Textured check Bronx dress

I have a thing, apparently. If I like a pattern, I make it at least twice, in quick succession. There are many examples, but this is the most recent instance; the Bronx cowl dress (see first version, here).

Clearly, I love this pattern. More specifically, I love this silhouette and look for me. A fit and flare dress just works with my every day life. And again, for those that think dresses are fussy, count the number of garments I have to coordinate and put on my body. Yup, that number is 1. Easy-peasy.

Let’s talk about the fabric, though; it is the true star of this garment (at least that’s my impression based on the number of approving comments I received when I wore it!) I purchased it last month with an allowance from Britex Fabrics and unfortunately, it’s not available anymore. I normally wouldn’t pick a polyester knit, but I just adored the raised square texture! The fabric is on the thick side–not quite a scuba knit, but with a good heft. I don’t think I’ll enjoy the poly knit in the blazing heat of the summer, but it was very comfortable for our early spring temps.

Here’s a close up of the tiny raised squares. It’s really fabulous!

Knowing that the fabric was a little thicker than my last version, I expanded the cowl a bit to help it drape better. To do this, I slashed the pattern horizontally across the bodice at the bustline. Then, I cut the remaining upper part vertically and expanded the cowl arc. This expands the cowl while leaving the bust and waist measurements the same.

I did want to break up the fabric print with belt, so I added some belt loops at the side seams. I just ran my serger while pulling the 4 threads to create a “chain” and then attached them to the dress on the inside. If I don’t feel like wearing a belt, I can pull the belt loops inside the dress to make them less visible from the outside.