New Pattern Release: Patterns For Pirates Hepburn Top & Dress

Pattern Stats: Hepburn Top and Dress

Pattern designer: Patterns For Pirates

Pattern level: 4/10

Time start to finish: 2-3 hours depending on options

Suggested fabrics: medium weight knits with 40% horizontal and some vertical stretch such as rib knit, DBP, sweater knit, velvet, French Terry 

My fabrics: plaid is DBP, berry tie dye is ribbed knit 

Options: High crew, Mock or Foldover turtleneck; Crop, Shirt, Knee or Midi Length; Tank, Short Sleeve, 3/4 Sleeve or Long Sleeve; short or foldover cuffs for long sleeve; side slit hem for shirt, knee and midi lengths

Price: $7.50 on sale through August 18, 2019 then $9

This is a dress that surprised me. I have a lot of dresses and wasn't sure I really had a need for it or that I'd love the fit. Wow was I wrong. The Hepburn Dress from Patterns for Pirates is the perfect fall and winter item. 

Now I'm calling it a dress only because that's what I made. Let me clarify and say that this pattern isn't just a dress and can be worn year round. Here's a roundup that shows all of it's possibilities. The pattern features a crop, shirt, knee and midi length along with tank, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and long sleeve lengths. You can either use the mock or the foldover turtleneck necklines or opt for the high crew neckline finished with clear elastic. So although my versions look like fall/winter makes, a tank or short sleeve would be perfect for spring/summer. Here's the information on the options and sizing. 

The Hepburn dress was designed to have a fitted shape but not be quite so fitted as the Wiggle. It also can be made with different fabrics so that it's creating a great silhouette without being skin tight. I chose to use DBP and ribbed knit for mine but others have used velvet, French Terry and waffle knits for beautiful looks. 

My first version was made with plaid DBP that I've had in my stash for several years from Love Adore Knit Fabrics (no longer operating). This is the knee length, mock turtleneck, long sleeve with regular cuffs. This dress sewed up easily and would have been much quicker if I'd picked a fabric that didn't show print matching so much. I was easily able to get this entire dress from less than 2 yards of fabric, even with plaid matching.

The side slit is the only hem finish option offered on the shirt, knee and midi lengths. I actually really like it and find it helps add movement for my legs. You could remove it but keep in mind your dress or top may ride up without the slit. 

For sizing, I measure a medium bust, large waist and medium hip. Since this is a fitted pattern I did grade between each of those sizes for the optimal fit. I'm 5'5" which is what the pattern is drafted for height wise so I didn't need to adjust for that. 

I remember wearing turtlenecks back in elementary and middle school all the time. I'm a huge fan of the mock turtleneck option on the Hepburn. It has enough ease to not feel too tight but keeps my neck warm. 

My second version was made with this berry tie dye ribbed knit from Mily Mae Fabrics. I could tell the difference between fabric immediately and prefer this one. I think the rib provides a tiny bit more structure and has less clinging than the DBP. I also feel cozier in this. I love that with the mock turtleneck and long sleeves, I'm basically wrapped in soft ribbed knit. 

Even though this fabric is a white base, I find it opaque. I wasn't concerned about undergarment lines or visibility at all. 

These dresses made me beyond excited to be able to wear my Tom's bootie wedges again for the fall. These are my most worn and most comfortable shoes! I have the desert wedge from a few years ago but it looks like the Kala Oxford is the updated version. 

The Hepburn has a ton of looks and possibilities to it. There were testers that made the tank in athletic for a workout piece or even hacked it for just a simple skirt. Patterns for Pirates has a hacks post up on their blog with additional ideas. Seriously, I really love Nicole's skirt hack. Go check it out! The Hepburn and Hepburn youth are available at new release sale pricing of $7.50 each or as a bundle for $14 through Sunday August 18th, 2019. 

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