Currency

  • Home
  • Patterns
  • Blog
  • About
  • Cart (0)
  • Checkout
Forget-me-not Patterns logo
  • Home
  • Patterns 
    • All Patterns
    • Dress Patterns
    • Skirt Patterns
    • Top Patterns 
      • Blouse patterns
      • Knit top patterns
    • Free patterns
    • Pattern expansions
    • Projector Patterns
  • Blog
  • About
  • Currency

Our two new patterns: the April A-line dress and Gemma belt!

Our two new patterns: the April A-line dress and Gemma belt!

Home   The Forget-me-not Patterns Blog   Our two new patterns: the April A-line dress and Gemma belt!
April free pattern Gemma Pattern release

March 25, 2021

We're twice as excited today, because this is the first time Forget-Me-Not Patterns has launched two patterns at once, and the first time we've launched an accessory pattern. Come and see what we've got for you!

Forget-Me-Not April A-Line dress pattern, colourblocked

April is our new A-line dress pattern that is made for woven fabrics. The sizing goes up to 143cm (56.5") at the hip, which is two sizes larger than any of our previously released patterns.  It's easy-fit with only one closure, but with three bust options so you can have the perfect fit. It has a unique wavy design that goes all around the body, with options for a gathered or flat view skirt.

Forget-me-not April A-line dress, wavy pocket detail view

This dress also offers the chance to learn something new. For sewists that really want to challenge themselves, we offer an optional super-clever pocket in the wavy seam. We've added extremely detailed step-by-step instructions, with images, to walk you through how to make this pocket. We've even included steps for how to construct one for a colour-blocked garment. 

Because it's an easy-fit dress, it's so easy to wear. Just throw it on and go! You'll look dressed up, and you'll feel perfectly comfortable. And if you want to add a bit more flair, well, that's where our next pattern comes in.

Forget-me-not Gemma belt pattern in grey Tencel suiting

We've released a second free pattern as well!  Gemma is a tie belt pattern made with the gathered April in mind. But once we made Gemma, we realized that she had potential beyond the April dress. So she comes as part of the April pattern, but she is also a free pattern on her own. She's simple, versatile and an easy sew that's perfect for beginners. She sizes up to a 115cm (45.5") waist measurement.

To celebrate April, we're offering 20% off her until April 1 with the code HEYAPRIL. Click here to order the pattern now!

Want to learn more about the newest Forget-Me-Not dress pattern? Read on...

Choose your fabric for wildly different looks

April is designed specifically for light to medium weight non-stretch wovens. Fabric with a stable weave is best to ensure the wavy design line holds its shape. Depending on what fabrics you pick for the dress, you can create some radically different looks.

April A-Line Dress, colorblocked, rear view

The wavy seam design at hip level is subtle when one fabric is used for the entire dress. Colorblocking, on the other hand, emphasises this element of the design, and adds an element of shape even when the dress is worn loose. 

April A-Line Dress and Gemma Belt patterns in tencel grey fabric, close-up view

The Gemma belt can use the same fabric as in the torso of the dress for an understated look, or a contrasting fabric to emphasize the way it cinches in the waist. Or use one fabric on each side for a reversible belt to fit your many fashion moods!

Three different bust fits for the perfect dress fit

Yes, a dress can be both easy fit and perfectly fitted. We've provided three different bust fits with this pattern so you can more easily make a dress that is tailored to the unique shape of your body. For more information, check the sizing page. The April booklet has even more information to help you pick the right bust fit for you.

Little details to make it your own

The April dress has several different options to help you make the dress even more unique to you.

Pockets: Wavy seam or side seam?

We feel everyone deserves pockets. And when possible, they deserve the option of putting pockets in the spot where they want them. That's why we've provided two different pocket options.

There is a traditional side-seam pocket that's simple to sew. If you want to create a challenging but rewarding little detail, we've also designed a pocket that goes on the wavy seam line.

Hem: Knee length or shorter?

We've provided two separate hem lengths, one that comes to the knee and one that is two inches/5 cm shorter. We also have tips on how to alter the hemline still further.

Waist: To cinch or not to cinch?

