an accidentally super trendy checkerboard dress

I didn’t realize how trendy this pattern was before I made it, I swear. As a 30 year old and former hipster, it kills me when I’m too in tune with the youths. Like will people realize my age and think I’m trying too hard to stay young? I wore this to the club and at least 10 twenty-somethings were wearing the same pattern in a cheap Shein something or other.

I think I’m being too salty now. I did really enjoy making this dress and there’s a reason the pattern is so trendy. It all started with the fabric, really. I found this fabric during a Mood sale which felt like the perfect homage to my city Indianapolis but with a twist. It’s a linen/rayon blend which is my obsession right now. Originally I had planned on a maxi dress but then I fell out of love with maxi dresses. Then I thought about a shift dress, but wasn’t really vibing with it. Finally, I found this old reddit post on pinterest which really connected with my soul. I try not to directly copy ideas that other creators have already made, but I just loved the concept too much.

Then very shortly after I found the Leighanne pattern from Seamwork and all the stars aligned. It’s such a simple and satisfying pattern. The two bust darts, the strap detail, it’s just so good.

I made quite a few pattern adjustments. Pattern-wise, it fit perfectly. The bodice lining is the mockup I made, which is always the best feeling when you don’t need to make a single modification. I did end up lengthening the straps so they could tie at the top because I always make the straps too long anyway. I’ve also been really into waist ties lately to sandwich the bodice, lining, and skirt together and add some structure to the waist. I’m just tired of the bodice sagging under the weight of the skirts.

And lastly, my favorite 18th century additions that I will be adding to every dress I can forever. I don’t even need to bring that much stuff with me, but it’s so nice to have the option to have an entire bottle of Moët in my pocket. And the seemingly insignificant but surprisingly impactful deep 5 inch hem works to keep the short skirt weighted down slightly. Hence the waist tape.