Twirly dresses just make me smile! As does Sinclair Patterns newest release, the Joanne Faux Wrap Dress & Top. This is one of those patterns that I will make again and again. The drafting is just so good. It was obvious during testing that the design was a winner, because after sewing it up, I had to struggle to think of anything that I would change. The only thing I could think of was to have the wrap swoop a little lower to get under the bust easier without causing pulling at the side seams, and that I would be comfortable with the skirt being an inch or two shorter.
Other testers struggled to find anything to critique as well. The dress just looks so good on everyone! It will be hard for you to see the differences in my periwinkle dress (version 1) and my blue dress (version 2). Very subtle changes were made to deepen the pleats a little bit so that the crossover was a smidge shorter at the side seams, and the skirt was shortened an inch or so. There is also a midi skirt cut line, so if you want a longer skirt you’re good to go. I literally couldn’t stop myself from twirling and swishing this skirt like a little girl! 🙂
Both of my dresses are sleeveless, because Florida is hot. As in temperatures are still above 90*F in late September hot. For that one month of winter that we get, I would really like to make a Joanne with sleeves. Because there are options galore- short, 3/4, long and my personal favorite, a flounce sleeve!
Since the test went so well, Oxana (the designer at Sinclair Patterns) added a hi low peplum option and it is gorgeous! She also added the shaped tie belt, which I love. It really adds to the look of the dress and top.
The genius secret behind having such a nice crisp bow? The pattern tutorial suggests using knit interfacing. If you’ve never used knit interfacing before, it’s a little different than the interfacing you use for woven fabrics. It’s an open weave knit, so it still has some stretch, and you just iron it on the wrong side of your fabric. Except you absolutely have to use a pressing cloth, or you will be spending some time cleaning your iron, and could ruin your garment with glue residue. Due to the open weave of knit interfacing, the glue will spread when heated, and if you don’t use a pressing cloth, the sticky glue will get all over your iron. Obviously, I am speaking from previous experience here! 🙂 The first time I ever tried it, I spent some quality time cleaning my iron after realizing that yes, you should read the directions included with your interfacing! Here’s my pro tip: If you don’t have a pressing cloth, use a paper towel. You will have to kind of peel your paper towel up after pressing, but the residue won’t come through the paper towel and it didn’t leave any paper fibers stuck to my belt.
My other tip for sewing is the same as I mentioned for the Sinclair Yasmin Dress blogged here. Small pieces of Wash Away Wonder Tape are great for holding your pleats in place. I also used a strip of Scotch Tape to ensure that they stayed in place until the side seams were stitched.
The Joanne is a pretty quick sew, and with all of the options, it’s bound to be a staple in my closet! I’m envisioning a black or white rayon spandex hi low peplum top because it would go with literally everything! And of course a couple more dresses!
I know I’m gushing, and probably oversharing photos, but the fit is great whether you look at it from the back or side.
I am grinning in every photo, and twirling in most of them. It’s pretty obvious that I love this pattern! During the release sale is the perfect time to buy the Joanne Faux Wrap Dress & Top pattern, as it is on sale for $7.99 through Wednesday September 25, 2019. I hope you’ll check it out, and share photos of your makes!
I used Rayon Spandex from Phee Fabrics for both of my dresses. It’s a substantial 13oz. fabric and works perfectly for this (and every other tank, top, and dress) pattern I’ve ever used it for. The drape is perfect, and it has enough recovery to make excellent bands.
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Sew Beach Life 
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