Wardrobe Staples – Morrison Top and Dress

Earlier this year, I tested the Morrison top and dress for Blue Dot Patterns. This was my first time working with this indie brand. The Morrison top and dress are described as an easy sew top and dress with a scoop neck and a pleated bodice. The dress has an elastic casing waistband and side pockets. One thing I like about this pattern is that the pieces can be made from both knit and woven fabrics. I think this pattern offers two great easy to make wardrobe staples.

Fabric Selection

Normally when I test a pattern, I take this a great opportunity to use fabric from my stash. I jokingly say my stash has become a small fabric store. When making wardrobe staples, I look for easy to wash fabrics that are not too trendy. After going through my stash, I decided to make both the top and the dress. For the top, I used a woven peach skin fabric that I have had for years. I had a small amount of this fabric left from a previous dress I made. For the dress, I used a stretch denim fabric from Robert Kaufmann. This too has been in my stash for years. I have a decent amount of this fabric, as I purchased it by the bolt.

The pattern consists of three pieces. Yes, both the top and the dress only have three pattern pieces. The front, back, and neck facing. The front and back pieces are cut on the fold, and then you have your neck facing. In addition to your fabric, a narrow elastic is needed for the waist casing of the dress. I used 1/4 inch elastic that I have on hand.

Construction and Adjustments

Sewing the pattern is really easy. For the top, it took me less than an hour from start to finish. With the dress, it may have taken me right at an hour with the additional steps of adding the elastic to the waist casing and to insert the side pockets. The only adjustment that I made was to increase the armhole by an inch and a half. I did this by reducing the side seam, and for me, this was a much more comfortable fit.

Overall Review

I would recommend this pattern to any level sewist, as even a beginner can tackle this make. With both a top and dress this is a great pattern if you are looking to add more pieces for work. Another bonus is the pattern is drafted for both knits and woven fabrics, so the options are endless.