'm making. 

I also love the endless possibilities with sewing and apply my sewing skills to almost everything I do in life. Be that sewing swimwear, making my own activewear for the gym, sewing the kids bookweek costumes, making curtains for our vintage caravan, or sewing bookmarks because I'm always reading something. The list is endless.

What was your favourite thing about working on this project with our fabrics?

The quality of Rare Patterns fabric is second to none and a testament the care and consideration by Michelle during the selection process. My skyline dress has been such a workhorse in my Summer wardrobe, and I can honestly say the fabric has only gotten better with wear. I get so many nice compliments on this dress, almost with every wear, and I think that's mainly owing to the lovely fabrics. 

Then of course, there is something so special and wholesome about working with Michelle. Not only is she a lovely human being, but her small batch, unique designs and hand drawn illustrations really do feel destined to become one-of-a-kind garments. You feel as though you’re wearing a piece of art, and you are!  

(Aww thanks Sammie, we loved working with you too! ❤️)

Our Heirloom Grid is 100% linen yarn dye woven micro check. It's breathable and light for both warm and cool weather. For the dress pattern check out Syd Graham's Skyline dress (Sammie's is a mini version). Sammie's dress uses 1 metre of each colour, you can add this bundle here to make your own version! (and save 20%)