The Eleena Dress - perfection in denim

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 01:50

Giveaway alert! See the end of this post!


When Olga of  Coffee and Thread put out a call for her newest pattern the Eleena Dress, I admit that I paused for a moment, before signing up.

It's such a lovely, nostalgic dress pattern, so my style. But Missy really doesn't need many pretty dresses. She wears school uniform or t-shirts and jeans most of the time. But still...the Eleena was proving hard to resist...

The solution to the 'no more dresses' dilemma lay in  that old favourite - denim.



Because a denim dress isn't actually a dressy-dress, right?






A denim dress is one for posing around with a sword and being a warrior Queen...









A demin dress is one to giggle in, and run away from the camera, or be a serious kind of girl who can tackle anything.









The Eleena has lots of options, and I love seeing how one pattern can create so much variety. I wanted to keep things simple. because my life is complex enough. I  picked the flutter sleeve no collar option, because I knew Missy would get most wear from this 'all weather' kind of dress. 


But regular followers will know I rarely 'keep things simple'. 
I accentuated the Eleena's distinctive box pleat with red piping, and lined the flutter sleeves too, to keep those lovely clean lines
The only other change I made was an afterthought. This is size five on my tall nearly-six-year-old. The chest measurements are fine, but I suddenly panicked and wished I'd cut the denim longer. So I added a panel to the hem just to lengthen it. Denim is so forgiving - it lets you get away with this kind of thing...







I lined and piped the flutter sleeves too, lining them with a remnant of Cotton and Steel's Cookie Book print.



The piping was an easy addition, but it has added a little bulk to the neckline, which means the lining peeks up. 


Missy and I both love this dress, it's simple and playful. And easy to sew.








There's a pattern tour running this week, showcasing the Eleena and all it's varieties. Do take a moment to see the other creations - honestly they are all so different!

And Olga at Coffee and Thread is offering the pattern at a discounted price of $7 (usual price $9) until March 7.  
And there's also a fun little giveaway to win two Coffee and Thread patterns of choice and one yard of Sara Jane fabric.






a Rafflecopter giveaway


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10 comments

  1. So great, Victoria! And hardly simple! Love the piping, it's such a cool detail. The dress is perfection indeed! Thank you for being on the tour!

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  2. The denim with the red piping is excellent! I love the little pop of lining as well :)

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  3. Oh Victoria. in my religion everything looks better in denim. And piped :) If you haven't mentioned the panel to lengthen the dress I would have never noticed it. Love the colour party going on on the inside of the dress. I cut a little of the cord inside piping off to reduce bulk along the seam line :)

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  4. That red piping! Such a beautiful touch!

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  5. I love the piping! And the little pop of lining on the sleeves! I think I am going to have to use that idea on mine ;)

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  6. What a sweet dress! Missy looks so sweet in it and I can't wait to try out the flutter sleeve option!

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  7. I love everything about this dress -- the lining, the piping, the denim! So perfect for running around and sword-fighting in! Love it!!

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  8. I love it! The denim makes it so cool and easy-going. I'm on tour later this week and also went with a flutter-sleeve no collar option. gotta keep it casual. :)

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  9. What a darling dress, and such a good solution for you and her. Love the piping too!

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  10. The piping and denim is a great combination!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you, and try to reply as often as I can, either here or by email. All views, tips, gratefully received...
Victoria