I love getting the most out of my patterns- and that’s why I have decided to take part in the Double Duty Blog Tour with Rebecca Page Patterns.

This tour is all about using one of the great patterns by Rebecca Page Patterns – once in the instructed way, and then once in a completely different way!

I decided to use the Portia Party Dress for my Double Duty blog post. One of the things I love about this pattern is the sleeves.

The sleeves are a real statement for this dress- they have a real vintage feel- which is right up my street! Not only that, but they are cut out as part of the bodice so no easing in – making it a really quick sew.

This dress can be made in either knit or woven fabrics, and made in different lengths from above knee to full blown maxi- so lots of possibilities!

For my dress I made it knee length in a polka dot for a truly 40s tea dress feel. Because I used woven fabric I had to insert an invisible zip in the side seam- not my favourite sewing activity – but the instructions are great if you’ve never done one before.

All in all, it’s a great vintage style dress pattern, with lots of options! But how’s about one more…..

For my twist on this pattern, I decided to make a 70s inspired kimono.

To do this was quite simple.

1. Instead of cutting the back piece as mirrored images, I cut this piece on the fold (taking into account removing the seam allowance). I chose not to include the keyhole here, but if you want to keep it, why not?

2. Then I simply cut 2 mirrored pieces for the front instead of it being on the fold.

3. I then followed the instructions as per the pattern, with the exception of the zip or joining the front pieces together.

I did sew this with French seams so all the raw edges were enclosed, and then I hemmed around the rest of the raw edges, but you could also use bias binding or maybe a fancy trim to finish off the 70s feel. I used a viscose drapey fabric so perfect as a lightweight cover up for summer time!

Make sure to check out the previous posts for the Double Duty Blog Tour and see the other amazing hacks and ideas by these talented seamstresses! Plus there’s a chance to win a one-month subscription- further info below.

More Inspiration

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Double Duty Blog Tour for more great inspiration:

• Monday, February 25: Rebecca Page (Intro), Sarcastic Sewist, Sewjourns
• Tuesday, February 26: Stitched by Jennie
• Wednesday, February 27: SimplyKyra
• Thursday, February 28: bigflynotions
• Friday, March 1: Patchwitch
• Saturday, March 2: twofiveohnine, Soul Fed on Thread, Sequoialynn Sews
• Sunday, March 3: Livality, Mama Sew Vintage

Prizes

We will be giving away 7 one-month subscriptions. Each one-month subscription prize contains:

• Ladies XXS to 5XL Strappy Cami pattern
• Bonus Ladies XXS to 5XL Comfy Cowl pattern
• 1 pattern credit to use for a pattern of choice during the month of subscription
• A further 20% discount on any other patterns (including those already on sale) during the month of subscription

For a chance to win a One-Month Subscription, please comment on the blogs each day and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

The Portia Party dress is available in knit fabric in knee length for ladies and children (and 18″ dolls!) as a freebie- you can grab that here-

https://rebecca-page.com/product/bundle-portia-free-version/

You can get your full version copy (which includes all the different lengths and different fabric options) of the Portia Party dress here-

https://rebecca-page.com/product/bundle-portia-full-version/?affiliates=151

This is my affiliate link. Purchasing the pattern through my link does not cost you any more money, but the designer does provide me with a small commission from any sales- which helps fund my sewing addiction and is greatly appreciated xx