Welcome back. I’m Sara, and you’re invited to come and sew along with me. After a long separation, I’ve been enjoying a visit from my parents here in Vancouver, which is why this video has been delayed! Umma (means MOM) and I have been busy catching up and having fun together, mainly by taking selfies while wearing matchy-matchy outfits from my handmade wardrobe (more to come about #SaraWithUmma in my next video).
Today’s project is the Ingrid Dress by Homer and Howells. I wasn’t familiar with Homer and Howells, but as soon as as saw the Ingrid Dress, I knew I had to make one as this dress is built on one of my favourite features: the asymmetrical shape! I love how with the staggered placement of the gathered panels, the dress becomes a really unique addition to your wardrobe.
The cutting process can be a bit confusing as there aren’t many mirrored pieces, but once they’re all cut out, the sewing process is pretty straight forward. For the video, I wrote the pattern numbers on my fabric to help keep things as clear as possible, and I recommend that you do the same.
Lastly, my Ingrid looks big, which I don’t mind because I like the oversized look. But I know that’s not for everyone! If I make another Ingrid out of a woven, I’ll share about how best to size down in the comments section.
Materials
Ingrid Top and Dress pattern from Homer and Howells
https://www.homerandhowells.com/shop-online/ingrid
I used Sand Washed Heavy Linen Twill from my shop
FAQ Material List
The sewing machine I have:
Bernette B37 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine
https://amzn.to/3etYaFE (USA)
LDH Scissors and thread snip
Tailor’s Chalk Pencil
Poly Sewing Thread
Lightweight Fusible Interfacing
http://bit.ly/fusible_interfacing
Wash-away Wonder Tape
Canada https://amzn.to/35DUwUj
Craft Clips
Canada https://amzn.to/32vmK2u
Flat Head Pins
Canada https://amzn.to/2IaKoKm
Point Turner
Canada https://amzn.to/39rgfQA
*****Disclosure******
Some of the links above are affiliate links. Clicking and purchasing through affiliate links gives me a small commission. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I wanted to help you find the materials easier. So you can focus more on your project. Thank you.
**********************
Seam Allowance
Use 3/8″ seam allowance unless otherwise stated
Cut
1- Right Front Bodice, 2-Left Front Bodice, 3i-Left Back Bodice, 3ii-Right Back Bodice, 4i-Right Front Kirt, 4ii-Right Back Skirt, 5-Left Front/Back Skirt, 6-Sleeve (2 Mirrored), 8-Pocket (4 Mirrored), 9-Back Facing (2 Mirrored), 10-Front Facing (Interfaced), 11- Loop
1. Stay Stitch
Staystitch all neck edges, armholes and center-back to keyhole drill
2. Tuck
Match the notches and fold the tuck up and pin
Baste
3. Gather
Gatherstitch between the notches of all the Skirt pieces (4i, 4ii, 5 Front and Back)
4. Top and Bottom
Pin Skirt and the corresponding Bodice and sew RST (Right Side Together)
Serge
5. Left + Right
Pin the Right Front and Left Front at the center and sew RST
Serge
Pin the Right Back and Left Back at the center
Sew from the drill hole to the bottom
Press
6. Pocket
Pin the Pocket to the Bodice matching the notches RST
Sew
Repeat for the Front Bodice
Press the Pocket towards the seam
Understitch
7. Shoulder Seams
Pin and sew the Front and Back at the shoulder RST
Press the seam towards the Back
8. Neck Facing
Pin and sew the Front Neck Facing and Back Neck Facing at the shoulder
Finish the outer edge with your preferred method
Pin and sew the Bodice and Neck Facing at the neckline
Trim and snip the neckline
Press Neck Facing towards the seam
Understitch, beginning and ending 1″ away from each end
Make a small ribbon using the double-fold bias method
Fold in half to make a button loop
Cut the seam of the button loop 3/8″
Pin and baste the Button Loop on the left Back top corner
Sew the Facing and Back at the center down to the notch
Turn right side out and press
9. Back
Make sure the notches match
Match the notch and pin Back pieces together RST
Sew from where the stitch ends
Snip where the main stitch ends
Sew the Neck Facings together from the stitch ends
Serge
Send the seams to opposite directions to reduce bulk
Press
Stitch in the ditch the Neck Facing to the Bodice
10. Side Seams
Pin and sew the side seams of Front and Back including Pockets RST
Serge
11. Sleeve
Gatherstitch between the notches with your preferred method
Prepare gathers
Pin and sew the underarm seams together RST
And serge
Slip the Sleeve into the Dress
Match the side seam, the notches
Sew the armhole leaving the gathering area
Match the shoulder seam and the notch, distribute the gathers evenly, pin and sew
Serge
Serge the Sleeve hem
Fold the Sleeve hem and press
Edgestitch/topstitch, leaving an opening for the elastic
Cut the elastic
Insert the elastic and join the ends
Close the opening
12. Hem
Serge the bottom hem, fold and sew
And that’s the Ingrid Dress by Homer and Howells! If you’re used to sewing using mirrored pieces, how was it sewing an asymmetrical dress? Personally I find variety and imbalance eye-catching, but I know it’s not for everyone. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below and I welcome your questions. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!