Ah, I have a lot of dresses. But a garment was sorely lacking in my wardrobe. A garment I dreamed of for an eternity. A project that has always figured in my to-do list, but constantly caught up with other, more impetuous cravings. And then one day you can wear one of your dreams. And that’s priceless. ❤

At the start, I had a crush on La Thai qui Riz pinafore dress : I needed one too, but in a more fall style. When Pauline Alice lauched the Turia dungarees, I thought of hacking it into a dress … until I banged my nose on Coco and realized my body shape was not ok with trapezoid shapes. So my pinafore dress dream has gently plunged into oblivion … until the exit of Rydell.

Ah Rydell. To confess to you I first cracked on its name. Secretly I hoped that the designer had chosen it in reference to one of my favorite films, Grease … and when I had confirmation, it was said: we were made to each other. Its fit’n flare line adapted to my morphology and the great versions of my friend Manue convinced me: it was time to cut this babycord, bought years ago at Mr. Albert.

For years I heard that babycord was a real sewing wound. And so I can confirm it: it’s really painful. The material slips, does not stand to be seamripped and it is very difficult to get clean topstitching. Moreover, mine is stretch: as much to say that I suffered. It is probably not the finest piece of my wardrobe but I’m ok with that.

Concerning pattern, I really wanted the dress to be close fitted on my natural waist: I therefore opted for size M, and shortened the flap and the belt, respectively 1.5cm each. I sewed the whole, including button placket, and patatras: it is far too wide at the waist.

I am thinking of elasticating the back belt, but I am afraid of rendering with such thick fabric. A bit annoyed, I bring the dress to my drafting class, hoping that my teacher will help me. And since she’s a real magician, she’s going to bring me the perfect solution!

In fact the problem was on my back, because of my pronounced curve. She suggested to disassemble the back belt, reduce it and add 2 darts on the back skirt.

And there we are! The dress is close fitted properly on my natural waist, and it does not yawn in the back.

The skirt is therefore half circle in the back, and features box pleats on the front.

You have pockets on the sides, and it is closed by a button placket.

This is the only really technical point of Rydell: but the designer has published a very clear sewalong on the subject.

The bib is lined, and finished with dungarees buckles.


“Did she seriously line her pinafore dress with a hearts printed cotton ?!”

I’m a crazy, I’m afraid of nothing guys! : D

WELL, be careful if you realize Rydell, the skirt is quite short. Here I lengthened it by 7cms and hemmed on 2.

I also slightly shifted the buttons on the back waist, so they stick with my darts.

Conclusion : if we put aside the lack of drape of my babycord, which plumbs my figure a little, I am still pleased with this piece. I had dreamed for so long to wear a pinafore dress, it’s done! The comfort is great, and I feel really good in it. If you read me, thank you again Chantal for your help!

Wish you a good week, take care ! ❤