Bantam Dress by Merchant and Mills

I love this simple, summer dress and especially how easy it was to make. I used a good quality black linen from Tessuti Fabrics on Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This easy pattern is made to fit loosely so there's no need for zips or buttons. The dress pattern is made by adding extra length in the mid-section of the Bantam vest pattern by Merchant and Mills. 

The instructions begin with stay stitching the armholes and then creating the hem. This was a bit different for me as I'm used to the hem being the last thing I do. French seams are used on the side seams, which makes things nice and tidy. The only down side to the French seams was when I realised that I needed to make some adjustments. I made the dress in a size ten and then had to take in the top half. Given the dress only has a simple front and back, it would have been very easy to just trace the top half as an eight and the bottom as a ten. 

Once the French seams are completed, all you need to do is sew the bias binding to the arm holes. the bias binding is cut from the fabric and was a fairly easy fit. I'd imagine it would be a bit more difficult if you made the dress from silk. 

The neckline sits very comfortably at just the right length and the arm holes leave plenty of room. I'm really happy with the finished bias binding and the overall fit of the dress. This is the first time I've ventured into sewing with linen and I'm already hooked! It's so easy to sew and perfect for summer. 

I have to say I really like the back of this dress! The longer hem at the back sits so nicely and adds something extra without being much of an embellishment. I also really like the way the top of the dress cuts in on the shoulders. This is such a great summer staple!