The Varda Dress & Top Pattern is Back + Lots of Old Pattern News!

I am happy to announce that the Varda Dress & Top Pattern is back! If you are new to this pattern, the Varda Dress & Top have the style lines of a fitted sheath, but with some ease built in for a looser fit. Choose either the dress or the top length, with one of three sleeve options, for six elegant garments. All views feature an invisible zipper closure up the center back, French darts at the bust, contour darts along the back, & a topstitched faced neckline. The sleeveless option is finished with a topstitched facing, or choose a short or elbow-length sleeve. The top hem lands at the hip, & the dress finishes right above the knee, making it both evening & office appropriate.

The Varda Dress & Top was originally launched in 2017 with our old size chart, sizes 0-18. After much debate, I have decided to reissue all but one of the remaining old patterns, as is, without expanded sizes. I receive email requests for the old patterns all the time, and the honest truth is that I am not inspired to spend time on these old designs. Reworking the old patterns into a new size range takes considerable time, and I would much rather spend that time working on designing new garments, with a wider size range in mind as part of the design. But I also do not want to deny anyone that wants one of my old patterns, so I decided to give the old patterns some new details for brand consistency, and offer them in their original size range in digital only, and at a discounted rate of only $12.00.

All the old patterns, with the exception of the Ellsworth Coat, will be getting this same treatment: new updated booklets, updated instruction illustrations, new size lines, logo, and fonts. The photos and pattern piece shape & sizes remain as originally released, but everything else is updated.

The Ellsworth Coat is the one old pattern that will be getting a full updated treatment, with extended size range, and a video class too! So look for that this year!

But for today, let’s get back to the Varda! Originally inspired by the dress worn in Agnès Varda’s film, Cléo From 5 to 7, it’s a classic shape and blank canvas that can suit many styles and situations. The contour darts along the back cinch the shape around the waist, and the French darts in the front, remove excess fabric around the bust, while blending into an hourglass hip to allow for all your lovely curves.

Find the Varda Dress & Top Pattern in the shop, and add it to your spring and summer wardrobe to-sew list!