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Christine Haynes Lottie Dress

Amber and I were both inspired by our recent Sweden trip in unique ways to make the newest Christine Haynes pattern Lottie. You can see how versatile this pattern is by the very different looks of our new garments. We even used the same fabric - a new and gorgeous 100% linen that we are now obsessed with.



Amber Corcoran
Pattern: Lottie Dress by Christine Haynes
Fabric: 3.5 yards Linen Délavé in Navy
Size Made: 6/12
Modifications: Drafted from a size 6 in the bodice to size 12 at the hip. Lengthened pattern 2" to make wider hem. 4" higher side slits.


I've been itching to make the Lottie by Christine Haynes since the pattern was released. I originally intended to stitch up the sleeved, shorter dress. Clogs and linen changed my mind, and pushed me over into maxi dress-town.
I've never owned a maxi dress, but have recently been intrigued by its classy, comfy style. When I got my new clogs on our Sweden trip they added a couple inches to my height and have a classy lady clomping sound. I was ready to add a maxi dress to my wardrobe. Of course, I needed it to be in this indigo linen fabric we recently started stocking.

I made a few tweaks to my Lottie. I measure for a size 6 at the bust and a 12 at the hips. To allow for my pear booty, I started by tracing the line for size 6 down to the waist, then from there graded it out to the size 12 at the hip, smoothing out the lines into softer curves. The Lottie has several inches of positive ease, and my hips would have fit into a size 6, but I wanted to make sure that it didn't feel clingy in the hips. I'm glad I altered the pattern here.

The shoulder seam of the sleeveless Lottie sits forward just a bit on the shoulder. This means the flat pattern pieces look kinda funny. When I was cutting out my pieces I was so worried because the front armscye looks much smaller than the back. No need to worry, everything is cool and Christine has got this. It comes together perfectly. I also added a couple inches of length to the pattern. The pattern length was actually perfect for my 5' 6" height, but I added length before cutting so I could make a heavier hem at the bottom. I made a wide 1 3/4" hem to add some weight to the dress, and I raised the side slits up about 4". This was the unintentional result of not transferring the side seam marks, so I just held up the pattern pieces and decided where my seam would end. I placed it just above my knee, and I love it right where it ended up.

 

The linen fabric is A-may-zing. I feel like this dress is just a part of my body, it is so wonderful to wear. If I develop a daily uniform this just might be the one
Jaime Jennings

Pattern: Lottie Dress by Christine Haynes, view A
Fabric: 1.75 yards Linen Délavé in Rust
Size Made: 2
Modifications: took out bust darts

While in Sweden I purchased a new wind breaker jacket from Fjallraven in this exact rust color. I don't own anything in this color, but everyone agreed that it was a great color for me. Who knew?! I decided I needed more rust clothing stat.
When I got back home and was shopping our fabrics, this new linen was the absolute perfect hue. I had been wanting to make the Lottie top for a bit and it was a perfect match.
I choose to make the shirt version because I love living in jeans and this color seems perfect for fall. This shirt comes together easily. There are some fun details such as the oversized patch pockets and split hem. I opted to take out the bust darts per my usual for garments these days. It's a total win. I'm excited to stitch up the dress version next.

Comments on this post (4)

  • Jun 04, 2019

    I can’t find the Lottie dress pattern?

    — Roxanne Hess

  • Apr 03, 2019

    Hi- Your Lotties look great! I’m also a beginner, having made only three garments thus far (all wearable, though! Yay!). I’m in the process of making the Lottie Maxi, but I’m having a very hard time with the fit. I have muslined the bodice in a size 2, and there’s PLENTY of room everywhere except the armholes, which I find very restrictive. I am an athlete, so I do have fairly square shoulders and some muscle in that area. Any tips for what I can do? I thought about grading the shoulders out to a larger size (thus creating a wedge at the top of the pattern), but I worry about the binding, then. And I do feel it’s a bit tight in the armpit as well. I’m in the weeds, help!

    — Lauren

  • Nov 27, 2017

    Hiya Lyndsey! Removing bust darts is a process that might seem a bit complicated to a beginner seamstress, but here is a good tutorial if you follow the link below. If you follow the steps in the tutorial, no additional steps need to be taken. Jaime usually does this to account for her smaller bust size. Just note that if you have a fuller bust, you may run into some fit issues.

    https://www.mariadenmark.com/2014/10/removing-bust-darts/

    — Fancy Tiger Crafts

  • Nov 24, 2017

    I’m a total beginner- only garment I’ve made so far is a Willow Tank. I just purchased the Lottie pattern and I love how the shirt looks without the bust darts. Is there anything that I need to do differently if I don’t include the bust darts?

    — Lyndsey Roberts

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