Hello Everyone!

     Today is a great day for me as I get to introduce you to our latest pattern, the Romey Gathered Dress & Top. I am so happy with how this pattern turned out. It's such a wearable item and even though I throw the terms "versatile" and "secret pajamas" out a lot, they truly apply to this style (the dress versions in particular). 

Ashley is wearing size 24 Free Range Slacks and size 22 Romey Gathered Top in Nine Iron middle linen from Fabricstore.com . 

     I have to tell you that I'm not the most organized person when it comes to charting out what and when new patterns will be released. I do however, kind of have an ordered list in my head that sometimes changes depending on my mood or what project is the closest to being completed. Then this little number just kind of snuck into the cue without much planning. You see this pattern was originally going to be a dress hack of the Remy Raglan Top as requested by several customers. However, Jane, my new design assistant, and I loved it so much that we decided that it should be its own pattern and here it is!

Fonda is wearing size 6 dress version #2 in wine rayon/linen slub from Bolt Fabric Boutique. 

     Although its origin is from version #2 of the Remy Raglan, the Romey is different in that it has an empire waist with options of a hi-hip length peplum or skirt that comes in two lengths (knee length and midi length). The raglan sleeves are gathered into a narrow cuff that lands just above the wrist and there are large, patch pockets on the dress version as well.  It did however, carry over the split front button neckline feature from the Remy Raglan. I think this dress is particularly versatile in that it can easily be worn in any season. It's loose and flowy for summer but with long sleeves, it also looks appropriate for fall, winter and spring - great yes?

 Fonda is wearing size 6 dress version #3 in Ecovero viscose signature print (now out of stock) from Blackbird Fabrics. 

I can't decide if I prefer the flowy, romantic look of a drapey rayon fabric or the crispness of a linen. Linen or cotton give this style a more full bodied look due to all of the gathers. If you prefer less volume, you may want a linen/rayon blend or one of my favorites, the Ecovero viscose printed fabric shown above that drapes like rayon challis but is much more environmentally friendly and a dream to work with. 

Ashley is wearing a size 22 version #2 dress in viscose/linen noil from Blackbird Fabrics .

Fonda is wearing a size 6 top in linen from Fabricstore.com . The color is Spinx, softened middle linen and is currently sold out but they will most likely be getting more soon. 

Ashley in a size 22 made up in a thick cotton/linen quilted fabric for a cottagecore look. 

The Curvy Fit pattern also features a paneled skirt and peplum. Due to the volume in the skirt, the pieces had to be divided up in order to fit within the fabric width but I think it looks lovely that way. 

I also want to point out that for the last three years, the models we have been using are actually local sewists from the Portland sewing community. The two lovies featured in this blog are Fonda @fiberdeer on Instagram and Ashley who owns the vintage shop called Mixed Tape PDX and does vintage leather repair sewing. Both women have become my dear friends. 

 By the way, this dress looks great belted too. Ashley is wearing version #2 with the wide belt from the Wildwood Wrap Dress pattern. Because the waist seam is a little higher than the natural waist, you would need a wide belt to cover the seam. 

Thanks for reading this blog. If you do head over to the Sew House Seven website to purchase the pattern, I hope you enjoy sewing it!

Take care!

Peggy