The choice is up to you whether or not to have a defined waistline. The Gemma belt is the perfect way to bring this dress in at the waist. If you prefer a looser look, just wear it unbelted. You'll find that the two looks are very different.

We've provided optional waist tucks to organise the fullness of the waist. If you know you'll only wear this dress with a belt, you may find the waist tucks add a good emphasis to the dress.

How will you wear yours?

We styled this in several different ways during the photo shoot. We were struck by how different the dress can look depending on how it's worn.

Apricot crinkle linen

Forget-me-not April A-line dress pattern in apricot crinkle linen, front view
Forget-me-not April A-line dress pattern in apricot crinkle linen, rear view

This apricot crinkle linen April A-line dress has a hemline just above the knee and cinches the waist with the Gemma belt. The gathers at the wavy seam add a bit of emphasis, and the wavy line pocket is a unique design feature that's sure to get comments. It's comfortable, casual and fun.

Dark gray Tencel suiting

Forget-me-not April A-line dress and Gemma belt in Dark gray Tencel suiting, front view,

This make is almost identical to the apricot crinkle linen, with the exception that the pockets are on the side seam rather than the wavy line. Yet it has a completely different aura.

Forget-me-not April A-line dress in dark gray Tencel suiting with leather belt

With the Gemma belt this feels like a day at the office, but swapping to a leather belt makes it feel like the right choice for a night out.

Peach and lilac linen colour-block

Forget-me-not April A-line dress in peach and lilac linen colour-block, front view
Forget-me-not April A-line dress in peach and lilac linen colour-block, side view

The colour-blocking in this dress gives the wavy line even more emphasis than the gathers and tucks do in the other two makes. In the shorter length with no pockets and no tie belt, this has a very flat finish and really shows off the A-line structure of the dress. It feels a bit like 2021 has decided to remix the best part of 60s and 80s fashion.  

Remember, you can get 20% off your April dress pattern until April 1 with the code HEYAPRIL. Just click here to order.

We will be sharing some fabulous tester makes soon, so don't forget to follow along on our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep in the loop. Happy sewing everyone, and remember to share your make on social with the hashtag #fmnApril !



Tweet Share Pin It Email



Also in The Forget-me-not Patterns Blog

Sylvie knit top in navy with flutter sleeves and cowl neck, close up front shot
Customer makes Pattern release Sylvie
Hi Sylvie! Our latest knit top pattern is here.

August 02, 2022 0 Comments

Introducing Sylvie, our newest knit top sewing sewing pattern! Sylvie is semi-fitted knit top with two necklines, two sleeve options and a unique yoke detail.

Continue Reading

Skirt with slash pocket partly sewn
Natalie tutorial Valerie
How to sew a slash pocket, a step-by-step photo tutorial

June 22, 2022 0 Comments

This tutorial will walk you through one of my favourite types of pockets. This pocket is used on our Valerie raglan dress and the Natalie gored skirt, and creates a lovely diagonal line that makes an elegant style feature. Slash pockets can be a little bit trickier than a standard in-seam pocket due to the bias edges that the diagonal line creates, but I promise you they are really enjoyable to sew, and not too hard!

Continue Reading

The Natalie skirt, a flared gored skirt pattern with buttons, made in green floral twill, front view.
Natalie Pattern release
Welcome Natalie! Our new skirt pattern is here!

May 06, 2022 0 Comments

We're so excited to announce our newest pattern, the Natalie skirt! The Natalie skirt sewing pattern is a classic button-front skirt featuring gored style lines, slash pockets and extra features to mix and match for a perfectly unique creation. 

Continue Reading

+Categories

  • Adeline
  • April
  • clementine
  • Customer makes
  • Ella
  • errata
  • FBA
  • fitting
  • free pattern
  • Gemma
  • hacks
  • Iris
  • Lola
  • Natalie
  • Pattern release
  • pattern update
  • patternmaking
  • sabrina
  • Sylvie
  • tips
  • tutorial
  • Valerie
  • Vera
  • Viola
MORE INFORMATION
  • Search
  • About Forget-me-not
  • Contact
  • Sizing guide
  • Errata

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…


© 2022 Forget-me-not Patterns. Powered by Shopify